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Re: Do expensive wetsuits last longer?
Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 7:42 pm
by JakeFarley
Quality neoprene material, type of seam/quality and fit (especially) make the difference. In my case I have a hard time finding the right fit in a full wetsuit. Seems they are made for shorter people (my torso may be longer than most). Finally had to go to a XXL to get the right fit. I am not a firm believer that the suit has to be super snug and that you have to be a contortionist to get into it (I don't like the ones that are front zip or no zip). I don't want to have someone help me get into it.
For more on seams see
https://wetsuitwarehouse.com.au/blogs/n ... -stitching
I currently have a O'neill shorty that has lasted me over 25 years (only use it for the short periods between fall and winter and in spring here in Florida). I had a Quiksilver 3/2 full suit that lasted over 10 years up until last year when the seams and neoprene separated. So I went back to Quiksilver for a 4/3 (in my old age I can't tolerate cold as much as I used to). The neoprene is nice and stretchy, but I am concerned if it is as well made as my previous one. Only time will tell.
Re: Do expensive wetsuits last longer?
Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 8:05 pm
by ciscokitesurfer
You look after your wetsuit very well. I change wetsuite 4/3 mmm everytwo years. You want the wetsuite to keep you warm during the AM sessions. I recycle my wetsuits from winter to sprint then cut them to make them summer wetsuits. Also, the price of wetsuit are very expensive. I am happy to pay if the wetsuite is flexible and keeps the water out.
Re: Do expensive wetsuits last longer?
Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 9:27 pm
by luketheloony
I brought a rip curl heat seeker around 10 months ago (ther top of the line suit) and its pretty much un-useable due to the seems coming apart where the neoprene is glued to the rubbery chest and back pieces. They still use the same glues ect as the basic suits. Granted its not a "kite suit" but where my harness also sits it has torn a patch off the rubber part of the suit on the back. It's just so delicate. I have been offered a repair service so I can't complain much.. But I'm sure it will happen again after the repair! Most expensive suit I have ever brought and its lasted no time at all! Xcel are one of the best if they fit right. Highly recommended
Re: Do expensive wetsuits last longer?
Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:33 pm
by bjw
I think back zip wetties last longer because they don't get as stretched as a front zip.
Zipless are the worst for sure.
Re: Do expensive wetsuits last longer?
Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:40 pm
by ScoopZ
Yes and no,
You do get what you pay for certainly in terms of warmth, but the more super dooper stretchy the modern neoprenes are the more they wear quickly. I find oneill technobutter 3X falls into this category. Id take a step down in price to avoid it in the future.
Re: Do expensive wetsuits last longer?
Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:58 pm
by knotwindy
If it is mostly the shoulders that wear thru
Are you hanging them on a skinny hanger when wet and heavy?
If you are, don’t. Get a wider hanger or partially dry them first out of the sun.
Re: Do expensive wetsuits last longer?
Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 2:01 am
by Kamikuza
Qman wrote: ↑Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:18 am
Does the material on more expensive wetsuits last longer?
I normally buy a $100 / €80 shorty wetsuit, which I use approximately 3 times a week for 6 months of the year. I rinse and dry the suit after every use.
After 1 or 2 years the neoprene on the shoulders always wears thins and turns into holes.
It is always with the new stretchy neoprene that develops holes.
If I got a top of the range, expensive wetsuit would I get more years use out of it, before the shoulders develop holes in the neoprene?
Is there a brand that uses neoprene that lasts longer?
Many thanks!
I think you're getting pretty good value for money out of them. Why are you complaining?
Re: Do expensive wetsuits last longer?
Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 11:27 am
by mdevelden
The wearing out of the sholders is usaully due to two factors.
UV from the sun catches the tops of your sholders the most and results in the material breaking down faster. Throw a rashie overtop to help prevent this
Secondly, sholders on wetties fall apart because they are being hung up to dry on a hanger soaking wet and all the additional weight of the moisture from the session is now stretching the materials in the sholders. To prent this, hang your wetty folded in half over the hanger at the waist to start, and once the suit is mostly dry put it on its hanger
Re: Do expensive wetsuits last longer?
Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 2:04 pm
by cwood
I love my Xcel dry lock 6/5 and got rid of dry suits in its favor for all conditions....but have been disappointed with the durability....It is a seasonal suit and does get quite a bit of use but it was expensive and after two seasons the interior seam tape is falling off....which means its not so "dry locked" and is not nearly as warm.
Re: Do expensive wetsuits last longer?
Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 2:05 pm
by cwood
cwood wrote: ↑Sat Aug 01, 2020 2:04 pm
I love my Xcel dry lock 6/5, and based on the price tag, view it as a premium product. Got rid of dry suits in its favor for all conditions....but have been disappointed with the durability....It is a seasonal suit and does get quite a bit of use but it was expensive and after two seasons the interior seam tape is falling off....which means its not so "dry locked" and is not nearly as warm.