Does age of wetsuit matter?

[kbcvg]

I have a MARES farmer john and jacket set that is about 10-15 years old. I haven't used it in several years, although it was well taken care of when I did. It's been hanging in a closet for quite a while. Is it simply a matter of pulling it on and stretching it out, or is there more to the equation? I've heard that as they age, the neoprene can dry up, or something to that effect. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[KevinNM]

Don't know. The cells break down over time and dive cycles, it gets less buoyant and less warm. Though I've heard of that being an issue after enough dives, not just time.

 

[BlueTrin]

Help Choosing a Wet Suit or Dry Suit

If you didn’t keep a neoprene wetsuit protected from ozone it will have been damaged.

Why don’t you clean it and try it ? You’ll know for sure

 

[JackD342]

Try it on, then return here if you still have any questions.

 

[northernone]

Should be good to go. Put it on wet the first time if it's stiffened up a little.

--humor--
.. Biggest issue I hear of they tend to shrink several sizes... All on their own ; )
--

Cameron

 

[Ayisha]

I find that wetsuits get stiffer and less flexible after years of not being used. Soak it in the bathtub, let it dry, and then see if it still fits. After one use, it's usually pretty back to normal.

 

[Nathan Doty]

You'll just need to break it in a bit. Put it on the next time you go shopping

 

[TMHeimer]

Don't know. The cells break down over time and dive cycles, it gets less buoyant and less warm. Though I've heard of that being an issue after enough dives, not just time.

Happened with me. Bought 7 mil farmer john used in 2006. Needed 42 pounds of lead. After a while was down to 37 pounds, probably due to loss of suit "integrity". Bought a "new" used one 3 years ago. Back to 42 pounds. Must be the suit change-- my diving didn't get a lot better for me to drop 5 pounds (as many will say happens a lot)--and then suddenly get a lot worse again....

 

[Doc Harry]

The age of the diver is just as important as the age of the wetsuit.
As I get older, I find that my wetsuits seem to shrink.

 

[D_Fresh]

:Humor: Hmm, you might want to be safe and wait until it's 18 years old

:Reality: As others have said, thoroughly soak it and dry it first, then try it out in a pool or even bathtub if you have to. Depending on how it was stored, the neoprene may have become stiff and brittle, which will severely reduce its insulating. Pay particular attention to the seams, they seem to deteriorate the most. It may be time for a new suit.

Good luck!