pockets on wetsuits

[Paco]

I have an old 3mm wetsuit that came with pockets that were blind stitched to the thighs. It did not take long for the stitching to unravel. I was considering sewing them to my 7mm suit and wondered what would be wrong with stitching them clear through the neoprene. If the blind stitching was done to minimize water exchange, it seems that that would be extremely minimal, especially when considering what come in through ankle, wrist and neck seals. Any ideas?

 

[abitton]

Could you not just glue them on with neoprene adhesive?

 

[jonnythan]

Maybe stitch them on and then seal with a little Aquaseal.. and be careful not to stretch the area where the pockets are too much when donning and doffing.

 

[spectrum]

I have an old 3mm wetsuit that came with pockets that were blind stitched to the thighs. It did not take long for the stitching to unravel. I was considering sewing them to my 7mm suit and wondered what would be wrong with stitching them clear through the neoprene. If the blind stitching was done to minimize water exchange, it seems that that would be extremely minimal, especially when considering what come in through ankle, wrist and neck seals. Any ideas?

If you're going to stitch through consider aproduct called SEAM GRIP, Campmor has it. It is sold for sealing stitching on tents. It dries to a very flexible & stretch state. I've been having excellent results using it to tame loose stitching ends. It is clear.

If you fabricate the pocket with it's own back then attach that to the suit the stitching that mounts the pocket to the suit will see less stress from the pocket being stuffed.

Pete

 

[scubacowboy]

I used a neoprene adhesive to glue on a set of OMS pockets to my 5mm wetsuit, the adhesive worked great, been diving the wetsuit for about 2 years, and I don't see any signs of the pockets coming off.

 

[Paco]

Thanks all.

 

[mossym]

look up xshorts..might be just what you are looking for..

 

[Tom Winters]

Uh, X-shorts are a great idea and all that...but wearing them is definitely an acquired taste and look. Plus they're going to be slippery on a wetsuit. I personally do not make fun of people wearing them on a boat - I have actually evolved beyond that stage, but lesser developed peoples do seem to regard them with some mirth.

 

[mossym]

function, not taste, but agreed, they do look funky..

 

[melfox26]

I sent my 3mm Henderson wetsuit that I use for warm water Superior Diving Repair www.superiordivingrepair.com in Minnesota to have them put on pockets for me. For $69- each, including installation, he put on 2 DUI bellows pockets. It looks better than what DUI did for me on my drysuit, and much cheaper.


Mel