How long should a quality wetsuit last?

[jmo]

Hey guys,

Just curious how much usage you get out of a high end wetsuit? I have a ripcurl 4/3 f-bomb that is super warm and is tight a drum, but the seamed seals on the inside are completely toast (I think rip curl might have had a manufacturing issue early on) and it seems like the rubber itself is starting to disintegrate on the inside.

I have had it for about 6-7 seasons, and I use it on weekends in the Spring and Fall - fresh water only. I also rinse and let it dry in the garage afterwards.

Thanks,

JMO

[GoBig]

7 seasons seems like you got your money's worth. How much usage did it have when it started coming apart? I've used O'Neill suits forever and haven't had any problems to speak of. Fresh water rinse and keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Otherwise, I'd be content if I got 7 years out of suit.

[jrz1]

depends how many quality burritos you eat....

All kidding aside, I don't wear one on the boat for boarding but I'd probably be happy with 7 years from a scuba wet suit though that is salt water. They don't probably get beaten quite as badly as one used for boarding though with the falls etc.

[Double D]

I have a cheap *** shorty I bought in 1992 and still using it today in the spring and summer. What is that, going on 21 years? I guess I don't ski enough....

[1sicknautique]

also depends on the spills you take. I usually got about 5 yrs.

[jmo]

7 seasons seems like you got your money's worth. How much usage did it have when it started coming apart?

It was just this season where I started to notice little bits of rubber coming off after taking it off. The liquid seam seals went earlier but those I just repaired myself as best as I could.

[swankster]

Some too long. Anybody remember Kidder Redline slalom skis in the late '80. Well here is the wetsuit.

[Luke 'Lukey' Thomas]

It all depends on what you need the wetsuit for! And how well you look after it. I use mine in Fresh and salt, probably 80 times each per year between wakeboarding and surfing (I have a winter and a spring suit) and plan on replacing them after 4 seasons. The suit won't be falling apart, but the seams do give out- so if the seams aren't a major issue for you, then you could get a load more use out of them. Buy quality, O'Neill are the best in the business hands down.

[High altitude]

I've gotten 16 years out of my Ski Warm drysuit. Finally starting to see a few leaks and some of the seals tore last season. I use it about 20-25 times per season. No reason for these things not to last if you care for it properly. -Marc