Vest - SOUTH BY - FOCAL - Preston Black
The Southby FOCAL Preston Black impact vest protects your torso from falls without sacrificing style. Super-stretch neoprene, NBR foam, a fitted cut, and YKK zipper: it's designed for cable and boat riders who want to move freely. All in black, with its pulls and leather patch, it blends into any dark setup.
Southby Preston Black Vest: Protection that Dresses in Black
An impact vest is worn at every session, so it might as well reflect your style. The Preston from Southby's FOCAL collection takes cues from skate culture: body-hugging fit, premium materials, leather details. In Black, it plays the card of total sobriety and pairs well with your black suit, dark board, and pretty much everything else in your ride bag.
In terms of sensations, Southby presents it as ultra-light. The super-stretch neoprene follows your shoulder rotations on a raley or tantrum, and the NBR foam is there to cushion when the kicker landing turns into a flat disaster. Whether at the cable park or behind the boat, you maintain your freedom of movement, and your torso finally has a bodyguard.
A little bonus of black: after a season of cable, marks from the lake and sunscreen are generally less noticeable than on a light color. If you still prefer a softer shade, the Southby Preston Cool Grey vest shares the same base.
What Makes the Difference
A super-stretch neoprene that doesn't restrict you
The body of the vest is made from super-stretch neoprene. On the water, this translates to a vest that stretches with you when you load the edge, when you turn your head to initiate a rotation, or when you twist to grab. Less stiffness, more ride.
NBR foam to absorb falls
Southby incorporates NBR foam into the Preston. It's what cushions the impact on your ribs and back when a module landing or a wake catch goes wrong. It won't do your tricks for you, but it makes the misses much more bearable.
A Tailored Fit cut, fitted to the body
The brand refers to it as "Tailored Fit": a body-hugging cut, without unnecessary volume that floats around the belly. As a result, the vest stays in place during falls and doesn't ride up under your chin. This also gives it a sleek silhouette, closer to a jacket than a buoy.
YKK zipper, pulls, and leather patch
The closure is handled by a YKK zipper, with leather pulls, and a leather patch marks the vest. Details that matter for equipment that spends its life wet, and that give the Preston Black its premium feel. Looking for another design in the same family? The Southby FOCAL Bennington Slate vest is sold at the same price at Wakeon.
Technical Specifications
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Southby |
| Collection | FOCAL |
| Model | Preston |
| Color | Black |
| Type | Impact Vest |
| Material | Super-stretch Neoprene |
| Foam | NBR Foam |
| Closure | YKK zipper, leather pulls |
| Finishes | Leather patch |
| Fit | Tailored Fit (fitted), unisex adult |
| Certification | CE Approved 89/686/EEC |
| Available sizes at Wakeon | S, M, L, XL |
What Size to Choose?
| Size | Observed Availability |
|---|---|
| S | On order |
| M | On order |
| L | Shipped within 24 hours |
| XL | On order |
The Preston has a fitted cut: it should hug your torso without compressing your breathing. Use your usual t-shirt or wetsuit size as a starting point, and aim for a vest that doesn't ride up when you raise your arms. Southby does not publish a size guide in centimeters: if in doubt, provide your size and chest measurement to the Wakeon team before ordering. Better to send a message than to end up with a vest that turns you into a sausage.
Compatibility
- Intended use: impact vest for wakeboarding, at the cable park or behind the boat.
- This is not a life jacket: the Preston does not claim any certified buoyancy (no 50 N / ISO 12402-5 standard). If you need certified buoyancy assistance, or if your spot requires it, choose a 50 N vest.
- Fit: unisex adult, from S to XL at Wakeon.
Also Available in…
The Preston is available at Wakeon in a second shade: the Southby FOCAL Preston Cool Grey vest, same price, same construction, for a lighter look.
For Which Rider?
- Rider with an all-black setup: yes, it completes the outfit without a hitch.
- Cable rider who hits boxes and kickers: yes, fitted cut and stretch neoprene for unrestricted riding.
- Boat rider working on tricks in the wake: yes, the NBR foam protects the torso on missed landings.
- Rider looking for a more covering cut or a different vest style: compare with the Southby Hell Awaits Bennington Wine vest.
- Tighter budget: the Sooruz Reac men's black impact vest is an alternative at €99.95.
- Rider who swims poorly or is new to waterskiing: less suitable for you, get a certified buoyancy vest like the Sooruz Star Fifty 50 N vest.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Southby Preston Black Vest
Is the Southby Preston vest a life jacket?
No, the Preston is an impact vest: it protects the torso from shocks but does not claim any certified buoyancy of type 50 N or ISO 12402-5. It is aimed at riders who know how to swim. If you are looking for certified buoyancy assistance, consider a 50 N vest like the Sooruz Star Fifty.
What size of Southby Preston vest should I choose?
Start with your usual t-shirt or wetsuit size, between S and XL at Wakeon. The Preston has a fitted cut: it should hug your torso without restricting breathing or riding up when you raise your arms. Southby does not publish a guide in centimeters, so contact the Wakeon team with your chest measurement if you are unsure.
Preston Black or Preston Cool Grey: what’s the difference?
No technical difference announced: same super-stretch neoprene, same NBR foam, same YKK zipper, and same price of €140 at Wakeon. Only the color changes. The Black blends into a dark setup and hides marks from a cable season better, while the Cool Grey offers a lighter look.
What’s the difference between the Southby Preston and Bennington vests?
These are two impact vests from the same brand, sold for €140 at Wakeon, featuring super-stretch neoprene, NBR foam, YKK zipper, and CE marking 89/686/EEC. Southby does not publish a detailed protection comparison between the two: the difference mainly lies in the design. For advice based on your body type, ask the Wakeon team.
How to care for a black neoprene vest?
Rinse your vest with fresh water after each session, then dry it in the shade, on a wide hanger and inside out if possible. Direct sunlight can eventually fade black neoprene. Avoid the dryer, radiator, and harsh products, and remember to take it out of the wet bag when you get home.
When will I receive my Preston Black vest?
Size L is shipped within 24 hours, then delivered by UPS or Chronopost. Sizes S, M, and XL are currently marked as "On order": contact the Wakeon team for the timeline. Delivery is free on orders over €89, and you have 14 days for an exchange or refund.
Complete Your Setup
- ALK13 H2O+ Black / Grey Helmet, to keep the total black look
- Men's Wakeboard Suits to wear under the vest
- All Wakeboard Vests, impact and 50 N
- All Wakeboard Protection
