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How Can I Tell if My Wetsuit is Too (Functionally) Old?

Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
in General Training Discussions

So my wetsuit, Aquaman brand, is from 2007. I have raced in it a grand total of 7 times, with maybe 50 or 60 open water swims....can you say landlubber???   That said, I am gearing up for this season and still have the wetsuit. Sure it's not as supple as it once was, but it doesn't have any gaping holes, etc. 

What should I look for when heading into the water next week as a sign of "this thing is just too old to race in"? I'd hate to buy a new one b/c I am only going to use it for 2 races and maybe 8 swims this year...

Thanks in advance!

Cheap P

Comments

  • morpheusmorpheus
    similar situation here P. mid level QR from several years ago (4?). only wear it about 2x year! BUT, no big wear & tear on it, despite the years. And, since I have a wetsuit that does what I need it to, lifting the legs a little, I'm not real interested in getting an updated suit. Just been working on the swimmer in the suit. I'll be following this thread cuz sooner or later, I'll rip it on some rock or something and I'll have to go shopping.

    I can tell ya right now that Rich is gonna tell ya to just call WheelBuilder for all purchases. I needed a sparkplug for my lawnmower and got referred to WheelBuilder... image

    good luck
  • manconamancona
    If it still fits right and doesn't have any holes, I say you should still use it.

    I heard from Zoot that the average triathlete buys only 1 new wetsuit in their triathlon career. This is likely because most triathlon careers only last a season or two and like P, most triathletes prefer to be on land than in water. If they stick with a the sport longer then a few years they the average replacement period is about 5 years, but most don't stick with it for that long.

    I don't remember the source of this, but I also read somewhere that the primary reason most triathletes buy a new wetsuit is because they lost weight and need a smaller size. The second (and last) wetsuit I purchased retail was for that reason.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    To supplement Matt's comments, one reason to buy a new suit is if you change size - bigger OR smaller.

    Another sign is if the suit "sags", in particular in the arm pits, filling with water there while you swim. It's gotten too stretchy (or you've got some weight room work to do).

    I've got 4 wet suits, the oldest from 1999, and they all still work, but the newer ones fit much better. I don't know if that's improved design or the old suit stretching out. My "go-to" De Soto is from 2005 and has at least 100 days of OWSs and races in it, and still fits snuggly. I've since bought an Xterra Vendetta exlusively for IM racing only, used 3-4 times.

  • DavidGHarrisDavidGHarris

    Re: the suppleness, Emilio De Soto posted on Slowtwitch a few weeks ago that you should soak your wetsuit for 15 minutes in a tub and then let it dry if it's been mothballed all winter.  Says it's basically like a sponge that dries out.  Breaking mine out for first OWS swim this weekend and will try the pre soak tip.

  • jetskrjetskr
    Posted By David Harris on 26 May 2011 09:12 AM

    Re: the suppleness, Emilio De Soto posted on Slowtwitch a few weeks ago that you should soak your wetsuit for 15 minutes in a tub and then let it dry if it's been mothballed all winter.  Says it's basically like a sponge that dries out.  Breaking mine out for first OWS swim this weekend and will try the pre soak tip.

    So that's why my wetsuit was so tight last weekend at my race!!  Not because I've put on almost 10lbs or anything...  image

     

    I'm not sure if this is being cheap or just good stuff to know.  It's hard to tell when to replace some equipment.

  • DavidGHarrisDavidGHarris
    Posted By Jeff Linkus on 26 May 2011 09:48 AM
    Posted By David Harris on 26 May 2011 09:12 AM

    Re: the suppleness, Emilio De Soto posted on Slowtwitch a few weeks ago that you should soak your wetsuit for 15 minutes in a tub and then let it dry if it's been mothballed all winter.  Says it's basically like a sponge that dries out.  Breaking mine out for first OWS swim this weekend and will try the pre soak tip.

    So that's why my wetsuit was so tight last weekend at my race!!  Not because I've put on almost 10lbs or anything...  

     

    I'm not sure if this is being cheap or just good stuff to know.  It's hard to tell when to replace some equipment.



    No kidding Jeff . . . not sure if the pre soak tip will make a difference but it's better than bust out of my wetsuit a la the Incredible Hulk!

     

  • jburbattjburbatt

    I can always tell when I've forgotten to pre-soak my wetsuit as it gets really tight especially at opening areas like the neck (ugh).  Definitely recommend doing it.

  • JeremiahJeremiah
    wow, just what I was looking for! Hope this is not a hijack...but along the same line...pulled out my wetsuit the other day and I discovered a small tear...do you guys patch small holes or is it "functionally" the end?
  • BomberBomber

    I asked a similar question a few months ago (my wetsuit is from 2002/3 !!)  and the consensus was that there was no need to get a new one...and there probably wasn't even 'free speed' to be had by getting the latest wetsuit

  • jburbattjburbatt
    Patch the hole. It can easily turn into a bigger one otherwise...
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    I have 4 wetsuits, but will pitch the training suit (aka "holey Joe") at the end of this season. It has so many minor tears that it's hard to tell where the suit begins and the Aquaseal ends. The manufacturer's advice is that a suit is good for 2 seasons of full use, but that depends on the type of suit. The sad fact is that the better the suit is (more flexible) then the more prone it is too tears and thus a shorter lifespan.
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