Zhik Performance Racecut PFD Buoyancy Aid - Black

For dinghy and skiff racing, club racing and regatta sailing.
Fit Profile: Low-profile, close-cut, race-shaped.

The Zhik Performance Racecut PFD is built for sailors who want the aid to disappear once it's on. The racecut shape sits higher and closer than a standard 50N buoyancy aid, so there's nothing catching on the boom, the sheets or a trapeze harness when you're moving across the boat.

Entry is via a side zip rather than a front one. That keeps the chest panel flat and unbroken, which is where a centre zip usually adds bulk. The result is a cleaner profile across the torso and more stretch through the body of the aid.

The foam is pre-shaped rather than cut from flat panels, so it follows the contours of your torso instead of standing proud of it. An internal grip band holds the aid down against your body, which stops it riding up when you're hiked out hard or climbing back in after a capsize. Waist adjustment runs through a solid buckle, so once you've set the fit it stays set.

The Velcro-access chest pocket is sized for the things you want to hand, a shackle key, a whistle, a spare length of line, and it drains properly rather than holding water all afternoon.

Browse the full range of buoyancy aids and life jackets or shop the Zhik collection.

Zhik Performance Racecut PFD Construction

The pre-shaped foam is the difference between this and a standard-cut aid. Flat foam panels have to bend around you and end up bunching at the waist and shoulders. Zhik's contoured panels are moulded to sit where your body already is, which is why the aid feels closer without feeling tighter.

The side zip does two jobs. It removes the vertical seam and hardware from the middle of your chest, and it lets the front panel stretch as a single piece rather than pulling against a fixed closure. Combined with the internal grip band, that gives you an aid that moves with your torso through a tack instead of shifting a beat behind it.

At 50N and certified to ISO 12402-5, it meets the standard for dinghy and inshore racing, so it's class-legal wherever a 50N aid is required.

Technical Specs

Style: Side zip entry buoyancy aid.
Buoyancy: 50N for M, L and XL. 45N for S. Certified to ISO 12402-5.
Construction: Pre-shaped contoured foam panels.
Closure: Side zip with waist adjustment and buckle.
Retention: Internal grip band to reduce movement.
Storage: Velcro-access chest pocket with drainage.
Materials: 80% PVC, 10% neoprene, 5% nylon, 5% expandable polyethylene.
Sizes: S, M, L, XL.
Fit: Close-cut and low-profile. If you're between sizes, take the smaller size for a race fit.
Part number: PFD-0021-U-BLK.

Zhik Performance Racecut PFD FAQs

What does racecut mean?
It's a shorter, closer cut that sits higher on the torso than a standard buoyancy aid. You get more freedom of movement when hiking and less chance of the aid snagging on a boom or harness. The trade-off is less coverage, which is why it suits racing rather than general use.

Is the Zhik Performance Racecut PFD a lifejacket?
No, it's a buoyancy aid, rated at 50 Newtons and designed to support a conscious swimmer while keeping you fully mobile. A lifejacket at 150N and above turns an unconscious wearer face-up, which is what you need for offshore sailing, coastal cruising and non-swimmers.

What size Zhik Performance Racecut PFD should I buy?
Check the size chart on this page before ordering, as it maps chest circumference and body weight to each size. Note that the S carries 45N of flotation rather than 50N, so if you need a full 50N rating for a class rule or event requirement, size accordingly.

Can you wear it over a wetsuit or drysuit?
Yes, the waist adjustment gives you room for the extra bulk, and the side zip entry makes it easier to get on over thick layers than a front-entry aid.

How do you care for a buoyancy aid?
Rinse in fresh water after use and hang it to dry out of direct sunlight. Don't machine wash, tumble dry or store it compressed, as all three damage the foam and reduce buoyancy over time.