ankle zippers: pros and cons

[JahJahwarrior]

I like my wetsuit. She's an old 5mil made by Fathom. Very little wear and tear. I don't really want to buy a new one, this one fits almost perfectly: my only complaint is getting it over my feet. I think what I'd really like are some ankle zippers. So, I'm wondering if there are any good and reasonably priced alteration companies, especially new Gainesville, FL that anyone here has experience with, and if there are any reasons to avoid ankle zippers entirely. Thanks!
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[ScottB]

Try http://www.liquidfit.com/ ... Carolyn is in the Ocala area..

I have spoken with her and will have a custom suit made here in a few weeks when I can afford to..

 

[Kevrumbo]

Ankle zippers often jam-up with sand if you do a lot of Beach Diving; a long soak under running water will free it up eventually, but it still is a nuisance to deal with at times. . .

 

[JahJahwarrior]

most of my diving is springs

 

[spectrum]

Be sure that the zipper has a bellows closure behind it, not just an overlapping flap. The bellows will prevent any water entry through the zipper. Adding the zipper will create a small channel up the inside where water can try to enter. A close fit will keep this ingress to a minimum. If you're not in really cold water then just add them and make life easy.

Pete

 

[JahJahwarrior]

Well, it looks like the zippers would run atleast $75. Considering I could buy a new wetsuit for double that, and a really nice one for 3 times that, might as well save up and get something newer than myself. This wetsuit is pretty nice but I kid you not, it's older than I am as best as I can figure out. I like her a ton better than my rental suit which left me freezing cold and miserable during every dive, but I wouldn't mind trying to get something newer. To really feel good using this suit for the long term, I'd want ankle zippers, knee and maybe forearm pads, and to add all of those to this suit would be about the same price as a new one.

 

[spectrum]

forearm pads

What are you doing down there?

 

[JahJahwarrior]

Maybe elbow pads? I'm already noticing little scratches and things from not being careful enough in caverns and around rocks in springs. And there were some trees I almost ran into on a river drift dive once... I'd probably be fine with just knee pads, and don't need those, I just don't want to tear this thing up. She's a beautiful wetsuit.