How long do wetsuits last...

[Ulfhedinn]

I realize that there are conditions that warrant different answers such as salt or no salt. Tech or Rec gear I assume? thickness is my case 7mm. I am having a hard time figuring out what suit to purchase for So Cal water. I know 7mm but the suits I really like are usaly in the 500 range. I guess I could justify if they are going to last along time.

The Henderson 7mm H2 Hyperstretch Titanium sure does seem nice and I have a very sporty build, wide shoulder, muscler legs, slim waist

. I also see that people wear a skin suit under for ease to put on and for xtra warmth. example Henderson 17oz Superior Polyolefin Dive Skin Jumpsuit. Does it really help that much with warmth?

 

[300bar]

My oldest 7mm is 27 years old, still doing fine, but rather thin.
As a general rule you should subtrackt 1 mm for every 100 dives
Yes they do get thinner/cells collapsing with use.
So it just depends on your diving.

And this is not counting you scraping over rocks and the likes.

 

[superstar]

I get 10-12 years out of mine before they get shredded. It makes no difference what name is on it. When a full suit gets shredded I cut it down to a shortie for general watersport use and get a couple more years out of it.

 

[stormrider]

My rule of thumb for 3-mm is about 150 dives and I stretch it for about 50 more dives. After that, its time to retire it and get a new one.

 

[DMDavid]

I have a 3mm Body Glove full wetsuit that is 18 years old and the only complaint I have is that it appears to have shrunk (or I gained weight that I am unwilling to acknowledge).

 

[diveprof]

Suits will last many years. However, they lose their thermal protection much sooner. Most of my suits last +-200 dives before I notice the temperature loss. Sometimes I still keep them for my "summer diving" suits, but I upgrade to a new 7mm before winter arrives.

 

[SGR Jeff]

If you're diving in So Cal I would recommend a 7mm for sure. There are a few weekends a month in the summer that you can get away with a 3mm. But if you're going to dive you might as well be comfortable and enjoy every minute of the dive. Also during the non peak summer dives, you should use a hood or hooded vest.

But to answer you question, a 7mm that you take care of can last several years if not 10. But if you dive alot, you will be replacing it every few years