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I periodically search the world wide web for the differences in the payment price between Basic vs. Stearns Puddle Jumper Deluxe Models. The Stearns Puddle Jumper is a US Coast Guard approved Type III PFD for children, 30-50 pounds. A PFD is a personal flotation device. Generally speaking, retailers sell the two Puddle Jumper models at a $ 5 price difference. While the retail price fluctuates, especially in geographic locations where extreme seasons are experienced … spring, summer, winter, fall … still the price difference is usually and about $ 5.
The price difference
Is the $ 5 price difference the correct “determining factor” when deciding which Puddle Jumper to buy? I do not think so. Not when you consider that a “better” life jacket has a greater chance of saving a life. What is a life worth? A life is priceless, right? Perhaps, however, I was quick to formulate an opinion. When I force myself to remind myself of the many people facing tough economic times, $ 5 becomes a relative amount of money. Young couples with young children, young people new to a career and therefore occupying entry-level positions, have limited resources. Then there are the people who are still in school, who are still preparing for their intended career, and who also have limited resources. In the face of tough economic times, $ 5 is definitely a relative thing. Depending on life circumstances, a $ 5 meal can save a child’s life.
Other considerations: design and fabric
However, if a $ 5 price difference is not the determining factor, there are other differences that need to be highlighted and considered.
First, note the similarities between the two models:
Similarities: basic models vs luxury models
- Both made with brightly colored fabrics.
- Both made with animal designs applied and / or woven into the fabric.
- Both constructed with polyethylene foam.
- Both made for kids 30 to 50 pounds (13.6 kg to 22.7 kg).
- Both provide a vest that fits comfortably over the child’s chest and arms, providing stability for the child while in the water.
- Both are of Type III performance approved by the Coast Guard.
SecondPlease note the two main differences between the models: Design and Fabric:
Design
- The basic model is made with simple animal designs.
- The Deluxe model is made with more detailed animal designs.
Design-wise, if your child is attached to a particular animal character, they will want to “be with him” and therefore will want to use the Puddle Jumper. The child who wants to use a “flotation aid” because he is a friend versus the child who simply submits to an imposed rule: “a life jacket must be worn” is a situation that all too often leads to life versus death. , or vice versa. Any flotation device, including the Puddle Jumper, can only save one life when used. If your child is attracted to an animal character, then buy the Puddle Jumper with the design that attracts your child. With the “animal character” attached to his chest, your child is safer in the water and better able to adapt when unexpected stressful situations occur while in a pool, lake or on the beach.
Factory
- Basic model, Nylon fabric
- Luxury model, Woven polyester
The type of fabric used to build the Puddle Jumper is another difference to consider between the two models. Both nylon and polyester are lightweight and durable fabrics. Both are synthetic fabrics. Neither is a better fabric. They even share many of the same properties.
Shared properties:
- Easy care
- Light
- Wrinkle resistant
- Stretch resistant
- Shrink resistant
Nylon:
- Stronger
- Softer (historically)
Polyester:
- Faster drying
- Easier to dye
- Abrasion resistant
Historically, nylon was considered the softest and smoothest fabric, compared to polyester. However, over time, refined manufacturing capabilities have resulted in a softer polyester fabric that, in many ways, matches nylon. This is true enough that Stearns can now claim that the Deluxe Puddle Sweater has the “softest” feel and therefore has less chafing against your child’s skin.
Polyester dries faster. This is due to its ability to absorb water. Polyester is hydrophobic, which means that it expels water to the surface of the fabric fibers where the water then evaporates. Nylon, on the other hand, absorbs water and therefore dries more slowly. The hydrophobic property of polyester relates to the feel of the fabric when tied around your child’s chest and arms. Your child will not feel wet or icy. As kids get used to the Puddle Jumper, they almost forget the fact that they are wearing a float. As this set of circumstances evolves, the likelihood increases that your child will use their Puddle Jumper at the most important moment: while in the water, at the time to save lives when necessary.
Also compare the color fastness of the two fabrics. Brightly colored fabric is a key feature of the Puddle Jumper. Attracts and delights children. Bright colors are also a safety feature; bright colors help you, parent or guardian, easily see your little one while he or she has fun in the water. Therefore, it is important to compare polyester and nylon in light of their colorfast properties. Polyester absorbed more color (more dye). This, again, is due to the water absorption property of polyester. Since polyester expels water when it is in the dye solution, more dye binds to the polyester fibers.
Conclusion: Which Puddle Jumper Model Is Better?
So what is the bottom line? Which Stearns Puddle Jumper Sweater is the “Best”? The answer begins with a quote from the US Coast Guard They say, “The perfect life jacket, life jacket, or PFD (personal flotation device) has not yet been designed.” Given this situation regarding life jackets, even so the Coast Guard is still willing to point out the characteristics of a life jacket that make it “the best”:
- It’s the one you’re willing to wear!
- It is the one that saves your life every time you need it.
- It is the one that adapts to your needs!
Given all the above information, and knowing that the Stearns Puddle Jumper is approved by the Coast Guard only for children, and only if they weigh between 30 and 50 pounds (not for adult users or babies), the potential list of users of Puddle Jumper it is narrow, regardless of the design or model.
For this shortlist of users, 30- to 50-pound kids … our most vulnerable swimmers … the answer as to which model is the “best” is simple.
IF the extra $ 5 doesn’t break the piggy bank and deprive your family of their next meal, and IF the detailed animal design on the Puddle Jumper’s chest band attracts your child’s attention and affection, then spend the extra $ 5. Buy the fancy puddle sweater. And since polyester fabric is softer and more water resistant and therefore more comfortable, making your child more likely to wear the Puddle Jumper, again the answer is simple: buy the Deluxe model.