Repairing Fusion Lycra

[boulderjohn]

OK, we have heard that it is really hard to put a hole in the Lycra sections of a Fusion Tech skin, but I apparently have tearing skills beyond most others. The hole is in a curious place--in the center of the back panel, just below the backplate. I suspect it is the result of entering the harness and getting up while the rig is propped up on a concrete bench.

So what do I do about it?

I have been Googling around for ideas and haven't done well. I found a lycra patch product called NeoPatch, which is intended for wetsuits and apparentey not sold in the U.S.A. Does anyone have any information on this or any other way to mend lycra?

http://www.aqua-patch.co.uk/aqua_neopatch_hd.htm

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

OK, we have heard that it is really hard to put a hole in the Lycra sections of a Fusion Tech skin, but I apparently have tearing skills beyond most others. The hole is in a curious place--in the center of the back panel, just below the backplate. I suspect it is the result of entering the harness and getting up while the rig is propped up on a concrete bench.

So what do I do about it?

I have been Googling around for ideas and haven't done well. I found a lycra patch product called NeoPatch, which is intended for wetsuits and apparentey not sold in the U.S.A. Does anyone have any information on this or any other way to mend lycra?

Neo Patch ArmourFlex

How big of a hole are we talking?

 

[boulderjohn]

How big of a hole are we talking?

The main part is about the size of a quarter, with some smalle tears on the periphery.

Having gotten no response for a while, I sought answers elsewhere. I am fortunate enough to live in a community that is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly rock climbers. These people frequently need gear repaired, and I found a place that specializes in such work. It turns out that lycra is pretty rarely used by such people, but he thought he could patch it. It is in his hands now.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

The main part is about the size of a quarter, with some smalle tears on the periphery.

Having gotten no response for a while, I sought answers elsewhere. I am fortunate enough to live in a community that is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly rock climbers. These people frequently need gear repaired, and I found a place that specializes in such work. It turns out that lycra is pretty rarely used by such people, but he thought he could patch it. It is in his hands now.

I would think so. Its just lycra, very easy to sew into Let us know how it turns out

 

[boulderjohn]

I would think so. Its just lycra, very easy to sew into Let us know how it turns out

Well, I finally took it to a shop that specializes in sewing/repairing outdoor adventure gear sorts of thjings. The guy looked at it and was obviously a little afraid to work on it. He said he wouild give it a try.

He tried to sew a patch on, but he couldn't do it. The lycra was too thin--he said it was like sewing a pair of nylon stockings. He ended up doing what he called a "weld" by attaching a lycra patch over the top.

It didn't hold. One weekend of diving and that patch was coming off.

I asked all over the place for some advice, and I finally went to a hardware store and got a tube of glue that is supposed to be both flexible and waterproof. It said it would work on fabric. I glued the places the patch was coming off. It seems OK now, but I won't get a chance to dive it for quiite some time.

 

[obsession600]

Thanks for the update. Being a fusion owner myself I am interested to see what problems and solutions arise with regards to this style of drysuit.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

OK, with just the stitching it will just rip out, with just glue it can separate....so, if you use a combination of the 2, it will be perfect. The glue will give it the strength so the material doesn't pull apart and shred from the hole of the needle, and the stitching will keep the glue from pulling apart in time...its a love affair that works perfect for fixing your Fusion

Mike