Any advice on wetsuit repairs? I've got a suit that's on its 5th year or so and it is starting to show, particularly coming apart around the main chest/stomach panel. I've made minor repairs and tried some glue but that seems to be a temporary solution. I've heard different appraoches on sewing them, so just looking for some thoughts on possible repairs. Thanks. And just curious, how often do you guys go through a wetsuit?
I'll get a good 5 years out of a 5 mil, but I take good care of it and repair it thoroughly at the end of every season. Four mil and 3/2s I'll get even longer life out of. The panels can be glued and taped/re-taped. I avoid sewing if at all possible.
And the single BIGGEST mistake you could make would be trying to repair it with Ultra Seal. That stuff is the worst ever. Regular neoprene cement works best, coat both clean edges and let it dry to tacky before joining the seams. It's a vulcanizing process, so don't join when still wet.
Totally agree- go to a local dive shop and get some neoprene cement. follow the instructions, it works like contact cement, you have to let both ends dry before joining together. I like to use the stuff made by Trident... and dont even try to sew it, unless you want more problems down the road... FURTHER- at 5 years old, I would be thinking of buying a new suit. be smart- buy it after season at a local shop on sale or on the internet/ebay. I start planning on buying a new winter suit (5 or 6 mil) at the first sign of wear/leaks/delam in material. This usually occurs on the 3rd season. its not worth wasting time repairing the suit between sessions and being uncomfortable and cold. I usually milk the 3/2 and 4/3 as long as I can before getting a new one since I'm not using them in extreme temps. maybe 4 or 5 seasons...
After 3-4 seasons, your wetsuit probably has 50% of the stretch and warmth it did originally. Upgrade to a newer suit and save yourself the time on the repair. You won't believe how much nicer the new suits are now than what you're currently using.
I agree. I usually get 4 to 5 years out of a wetsuit. Getting a new suit is definitely a good option as well. a new suit today are so much better than your suit from 5 years ago. It will be warmer and more flexible than your old suit. Ultimately this means more time in the water feeling comfortable and with less strain on your muscles. I have actually ordered some suits from this site http://tinyurl.com/6p5oep3 and found that some of the suits are the same as the wholesale cost. Currently I saw some great deals on Xcel wetsuits and Body Glove wetsuits. Just sign in. Great deals throughout the site.
Just saw gash on inside of my suit. Looks like neoprene cement is the fix...is that still best way to go? BTW..suit is new...ugh
I'd check with the maker -- If its new, it could still be under warranty. My wetsuit is getting fixed for free right now by the manufacturer, even though it was sliced by my fin and they say they don't cover that. Downside is that I've been without my hooded suit for 2 weeks when I could've fixed it myself and had it done in a day. I figured it's most important to not do a shoddy repair job on my winter suit.
