Which part of your wetsuit wears first?

I've never really had a problem with any of my suits except for my new xcell drylock 4/3. It seems they had a problem in their production process because some of the exterior lock-stitching is unraveling... like their machine wasn't doing the lock properly or something. No ill effects yet, but I'm keeping an eye on it, I plan on sending it back to them this spring in hopes they will have it fixed and/or replaced by the time I need it this coming winter.

I have also noticed it looking a little funny around my left elbow--probably from putting direct pressure on it while driving my car with my left elbow on my arm rest.

 

since i go straight from my house to the beach on foot, my boots always go first. mainly cause i run down the block to stay warm. 2-3 seasons for a pair of 6 mil boots.

 

This is what I was wondering myself. Take good care of the suit and it will last you a while, even if you surf very often.

 

Shampoo? Never heard of that one before, maybe that's the issue right there? Maybe that's drying it out or something, idk, never tried shampoo on a wetsuit...

 

Gotcha, thought maybe you were using Pert Plus or Mane 'n Tail or something. Have you ever gone in a hot tub or pool with it on? Or have you ever put them in the dryer? Left them in the car for long periods of time in the hot sun?

 

I use Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree & Hemp castile soap diluted to 3/4 water 1/4 soap for pretty much everything: Body, face, wetsuit, tent, down-filled things like sleeping bags and jackets, wool, etc... Hell, I even brush my teeth with it when camping because I always forget toothpaste.

You know, they don't call it "Magic Soap" for nothing. Plus the bottles are good for some interesting (crazy) reading while sitting on the throne.