Drysuit Lifespan

[airsix]

I have a vulcanized Viking that I bought in 1987 that is still like new. I just keep it out of the sun and keep it clean. I don't get to dive nearly as much as I'd like, so to date my cost-per-dive (including all I've spent on maintenance) is $3. I'm getting in more dives these days, so that number is coming down with each dive.
-Ben M.

 

[FishDiver]

When I took my open water course, the instructor said that it's worth it to buy a drysuit (from them of course) because they last much longer than a wetsuit. From what I've seen in the past 10 years, that's BS. I rarely see someone whose suit has lasted longer than 2 years unless they have the zipper/seals replaced. This service costs much more than a wetsuit up here. We dive drysuits because they're warmer.

How long do the suits last in your area if the seals and zips are replaced when necessary?

 

[FishDiver]

It all depends on how you take care of it.
My 1st drysuit was purchased in 1995 I put over 2000 dives on it my self between 1995 and 2003.
I paid $1200 for the suit and underwear and $300 for the zipper repair.

$1500/2100+ dives = $.71 per dive tops so far.
probably get another 2-3 years of rental service out of it too.

This is what I was hoping. I don't mind paying a lot up front if the suit will last a long time.

Is this experience common or have you been lucky (or extremely careful!)?

 

[wb416]

I have just over 500 dives and 6 years on a TLS 350. I've only replaced the neck and wrist seals once. YMMV

 

[jerryn]

You need to add a couple of things into the equation:
1. A dry suit will keep you warmer, especially when doing multiple dives in a day, and that will aid in off-gassing.
2. A tri-lam dry suit does not loose its thermal capabilty with the number of dives you do, a neoprene wetsuit does. So, while you might do 150 dives with a wet suit, each dive makes the wetsuit a less desirable choice for thermal protection.

Jerry

 

[dannobee]

...Is this experience common or have you been lucky (or extremely careful!)?

More often than not, the drysuit will far outlast the owner's diving hobby. Just look on e-bay for more evidence.

 

[MarkH]

When they replace the seals and zip, The suit lasts many more years. I find that the material itself is not much of a concern as small holes are easily patched at home. I agree with the used suit thing. I don't know if you live in a big diving area, but up here it's easy to find a suit that will last you for 100-200 dives for less than $200 (classified ads, thrift stores). I just bought a dry suit for $24 last week at Salvation Army. The most I've paid is $250. If they get wrecked, I don't care.

 

[newportscuba]

defintiely not careful with it I am an instructor so my suit gets abused when I am using it. I believe that it is the after care that makes all the difference.

 

[bluenose]

$22.21.For my tri-lam drysuit. I find this savings in quality time between dives as well as the equivalent rental charges of $100.00 per day. Sure it costs more to dive than a wet suit but if your in cold climates then comfort should factor in more than saving a dollar.
I say this now but last winter I replaced the zipper and all seals and cried for a week at the costs involved. $550.00 but the guy done a great job.

 

[abitton]

defintiely not careful with it I am an instructor so my suit gets abused when I am using it. I believe that it is the after care that makes all the difference.

Any tricks you can share???

(Ordered mine about 3 and a half weeks ago)