Short answer: Mystic sizes its impact vests by chest measurement. A Small fits a 35–37 in (89–94 cm) chest, a Medium 37–39 in (94–99 cm) and a Large 39–41 in (99–104 cm). Measure around the fullest part of your chest and pick the row you fall in. An impact vest is not a floatation device, and Mystic says so on every one.
Men's and unisex size chart
This chart covers the Star, Foil, Solace and Endure Wing impact vests. It uses the same chest measurements as Mystic's men's wetsuit chart.
| US size | EU size | Chest (in) | Chest (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXXS | 42 | 29–31 | 75–80 |
| XXS | 44 | 31–33 | 80–85 |
| XS | 46 | 33–35 | 85–89 |
| S | 48 | 35–37 | 89–94 |
| M | 50 | 37–39 | 94–99 |
| L | 52 | 39–41 | 99–104 |
| XL | 54 | 41–44 | 104–111 |
| XXL | 56 | 44–47 | 111–119 |
Women's size chart
The women's Star Impact Vest has its own chart:
| US size | EU size | Chest (in) | Chest (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34 | 30–32 | 77–82 |
| S | 36 | 32–35 | 82–88 |
| M | 38 | 34–37 | 87–93 |
| L | 40 | 36–39 | 92–99 |
The women's rows overlap by an inch or so. If you sit on an overlap, pick the smaller size for a close fit, or the larger if you wear a thicker wetsuit underneath.
Impact vest vs floatation vest
These are two different products, and Mystic labels them differently.
| Impact vest (e.g. Star Impact) | Floatation vest (e.g. Star Floatation, Downwinder) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Padded neoprene vest with Clash foam | Certified buoyancy aid |
| Standard | CE approved | CE, EN ISO 12402-5 |
| Keeps you afloat? | No — Mystic: "not a floatation device / buoyancy aid" | Yes, it is rated as a buoyancy aid |
| Sized by | Chest measurement | Body weight: S 40–60 kg, M 60–80 kg, L and up 70 kg+ |
Kiters and wingers usually choose an impact vest for padding without bulk. Anyone who wants flotation needs a buoyancy aid. If you do long downwinders, the Downwinder Floatation Vest is the one built for it: it is cut high to clear a harness and has a back pocket for a drinking reservoir.
Which Mystic impact vest
- Star Impact Vest ($167.99; women's $155.99): the everyday vest, with a YKK front zip, Clash foam and a zipper lock. It has the widest size run, XXXS to XXL.
- Solace Impact Vest ($239.99): a side zip, a waterproof Fidlock phone pocket on the chest, a safety knife, a non-padded waist so a harness sits flat, and harness grip lines.
- Foil Impact Vest ($239.99): adds NBR spine padding and the same harness-friendly waist. Only XS and S were in stock at the time of this post.
- Endure Wing Impact Vest ($275.99): Mystic's impact vest for wing foiling, on the same chest chart.
Prices are as of this post. The full range is under protection.
Honest limit: a chest chart is a starting point. Shoulder width and torso length vary, and a vest that fits over a 3/2 wetsuit can feel tight over a 5/3. An impact vest adds padding. It does not make a crash harmless, and it will not float you. If you are between sizes, the wetsuit sizing page uses the same Mystic chest rows. The gear advisor can also check a size against your measurements.
FAQ
How should a Mystic impact vest fit?
Close to the body, like a wetsuit top, without restricting your breathing. Pick the size by chest measurement from Mystic's chart. A Medium fits a 37–39 in (94–99 cm) chest.
Will a Mystic impact vest keep me afloat?
No. Mystic marks every impact vest as not a floatation device or buoyancy aid. For flotation, choose a Mystic floatation vest, which is certified to EN ISO 12402-5.
Can I wear an impact vest with a harness?
Yes. The Solace and Foil impact vests are built for it, with a non-padded waist and harness grip lines so a waist harness sits flat and stays put.