Aviation Life Rafts Compared: Winslow vs. AVI vs. Switlik vs. EAM (2025 Buyer’s Guide)

Table of Contents

1. Need-to-Know in 30 Seconds
2. Side-by-Side Cheat Sheet
3. Brand Snapshots
4. Rental Quick-Facts
5. Decision Pointers

1 | Need-to-Know in 30 Seconds

• TSO-C70a = FAA stamp – Commercial ops (Part 135 / aircraft = 12 500 lb) must carry an FAA-approved raft.
  Browse current Winslow TSO-certified aviation rafts - see FASA and FAUL on that page, call us for other options that are faster to ship and are also TSO'd like Survival Products .
  *There are also TSO'd rafts available for rent if you go here.
• Non-TSO = lighter, cheaper – Legal for private Part 91 flights and private flights; saves weight & cost while still offering essential protection.
  See non-TSO aviation rafts which are more options
  *Again, call us at (321) 821-4724 and we can walk you through what would be best based on your needs.
• Service intervals – Winslow / AVI / EAM every 3 yr • Switlik every 3 or 5 yr - this may have changed but it's something to consider.
• Rent if < x amount of raft-days needed in the next 3 yrs – $60-$80 a day covers occasional island hops.
• Buy if > 5 raft-days per year potential (or whatever number works for you) – Ownership + repacks beat serial rentals.
• Yes this may seem like a lot that is why people love us, because we answer the phones and we know what we are talking about. This is our difference! 

Questions? A real survival-gear specialist will pick up: 321-821-4724.

2 | Side-by-Side Quick View On Some Sample Rafts

Need help interpreting specs? Talk to a human now ? 321-821-4724.

3 | Brand Snapshots

Winslow — “Gold Standard”

• Dual-tube redundancy for maximum safety.
• Self-erecting canopy offers full weather and sun protection.
• Vacuum-packed UltimaWrap keeps raft dry & compact.
• Lightest weight per seat in the TSO class.
• Largest Winslow stock in USA – Winslow raft category.

AVI (Survival Products) — “Ultra-Light Champion”

• 14-lb 4-person valise = smallest GA raft available.
• Modular add-ons (clip-in canopy, deluxe kit) for flexibility.
• Great price-to-weight ratio for private flyers.
• AVI Survival Products rafts

Switlik — “5-Year Service + Smart Canopy”

• Convertible canopy: airy in calm, sealed in foul weather.
• Multiple boarding ladders & robust ballast for stability.
• Industry-leading 5-year inspection cycle.
• Switlik aviation line-up

EAM — “Airline Tough”

• Neoprene construction tested in airline fleets worldwide.
• Cost-effective TSO compliance from 4- to 46-seat units.
• Widely available service network.
• EAM aviation rafts

Still weighing brands? A real expert can talk through trade-offs: 321-821-4724.

4 | Rental Quick-Facts

• Daily rate: 6-9P Super Light Winslow $65/day • 6-9P TSO $100 (prices do change so it's best to check the page or call for more details)
• Clock stops when return label is scanned – no fee for shipping days.
• A possibility of a discounted "bridge" rental while your new Winslow is built.
• Add-ons: PLB $75 • Inflatable life-vests $25 each.
• Fast pickup at KFPR (Fort Pierce) or overnight shipped to you worldwide also we have an AOG rental service, for when you need it RIGHT AWAY, we can help, call our AOG hotline at 843-822-8136 EST.
• Full details: Aircraft Life Raft Rentals page

Need a raft tomorrow? Call 24-hr rental line: 321-821-4724.

5 | Decision Pointers (just for fun... to be sure, call us)

• Weight-critical: AVI 4-P UL + optional canopy.
• Part 135 King Air: Winslow FAUL 6-9 (Type I kit)
• Maintenance-averse operator: Switlik OPR (5-yr interval for some models).
• Fleet price/performance: EAM T6 Part 135 kit.

Not sure? A live human will walk you through specs & stock: 321-821-4724 or [email protected].

LifeRaftStore – the largest Winslow dealer in the USA, full AVI / Switlik / EAM availability, rentals on 24-hr standby.
"All We Do Is Rafts"