Hi all

Anyone got experience or knowledge on how wetsuits deteriorate over time / use ?

I'm using a 4 year old Orca 3.8.
It's had plenty of use (it gets used through winter as we have a fantastic spring fed pool nearby - 16 or 17C all year). I like the suit. No quibbles about the quality. I'll have another, no prob.

The panels over the shoulders and down the sides - those which are of course thinnest and most flexi - are breaking up on the surface. It almost looks like perishing, but dont think it is. It's still flexi and and supple, and all intact. All the other panels in the suit are in good condition.

Is this just 4 years of good use = the material is 'fatigued'.
Any experience of how long I'll get from it ? Is this common ? Will it last for another season or two then great.
My only concern is a big rip a week out from a race and the faff of getting a new suit, chances the fit has changed, etc.
(I've got some swim events in the 5-10km range).

Do new unused suits 'age' if I go buy a new one and alternative use / keep the new one as sunday-best (and use the old one for most swims til it dies).

My previous suit just wore out (literally down to no rubber at contact points under arms and between legs ) so I've not come across this problem before.

I've no prob buying a new one if needed, but just don't like tossing away usable kit - its not good for the planet (or my wallet).

Thanks.