Replacement frequency of a wetsuit?

Cyclingmaniac

Another post prompted this question (and I didn't want to steal the other thread owner's post):  How frequently does one replace their wetsuit?   Every season?  Once every "X" seasons?  Only when necessary? 

I've had mine for 3 plus seasons. 

Just curious what is common practice!

THANKS

 

mgraffeo

Rich, I replaced my 2005 (which I bought in Feb 2007 and raced with through mid summer this year) in August. Big improvement, and I'm really happy with the move. Don't know where the point of diminishing returns is, but I'd imagine that annual replacement would be a bit overkill.

Keith Wick

I think it depends on the reason for replacing the suit. If you feel that your suit isn't as tight as it needs to be because your body has changed then you may need to replace more frequently. Sometimes this is weight loss, but it can also be that from doing tri's you went from a person with big shoulders & arms to someone who now has big legs. The suit that fit your body style no longer does.

Other factors include whether the material is getting too stiff, cracking or whether you want to upgrade to a better suit. Like Mike, I replaced my 2007 suit this year as it just took too much energy out of me when I swam in it. I just went one model higher, which made a huge bit of difference in terms of shoulder flexibility. It also fit much better as my shape has changed some.