So I made a very rookie mistake last weekend. Started a half iron without having done an open water swim in over a year. I put on my T1 wetsuit which has always been fantastic. The top was like wearing a straightjacket. I’ve always loved the flexibility in the shoulders. Once the race started I struggled to get a reasonable stroke. Each stroke felt as though I was on a bow flex. A couple of times I flooded the top and it would loosen up for 3 or 4 strokes, then suck up to my shoulders again. It was a real nightmare and the worst swim I have ever had. So now I am wondering if the suit has aged (it was one of the first ones ever sold in 2001) I am at my 2001 racing weight. If not how do I restore the flexibility? Or since I am going to IM France, do I get a different top? Advice please?
I really don’t have any idea what the answer to your question is but that has never stopped me before. 1) To me, a wetsuit always feels off when I have not been in it for a while. That goes away after one swim. 2) I soak mine for 24 hours when it has not been used for a bit. Not sure that makes any sense but its what I do. 3) My full is going on 5 years old and while it is wearing out and is patched in a few places I don’t notice a lack of flexibility. 4) There have been advancements in the last 7 years for sure not the least of which is thinner material in the shoulders. If I had not won a pretty nice longjohn last year that will get me through training, thus extending the life of my Orca Predator, I would be thinking about a new one for sure.
My QR suit is at least as old as yours. I haven’t noticed reduced flexibility. When I have had problems (very few) it is because I have been rushed getting into it without sufficient time to get it stretched and pulled into place.
I don’t ever wear mine to train in any more. If I wear mine too much my weak form goes to hell. That is to say, I get so my legs sink without it. For me the wetsuit is like racing flats or race-only wheels, I feel so fast when I swim in it.
From the man himself:
From the man himself:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1243088;
Yep, soak that sucker!
How old is the suit?
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I would suggest soaking the suit in water prior to first use in the spring. That will give the rubber a bit of extra stretch
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I have seen old neoprene go both ways - some get’s stiffer as it ages, other neoprene actually get’s stretchier but looses it’s resiliancey(it’s ability to return to normal).
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From what I have seen, most wetsuits that get a moderate to a lot of use last 4 - 5 years and assuming no other problems, then it’s time possibly for a new one.