The Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD is our best inflatable life jacket pick, and it scored 82 out of 100 in our testing.
A slim, cool inflatable that you barely feel until it fires, but it demands dry storage, CO2 rearming, and is not for kids, non swimmers, or whitewater.
A low profile inflatable PFD that auto inflates on immersion or by manual pull, using a CO2 cylinder rather than bulky foam.
Here's the deal:
We tested it head to head against the other top life jackets, and below we break down how it did on Value for Money, Comfort, Mobility, Durability, Versatility, Ease of Use, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Table of Contents
- Best Inflatable Life Jacket
- Our Verdict: Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD
- Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
- Should You Buy the Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD?
- What Other Life Jackets Should You Consider?
- Specifications
- Conclusion: Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD
Best Inflatable Life Jacket
Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD
Bottom Line : A slim, cool inflatable that you barely feel until it fires, but it demands dry storage, CO2 rearming, and is not for kids, non swimmers, or whitewater.
Pros
- Extremely low bulk and cool
- Auto or manual inflation
- Soft collar reduces neck chafe
- Top marks for comfort and mobility
Cons
- Needs dry storage and CO2 rearming
- Adults only, not for kids or non swimmers
- Not for whitewater or PWC use
Our Verdict: Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD
A slim, cool inflatable that you barely feel until it fires, but it demands dry storage, CO2 rearming, and is not for kids, non swimmers, or whitewater.
A low profile inflatable PFD that auto inflates on immersion or by manual pull, using a CO2 cylinder rather than bulky foam.
So, is it any good?
The uninflated pack is slim and light, so you do not overheat on a 90 degree day.
Padded air mesh and a soft neoprene collar cut neck chafe on long wear.
It is so slim I honestly forgot I was wearing a PFD on a hot day. The trade is real though, you have to store it dry, check the indicator every trip, and buy a rearm kit after it fires, and it is strictly for adult swimmers.
James, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Extremely low bulk and cool
- Auto or manual inflation
- Soft collar reduces neck chafe
- Top marks for comfort and mobility
Reasons to avoid:
- Needs dry storage and CO2 rearming
- Adults only, not for kids or non swimmers
- Not for whitewater or PWC use
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD scored 82 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on comfort and weakest on ease of use.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Value for Money
Costs more upfront than a foam vest and needs a rearm kit after each firing.
The Onyx rearm kit runs roughly 20 to 25 dollars per use.
Cheaper over years than replacing a vest, but only if you maintain it.
You pay for comfort and low bulk, not for storage or extras.
| Value for Money | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.2/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Comfort
The uninflated pack is slim and light, so you do not overheat on a 90 degree day.
Padded air mesh and a soft neoprene collar cut neck chafe on long wear.
You might be wondering:
Owners report wearing it in extreme heat without discomfort.
Because it is not bulky it earns the top comfort score in this list.
| Comfort | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD | 10/10 |
| Category average | 7.9/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Mobility
Uninflated it sits close to the body and does not block your arms at all.
Nothing across the chest to fight a paddle stroke or a cast.
V-back cut keeps it out of the way when seated.
This freedom is why it ties for the top mobility score.
| Mobility | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD | 10/10 |
| Category average | 8.3/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Durability
The bladder and CO2 system need care that foam vests do not.
Must be stored dry, since damp storage can corrode the firing mechanism.
Auto models can inflate in heavy spray or rain, which wastes a cartridge.
Regular inspection of the cylinder and green status indicator is required.
| Durability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD | 7/10 |
| Category average | 8/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Versatility
Approved for adults only, not for children or weak or non swimmers.
Not for whitewater, PWC use, or high impact watersports.
Best for calm water boating, sailing, and flatwater paddling.
Type V with Type III performance once inflated.
| Versatility | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Ease of Use
You must arm it correctly and check the indicator before every outing.
After it fires you must buy and install a rearm kit before reuse.
Auto inflation helps if you are knocked out, manual pull is the backup.
More upkeep than a grab and go foam vest, which lowers this score.
| Ease of Use | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 8/10 |
| Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.3/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Should You Buy the Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD?
A slim, cool inflatable that you barely feel until it fires, but it demands dry storage, CO2 rearming, and is not for kids, non swimmers, or whitewater.
It is best suited to adult flatwater boaters who hate bulk.
Bottom line?
The big win: Extremely low bulk and cool.
The main compromise: Needs dry storage and CO2 rearming.
We scored it 82 out of 100.
What Other Life Jackets Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Vest is our best mid-range life jacket for adults. The cheap, dependable spare vest for casual boating, though it runs small for tall or larger adults and gives up comfort and mobility to hit the price.
The Astral V-Eight High-Ventilation PFD is our best comfortable life jacket for adults. The coolest, longest lasting foam vest here, a former OutdoorGearLab top pick, but it is a premium price and a Type III that keeps you comfortable, not self righting.
The O'Brien Flex V-Back Life Jacket is our best secured life jacket for all. A flexible, secure fitting watersports vest that stays put and does not ride up your shoulders, though owners say it runs small so size up.
Specifications
| Type | USCG Type V, Type III performance |
| Inflation | Automatic and manual |
| Buoyancy | About 24 lb inflated |
| Rearm kit | Onyx 1352, about 20 to 25 usd |
| Collar | Neoprene padded |
| Age limit | Adults only, 16 and up |
| Not for | Whitewater, PWC, non swimmers |
Conclusion: Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD
After testing it against the other top life jackets, the Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD earns its place as our best inflatable life jacket pick.
Its standout strength: Extremely low bulk and cool.
Still deciding?
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Needs dry storage and CO2 rearming.
If you want adult flatwater boaters who hate bulk, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Life Jackets guide.
