I bought an Xterra Vortex full-sleeve wetsuit last winter and swam with it in open water from March to the end of October, a total of 46 swims, with each swim being about a mile or a bit more. I started getting some small tears in the armpits during the summer, and now there a lot of tears. The water temperature at the end of October was 47 deg F which was the same as when I started in March. However, I find the water now unbearably cold because the water goes in through the armpit tears and chills my back.
I read a thread on this forum about someone getting a replacement from Xterra due to armpit tears. I contacted Xterra and their warranty doesn't cover tears. They said to contact their repairs dept on advice on how to fix these tears. I haven't gotten a response from them on repairs.
I've only owned a sleeveless wetsuit previously so am not sure if this is normal. I have heard of others replacing their wetsuits every other year. I can imagine that the armpit is high stress with all of stretching from swimming front crawl. But I would hope that the neoprene used can withstand many such stretch cycles. Think about our lycra clothing for example which we expect to last several years.
So, the Xterra Vortex just a poor quality wetsuit? Would I get more durability from a different brand/model?
Can armpit tears be repaired? I imagine that using the typical repair compound in the tear wouldn't work since the area is constantly being stretched.
If this wear is normal, it would mean that I'd have buy a new wetsuit every year, or I'd have to dedicate a second wetsuit for colder temps and use it sparingly.
Any insight would be much appreciated,
Stan
Vancouver, Canada
I read a thread on this forum about someone getting a replacement from Xterra due to armpit tears. I contacted Xterra and their warranty doesn't cover tears. They said to contact their repairs dept on advice on how to fix these tears. I haven't gotten a response from them on repairs.
I've only owned a sleeveless wetsuit previously so am not sure if this is normal. I have heard of others replacing their wetsuits every other year. I can imagine that the armpit is high stress with all of stretching from swimming front crawl. But I would hope that the neoprene used can withstand many such stretch cycles. Think about our lycra clothing for example which we expect to last several years.
So, the Xterra Vortex just a poor quality wetsuit? Would I get more durability from a different brand/model?
Can armpit tears be repaired? I imagine that using the typical repair compound in the tear wouldn't work since the area is constantly being stretched.
If this wear is normal, it would mean that I'd have buy a new wetsuit every year, or I'd have to dedicate a second wetsuit for colder temps and use it sparingly.
Any insight would be much appreciated,
Stan
Vancouver, Canada