Wetsuit mileage

[deepdiver47]

I own a full 1 mm suit that I like. It has no rips or tears but has seemed to have lost some of it's thermal characteristics. I have traveled with it extensively for 4 years. Which makes me ask:

How much mileage are you getting on your wetsuits?

[CompuDude]

Wetsuits seem to have a lifespan of about 3 years or 300 dives, whichever you reach first. The neoprene doesn't fully rebound after being compressed repeatedly, so depth kills them (even relatively shallow depths). Second, as the rubber ages, it stiffens and cracks, and again, the little bubbles that were keeping you warm get smaller and less effective.

There are exceptions to this, in particular the old school wetsuits made from Rubitex rubber can last decades and still be warm. They're pretty hard to find today, though (only a couple of places still make them)... most modern wetsuits use comfy stretchy neoprene... with a short life span.

[DirtyWaterIL]

the thickness of a wetsuit also has somethign to due with how fast it ages as well. Ive used some OLD 7mm farmer john rental suits that have kept me nice and warm.

[Puffer Fish]

Originally Posted by deepdiver47

I own a full 1 mm suit that I like. It has no rips or tears but has seemed to have lost some of it's thermal characteristics. I have traveled with it extensively for 4 years. Which makes me ask:

How much mileage are you getting on your wetsuits?

I think the 300 dive number is pretty reasonable... but it does depend on how deep you are going.. the more you compress them, the faster they wear out.

[namabiru]

Could temperature conditions also have something to do with life? If you have a suit which you're using in both warm water and cold water (as an undergarment), will the temperature differences affect wetsuit life, or is it just the mere fact that the wetsuit you're using everywhere is just seeing more mileage?

How about salt water vs. fresh? Obviously you're rinsing your gear after diving, but a lot of salt water might shorten life too, I'd think.

[ScaredSilly]

Originally Posted by deepdiver47

I own a full 1 mm suit that I like. It has no rips or tears but has seemed to have lost some of it's thermal characteristics. I have traveled with it extensively for 4 years. Which makes me ask:

How much mileage are you getting on your wetsuits?

A 1mm suit != insulation. I would not expect much even when new. So if you are just now noticing the loss I would say it lasted.

[Buoyant1]

My 7mm is FINALLY starting to break in! That thing is a bear!