Vest - SOUTH BY - FOCAL - Preston Cool Grey
The Southby FOCAL Preston Cool Grey vest features a light grey color sharply contrasted by a zipper and black trims. This super-stretch neoprene impact vest with NBR foam is designed for cable and boat riders who want torso protection with a sleek look. All sizes, from S to XL, ship within 24 hours.
Southby Preston Cool Grey Vest: a clean style from the dock to the kicker
Southby summarizes the FOCAL collection in two words: "Premium x Clean." The Preston Cool Grey is undoubtedly the version that best embodies this promise. The light grey highlights the box quilting of the front panel, and the black contours shape the silhouette like a felt tip. You wear it on the water, you keep it for drinks by the lake, and no one will ask if it's a protective vest.
Under this lifestyle look, it’s a true impact vest. The NBR foam absorbs impacts on the ribs, and the super-stretch neoprene allows your shoulders to move freely for a frontside 180 or to catch a butter that’s going sideways. Whether at the cable park, on boxes and rails, or behind the boat while trying to land your first raley, it does the job without being felt.
A light shade naturally pairs well with a colorful board or a summer shorty. Want something more discreet? The Southby FOCAL Preston Black vest offers the exact same base, all in black.
What makes the difference
Tailored Fit: a vest that hugs the torso
Southby claims a "Tailored Fit," meaning it’s fitted. The vest follows the body line instead of floating around, preventing it from riding up to your chin when you hit the water. On the Cool Grey, this close fit is even more noticeable as the black trims accentuate every contour.
NBR Foam: cushioning where it counts
The protection relies on integrated NBR foam in the vest. It absorbs the impact when a landing goes flat or when a catch in the wake sends you back into the water faster than expected. Your back will thank you the next day, and your ego will heal on its own.
Super-stretch neoprene, described as ultra-light
The super-stretch neoprene is the foundation of the Preston, which the brand describes as ultra-light. During a session, you mainly feel that nothing restricts you when you twist your upper body to prepare for a rotation, nor when you reach out to grab the handle.
Premium details: YKK zipper and leather
A YKK zipper ensures closure, with leather pulls, and a leather patch completes the finish. Against the light grey background, these details stand out sharply. If you’re hesitating with another line from the brand, check out the Southby FOCAL Bennington Slate vest, offered at the same price.
Technical specifications
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Southby |
| Collection | FOCAL |
| Model | Preston |
| Color | Cool Grey |
| Type | Impact Vest |
| Material | Super-stretch Neoprene |
| Foam | NBR Foam |
| Closure | YKK zipper, leather pulls |
| Finishes | Leather patch |
| Fit | Tailored Fit, unisex adult |
| Certification | CE Approved 89/686/EEC |
| Available sizes on Wakeon | S, M, L, XL |
What size to choose?
| Size | Availability |
|---|---|
| S | Ships within 24 hours |
| M | Ships within 24 hours |
| L | Ships within 24 hours |
| XL | Ships within 24 hours |
Since the fit is tailored, put the vest on over the outfit you actually ride in, whether it’s a wetsuit or lycra. It should fit snugly without restricting your breathing and should not ride up when you raise your arms above your head. Southby does not provide a centimeter match: send your size, weight, and chest measurement to the Wakeon team, who will guide you before purchase. The right vest is one you forget about after the second cable run.
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 on Wakeon.
Also available in…
The Preston is also available at Wakeon in the Southby FOCAL Preston Black vest: same construction and same price, for a dark and understated look.
For which rider?
- Rider who cares about both style and tricks: yes, the light grey and black contours give a clean look, on the water and on land.
- Rider with a colorful setup: yes, a neutral and light base that lets your board or wetsuit shine.
- Rider at the cable eager to ride: yes, all sizes ship within 24 hours.
- Boat rider progressing in the wake: yes, the NBR foam protects the torso when landings go wrong.
- Rider who doesn't want to worry about stains: less for you, a light shade shows marks faster. The Preston Black or the Bennington Wine will be more forgiving.
- Rider not comfortable in the water: rather choose a certified buoyancy vest, like the Sooruz Star Fifty 50 N.
Frequently asked questions about the Southby Preston Cool Grey vest
Will the Preston Cool Grey vest make me float?
Don't count on it: the Preston is an impact vest, designed to absorb shocks to the torso, and it does not claim any certified buoyancy (neither 50 N nor ISO 12402-5). It is suitable for riders who swim comfortably. For certified buoyancy assistance, check out the Sooruz Star Fifty 50 N.
How do I know if the Preston is my size?
Try it on with your wetsuit or lycra: it should fit snugly around the torso, allow for full breathing, and not ride up when you raise your arms. Wakeon offers it in sizes S to XL. Southby does not publish a centimeter guide, so send your size, weight, and chest measurement to the Wakeon team if in doubt.
Preston Cool Grey or Preston Black: which one to choose?
Choose based on your preference, as nothing changes technically: same super-stretch neoprene, same NBR foam, same YKK zipper, same fit, and same price of €140 at Wakeon. The Cool Grey gives a light and graphic look with its black contours, while the Black opts for total sobriety and hides stains better.
Does a light grey vest get dirty quickly?
A bit more than a black one, logically: lake, sand, or sunscreen marks are more visible on a light shade. A rinse with fresh water after each session is usually enough. Let it dry in the shade, inside out, and avoid harsh detergents that damage the neoprene.
Is the Preston suitable for cable and boat?
Yes, it’s an impact vest designed for wakeboarding, at the cable park and behind the boat. Its fitted cut and stretch neoprene allow for upper body freedom for rotations, and its NBR foam protects the torso during falls. Just check if your spot requires a certified buoyancy vest.
When will I receive my Preston Cool Grey vest?
Sizes S, M, L, and XL are all marked "Ships within 24 hours," with fast delivery by UPS or Chronopost. Shipping is free on orders over €89, so from this vest alone. You then have 14 days for an exchange or refund if the size doesn’t fit.
Complete your setup
- ALK13 H2O+ Grey / Black Helmet, matching the vest's grey
- Sooruz Reac Men's Impact Vest to compare with a €99.95 option
- All wakeboard vests, impact and 50 N
- All wakeboard protections
