old wetsuits get bad even if not worn Y/N?

[OlegLupusov]

I guess all have seen the youtube videos where some bloggers claims that wetsuits get bad with time. They even demonstrate that 5-6 year old wetsuits do not work well.

My own experience suggests otherwise. I bought two wetsuits in 2017: 4/3 e-bomb and 4/3 flashbomb. Then I got my jaw broken and missed a winter season entirely and got myself a couple of 3/2 e-bombs in spring. It turned out that 3/2 is good enough for Sothern California winters as well. At least, for my rare short sessions in the next couple of years. So, I may have used my 4/3 wetsuits a handful of times during these 5 years. E-bomb like 10 times at most. And, the flashbomb precisely two times.

However, this year my 3/2 started leaking a bit. I ordered 3/2 ebomb but the delivery got delayed. And I tried my 4/3 old wetsuits. Both are warm. And, both are warmer than a brand new 3/2 e-bomb that I have just bought. Flashbomb is not stretchy enough and I cannot take it off without another person's help but it was like that from the very beginning. That's why I did not use it that much in the past. Am I tripping? or Bloggers just are feeding the BS of wetsuits of deteriorating on their own?
"Baked bread" metaphor is crystal clear, but I am not sure whether it is accurate. I have been rotating my old wetsuits for the months of December and January. Sometimes for 2+ hour sessions.

[wully]

Wet suits seem to shrink - especially round the middle- when not worn in a while…

[OlegLupusov]

surf seem to get bigger. Especially, in the middle. Especially, if not surfing for while:)

I heard the legend of shrinking. Not sure though. The regularly worn wetsuits get stretched out. So, abandoned wetsuits may just resume their original size/form. Not sure whether the wetsuit shrinks as compared to the original form/size. My experience suggests that it stays the same as compared to the original size/form.

[waikikikichan]

1) If an inflated balloon loses air does it get bigger or smaller ?

2) If a deflated balloon tears does it stretch or contract ?

[BaNZ]

surf seem to get bigger. Especially, in the middle. Especially, if not surfing for while:)

I heard the legend of shrinking. Not sure though. The regularly worn wetsuits get stretched out. So, abandoned wetsuits may just resume their original size/form. Not sure whether the wetsuit shrinks as compared to the original form/size. My experience suggests that it stays the same as compared to the original size/form.

So... I have some wetsuits that are 8 years old. I took it out last year and my god the neoprene bits have started to harden and crust. I guess it's just like any rubber, shoes, tires. You want some moisture when you store them so they don't completely dry out. Yes it also shrunk but because it was already cured up like a salami. The moment I put it on, it stretched and broke. Bear in mind that I'm actually skinner than before and this is like wearing hard wetsuit. I probably should've soaked it in water before wearing it.

I now own the ripcurl 3/2 dawn patrol and flash bomb. The flash bomb quality is superior compared to DP. However it doesn't really matter how warm they get. Because as soon as they start leaking thru the knees and joints, it gets cold. For me, the wetsuit usually starts leaking 2-3 months and I surf 2-3 times a week.

[OlegLupusov]

try e-bomb. It is substantially more stretchy than flash-bomb.
I don't mind a bit leaking in low legs and knees. The torso and glutes areas make a difference though.
I have some 10 old wetsuits. I worn them to the holes. really hardened, etc. Not sure why I am still keeping them. At some point I gave them to visiting friends in summer/spring time.

But 5 years is sort of okay. I don't see the rubber that hardened. May be, they will last only 20-30 sessions as compared to 50 sessions (if used in one season) but still a decent return on the investment.

Do you use only one wetsuit per season? From my perspective, rotating make them last longer. Could be just an illusion though.
In LA, 4/3 is overkill for the most of the winter. So, a slightly leaking one is still okay.
And, slightly leaking 3/2 is okay for spring/fall.
Anyway, I am just too greedy to through away a slightly leaking one:)

[OlegLupusov]

1) If an inflated balloon loses air does it get bigger or smaller ?

2) If a deflated balloon tears does it stretch or contract ?

Not sure what is your point?
rubber stretches. no question about it. Likewise, rubber shrinks after being stretched.
The questions is whether the rubber shrinks to the smaller size than the original one if not stretched.

[BaNZ]

Yeah I kept a bunch of old wetsuit too. Lol must have over 10 by now. Yes I buy a new wetsuit per season. Simply because i go to ripcurl outlet and buy women's version and it's like $120-150. Water is warmish but we do have cold mornings. Going dawn patrol at 40F when it's slightly windy with no sun really sucks. I sometimes wear a cap if it's really cold or when it's windy. But 3/2 all year even when at low 40s.

[OlegLupusov]

It was a typo:) I have only two old ones (that are ruined).

Do you live in LA as well? I wear a hood and booties in winter. And, I even have two pairs of gloves:) However, they are too uncomfortable for me and the water is not that cold after all.

[waikikikichan]

Not sure what is your point?
rubber stretches. no question about it. Likewise, rubber shrinks after being stretched.
The questions is whether the rubber shrinks to the smaller size than the original one if not stretched.

It's not the rubber persay, but the air cells in the rubber. Think of those trapped air cells as tiny balloons. The better wetsuit "rubber", like those from Yamamoto Japan, has more cells. Meaning more stretch and warmth than those with less cells.

There are other factors, like in Banz case, where the outer layer ( nylon jersey double layer or smooth single layer ) gets stiff and crusty due to sun, salt, etc.

[OlegLupusov]

It could be too complicated for me:) Is the air trapped there for the life of the wetsuits? And, losing airs means aging and impairment?

What is your position re: unused wetsuits aging? And, their shrinking?

[jaffa1949]

Hey OlegLupusov,

Wetsuits can indeed experience wear and tear over time, even if they haven't been worn frequently. Exposure to the elements, such as sunlight, saltwater, and temperature changes, can cause deterioration in the material and seams. Additionally, wetsuits that aren't properly cared for, rinsed, and dried after each use are more prone to damage.

However, it's important to note that the rate of deterioration can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the wetsuit, the specific materials used, and how well it has been maintained. In some cases, wetsuits can last for several years and still perform adequately, especially if they have been used sparingly and stored properly.

Your personal experience with your 4/3 and 3/2 wetsuits seems to contradict the claims made by some bloggers. It's possible that the specific brands or models you purchased have proven to be more durable over time. It's also worth considering that individual preferences and fit can impact perceived performance.

If you find that your old wetsuits are still providing sufficient warmth and comfort, it's great to make the most of them. However, if you notice any significant wear, tears, or recurring leaks, it may be time to consider investing in a new wetsuit to ensure optimal performance and protection in the water.


Enjoy your surf sessions, and stay stoked!

Best regards,
Alex from the surf skate OEM factory

[PipeDreams]

I think yes, but very slowly. Bloggers probaly detect every small change and talk about them, surfing an 8 year old c skins was the best wetsuit I have ever surfed, probaly because it was a much more expensive and unused than my wetsuit. Old wetsuits are very usable, but if you are lucky enough to constantly surf nice wetsuits that are under a year or two old, you will probaly feel a difference.