Leaky Wet Suit

[tombiowami]

Howdy all,

I have a 5mm Henderson Gold, that leaks like all get out down the zipper it feels like when I get in the water. After that I am fine over all, but wondering if there is anything I can do about it. Someone recommended Aquaseal for the seams and whatnot, but it feels more like the zipper, though I guess it could be the seams around it. Any ideas or similar experiences?

Tommy

 

[Fishkiller]

That is why they call it a wet suit.

I own a 3 mill and boy the water on the small of the back is a killer when you first get into the water.

 

[Stone]

Are you sure the water isn't just running down your back from the neck seal?

I have a Henderson 7/5 Gold Core. When I wear my hooded vest with it, I don't get the usual rush of cold water that I do without the vest.

 

[Bob3]

I concur w/Stone, sounds like its time for that hooded vest.
Aqua Seal is great stuff when used in the proper context. (this probably isn't one of them)
If you do decide to glue yourself into the suit, be sure to have someone standing by with a video camera.
:tease:

 

[Iguana Don]

The wetsuit is too big.

It should fit like a 2nd skin, but not be constrictive. You should be able to pull it away from your skin and when you let go it holds air in until it seeps out from the ankles, arms and neck seals.

ID

.

 

[Dee]

Don...that sounds kinda kinky

 

[wetman]

I have the 7/5. Fits like a glove, and i still get that lower back chill every dive. I'm not sure you could avoid it given the fact that water will enter there faster than anywhere else. You could put a dry zipper in there and delay the inevitable but if its too cold, go for a dry suit

 

[Iguana Don]

Dee, you know how I am about neoprene!

 

[tombiowami]

Thanks as usual for the suggestions. After writing it last night it occurred to me about the neck seal, I have never really pulled it tight. I will hold off on the aquaseal, after thinking more on that it came to me that the only real problem was the back, not the seams. I think the size issue is valid, but being new it is hard as I don't have much to compare it to, and a major problem is that the suits fit so differently underwater than in the store.

I will try the neck seal more aggressively. I have a vest that I tried and did not get the flow either.

Thanks.

Tommy

 

[scubabunny]

One good test...do you have a "workout" when you put the suit on dry? Is there sweating and swearing involved? If not, it may be too big.

But, most suits will let water in down the back. The suit doesn't sit snug against your backbone. One solution might be to get a .5mm skin. Makes the suit easier to get into, plus adds an extra layer of thermal protection.