Limited Edition

Red and black life vest with 'Jetpilot' branding on a white background

A person in a black wetsuit and helmet rides a blue personal watercraft jet ski over ocean water, with white spray and a hazy sky in the background.

Jetpilot 40 Year Nighthawk Life Jacket - Red L50

Jetpilot 40 Year Nighthawk Life Jacket - Red L50

$229.99 AUD

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars

186 Reviews

Color:Red L50

Jetpilot 40 Year Nighthawk Life Jacket - Black

Style Code: JA26290

Colour: Red L50

Style Code: JA26290

JA26290

Not Sure What You Need?

Hit us up! - We'll point you in the right direction and get you sorted with the right gear.

The 40 Year Nighthawk Life Jacket — a life jacket built for Australian water, by a crew that actually rides.

It's approved to Australian Standard AS 4758 Level 50 (L50) — always check your state's lifejacket rules for the level required on your waterway and activity. The shell is Jetpilot's Ecoprene — a more environmentally considered take on neoprene that keeps the same stretch and durability. Inside, Freelite bevelled-edge buoyancy foam keeps the profile low and the flex high — flotation that works with your body rather than boxing it in. Zips are the failure point on cheap gear, so this one runs premium hardware that survives salt, sand and years of yanking. The rest of the build sheet reads: side entry design, anatomical fit, and 40 year branding — every line of it there because riders asked for it.

This is the vest for proper boat days — wake sets, ski laps, tube sessions and everything between. Jetpilot has been kitting out tow-sports crews since 1986. This jacket is designed in Australia for exactly how those days run: on and off between turns, worn wet for hours, and expected to perform every single time someone hits the water.

Looking after it is simple: rinse in fresh water after salty sessions, keep it out of the sun when it's not being used, and it will repay you with seasons of service — this is kit designed to be used hard, not babied.

The Red colourway brings the loud — pure race-day energy. Sizes run from S through 2XL. If Red isn't your pick, the 40 Year Nighthawk Life Jacket also comes in Black. Part of the Jetpilot Summer 26 watersports range — life jackets designed in Australia and trusted on local waterways.

The Specs

Australian Standards L50 Approved
Side Entry Design
100% Ecoprene Construction
Durable YKK Lok Zipper
Freelite Australian Standards Approved Bevelled Edge Buoyancy Foam
Anatomical Fit
40 Year Branding

Designed For

PWC Riding & Cruising
Weekend Boat Days
Collectors & Brand Loyalists
All-Round Watersports

The Fit

40 Year Nighthawk Life Jacket

The 40 Year Nighthawk is designed to feel snug when dry - and that’s exactly how it should be. Once you’re on the water, the 100% Ecoprene construction flexes and settles in for lasting comfort without compromising security.

The side-entry design and durable YKK Lok zipper lock the jacket down so it stays planted through chop and lean, while Freelite bevelled-edge buoyancy foam keeps the profile low and natural.

Tight Fit = Safe Fit

Your vest should feel tight when dry - that's on purpose. It'll stretch once it's wet, and a loose fit around the shoulders can ride up or even slip off when you hit the water.

Tested. Trusted. Australian Certified.

Jetpilot Life Jackets are certified to Australian Standard AS 4758 - built to keep you safe, legal, and locked in for any ride on Aussie waters.

Waterway Type:

Smooth/Enclosed - L50 required & L50s allowed - L50S for watersports & L50 for general boating.
Partially Smooth - L50 only
Open Waters - L50 for PWC in some states; L100+ otherwise

*Check your state’s regulations for PWC use in open waters.

Important Reminders

Life jackets must meet Australian Standard AS 4758 or equivalent.
Wearing a life jacket is compulsory in many situations, including when boating alone, at night, or with children under 12 in small boats.
Always check your state or territory’s specific regulations before heading out, as rules can differ.

Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines and, more importantly, increased risk on the water. Always ensure your life jacket is the right type for your activity and waterway.

Not the Right Fit? No Stress

We’ve got your back. If your new Jetpilot gear doesn’t fit right, isn’t what you expected, or turns up faulty, no stress - you can send it back or swap it out. You’ve got 21 days from purchase to return it, and we’ll sort you with a refund or exchange.

More info can be found here at returns & exchanges

Free Standard Shipping* Aus Wide Orders $200+

Nighthawke Life Jacket Series

To mark 40 years of Jetpilot, the Nighthawke Series is back! A limited collector's piece for riders who push their limits. Made for both PWC and Wake and wrapped in an exclusive heritage yardage print featuring a Jetpilot logo evolution across four decades, this vest is as much history as it is performance gear. Engineered with the same side-entry, tapered, low-profile fit that defines the Nighthawke, this anniversary edition carries the brand's technical progression into every ride.

Zero Ride-Up, Total Protection.

Engineered with a side-entry system, which allows the vest to hug the torso closely, This reduces ride-up in the water and improves impact protection.

What Hits Different

Certified Where It Counts

Every Jetpilot vest meets Australian Standard AS 4758, so you know it’s been tested tough and built to perform when it matters most.

We’ve also engineered vests that meet ISO and CGA certifications for our international riders - same Jetpilot quality, trusted worldwide.

Because safety isn’t optional - it’s part of the design.

Better Range Of Motion

Without a rigid front closure across the chest and torso, riders (especially wake and PWC riders reaching or gripping a handle) get less restriction through the shoulders and core.

Lower Profile

No front zip and buckle stack means a slimmer, less bulky design. Perfect for those seeking a low profile look.

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars

Based on 186 reviews

99%would recommend these products

SizingRated -0.1 on a scale of minus 2 to 2

DesignRated 4.9 on a scale of 1 to 5

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186 reviews

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C
Corey
Reviewing
Jetpilot Venture Mens Life Jacket - Black
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
1 week ago
5 Stars
I like the look and feel of the jacket and nice pockets haven't had the chance to use it yet
Was this helpful?
ND
Nick D.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Jetpilot Venture Mens Life Jacket - Black
I recommend this product
Product Standouts Great Quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
1 month ago
Amazing life jacket
Loving the feel of this life jacket. Very snug fit. All the space for radio, e-pirb and little toggles for clipping on the key when I’m on the JetSki. Absolutely love it.
Was this helpful?
JT
Jonathan T.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Jetpilot Vault Hyperflex Life Jacket - Black
I recommend this product
Product Standouts Great Quality, Functionality, Colour
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
2 months ago
Comfortable but
Tight, when I held it next to my other XL life jacket this was more like a large so it is quite snug. Other than that, worn it once - nice & light, and the love/ grab handles are great!
Was this helpful?
DM
Dave M.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Jetpilot Venture Plus Mens Life Jacket - Black
I recommend this product
Product Standouts Great Quality, Colour
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
2 months ago
Seadoo Life Jacket
The jacket is good for offshore fishing. I caution re sizing as I’m normally an XL but needed a 3XL in this jacket. Would love to see a spot that really accommodates a PLB holder, hand held radio clip and radio. It’s best on market though I think
Was this helpful?
DS
David spencer
Reviewing
Jetpilot Phase Hyperflex Life Jacket - Black
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
3 months ago
5 Stars
All as described
Was this helpful?