Drysuit Front Zip Damaged by Weight Belt?

[TheDolphin]

Hi,

Been diving my Waterproof D7 ISS Pro Cordura today and the brass zipper is frayed and delaminating from the metal. Had the suit for seven years and has done around 130 dives. Have been trimming and burning away the fray material carefully the past few dives, but it is continuing to break down. At this point the zip fabric has lost so much material that it is no longer to seal and the suit is leaking in that area. A zipper replacement is needed and now obtaining quotes.

What concerns me is that ans a front-zip drysuit, the area of wear is exactly where my weight belt is located. Even with the plastic zipper cover over the brass zipper, I think pressure and abrasion over time is damaging the zip's seal.

Been thinking that even if I get my drysuit zip replaced, the wear will happen again eventually in a 100-150 dives.

Have noticed that on the newer Waterproof D7X Cordura, the front zip is being higher up (and I think it will avoid the pressure and abrasion caused by the weight belt.

New suit: D7X Cordura - Waterproof Diving

Was wondering if anybody know whether the new Waterproof D7X (Cordura or Nylotech) front zip placement is away from the weight belt?

Note: Despite the weight and bulk of the Cordura Waterproof D7 Pro, the suit has performed very well until the zip failure. Logically I would go with the newer D7X Cordura; but have been eyeing the D7X NyloTech. For this kind of suit, there is a newer version available D7 Evo with a soft YKK Aquaseal Plastic zip vs brass metal zip.

 

[coldwaterglutton]

If you like the suit, change to a weight-integrated BC or a DUI weight & trim system. Either would provide options for you.

 

[lexvil]

I have no input on you supposition of the weight belt involvement but this is the nature of brass zippers, I’ve pretty much given up on them and prefer plastic zips, look at the TiZip for a replacement.

 

[TheDolphin]

If you like the suit, change to a weight-integrated BC or a DUI weight & trim system. Either would provide options for you.

Thanks for your input!

I do have ditchable weight pockets for my Halcyon Eclipse single tank set up; bit a weight belt is so much more flexible when I switch to my Razor Sidemount rig.

 

[TheDolphin]

I have no input on you supposition of the weight belt involvement but this is the nature of brass zippers, I’ve pretty much given up on them and prefer plastic zips, look at the TiZip for a replacement.

Thanks!

 

[mgilli71]

I have no input on your assumption of weight belt involvement, but such is the nature of brass zippers, I've pretty much given up on them and prefer plastic zippers, look at the TiZip for a replacement.

They have introduced a new TIZIP version with hydrolysis protection and 14.5 PSI airtightness. No more delamination and costly replacements.

 

[Jeff_O]

They have introduced a new TIZIP version with hydrolysis protection and 14.5 PSI airtightness. No more delamination and costly replacements.

I looked that up and did conversion and yes the TIZIP Masterseal 10 is 1000 mbar converted 14.5 psi. Also said that it is IPX8 rated.

A protective cover for my CF 200 suit goes over the metal waterproof zipper. I suppose there might be a modification to do the same with TIZIP.

I did notice they say to store with zipper closed for the TIZIP zipper.

The DUI suit I have I leave it unzipped when stored. Flat no bends on an area of carpet, not hanging suit up.

I probably will not need a replacement zipper as I just got a few years ago my replacement (purchased), another suit, after around 25 years and two replacement zippers. As a senior now, I am not expecting to be doing scuba nearing a century mark.

Question though, of every 33ft of sea water increase about 14.7psi, drysuit zipper keeps water out since you adjust internal pressure in the suit as you go deeper?

Now if an empty hollow rigid container, with the same zipper installed went below 33ft of sea water, I guess then there is a problem using a zipper of this rating?

Those waterproof bags made for cell phones I expect have to use some other type of seal, correct?