General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How long should a wetsuit last? Rss Feed  
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2011-06-16 6:06 AM

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Subject: How long should a wetsuit last?

I care for mine by following the manufacturers recommendations, but have notice that it's getting harder and harder to remove! It's also starting to have a white-ish look when I put it on (almost as if it's drying out?).

Last weekend was Windsor Olympic and when I hit T1 I had the worst time ever getting the suit off. I just would not pull down off my legs. I got it to about my calfs but then it just seemed to bind up. Even standing on one leg with the other and pulling wouldn't shift it (just stretched). I ended up sitting down and shimming it down my leg to the point where I could get my foot out,

I've been in touch with the manufacturers and they think it might just have reached the end of it's life and time for a new suit? But it's only about 2 1/2 years old?

What do you think BT?

Rich



2011-06-16 6:36 AM
in reply to: #3551783

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Master
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Centennial, CO
Subject: RE: How long should a wetsuit last?
Mine is 4 years and still in good shape.  I'd like a new one, but can't justify it.  I have a Zoot wetsuit.  There isn't any reason outside of rips and tears that it should wear out that soon.  Do you do most of your swimming in lakes or salt water?  Also, how often is it used?
2011-06-16 7:14 AM
in reply to: #3551783

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Subject: RE: How long should a wetsuit last?

Hi,

I've done about 10 races in it, 9 of them lake / river swims + 1 Ocean swim. I don't get to practice OWS (just not possible at mo) so only really gets used for races.

Might try it on again tonight and run around the garden while the misses hoses me down and try to take it off again to see how I get on.

Rich

2011-06-16 10:21 AM
in reply to: #3551783

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Subject: RE: How long should a wetsuit last?
I am a rank beginner, so take this for what it's worth.  I don't know how old mine is, but I bought a former rental.  Before my race, I soaked it overnight (read about that here), and also lubed the daylights out of the thing the night before.  I didn't have any problems taking it off except that it got stuck on the timing chip.
2011-06-16 10:27 AM
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Subject: RE: How long should a wetsuit last?
One of ours is about 10 years old, and still works just fine. I've "ouotgrown" wetsuits, but not "outworn" them. ;-)
2011-06-16 10:30 AM
in reply to: #3551783

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Subject: RE: How long should a wetsuit last?
I have an entry level QR wetsuit that is 7 years old. I only use it for races but just with age it is starting to look like a dried up old shoe and the seams are starting to come apart. With the great deals out there on wetsuits and the technology changes over the past few years its hard to resist not getting a new one.......


2011-06-16 3:09 PM
in reply to: #3551783

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Subject: RE: How long should a wetsuit last?

My cheapo Promotion lasted about 4-5 years before the zipper just gave out and wouldn't really stay shut anymore.

I definitely believe wetsuits have a lifespan.  2.5 years doesn't seem like a very long one, but I guess it probably depends on quality and amount of use.

2011-06-16 3:24 PM
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Subject: RE: How long should a wetsuit last?

I have an Ironman (now Blue70) longsleeve suit I used since 2006.  Still good.  And I do quite a bit of OWS over the years. 

2011-06-16 4:00 PM
in reply to: #3551783

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Subject: RE: How long should a wetsuit last?

Cheers guys,

Just giving it a long soak with Baby Shampoo to see if that helps any. Can't wait to see neighbours eyes when I'm running round the garden in it tomorrow

Is the No Vaseline thing a myth as I'm running out of Body Glide too.

Rich

2011-06-16 7:44 PM
in reply to: #3551783

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Lakewood, CA
Subject: RE: How long should a wetsuit last?

I have a 4 year old mid level QR suit averaging 3 OWS a week mostly in the Pacific Ocean.  The largest source of damage is from me sticking my fingers into the suit.  I breath on one side and it is wearing on that side.  It is also wearing between my legs because of my big thighs when I walk/run 2 miles back to my car.  It is a little cold when I first get into the water    I believe I can get another couple of years out of it. 

As long as it is holding together, it will work just fine...
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