This season I got three small holes in the seams of my Xterra wetsuit. They are about 3mm each and are in the shoulder seams. I don’t want them to grow larger. Can anyone recommend some type of repair method to patch them? I emailed Xterra, but have received no response.
Thanks.
Check with a scuba shop. I know there are people who make repairs to scuba suits.
Where are the holes? Are they actually in the seams? If you will excuse the pun, does it seem to be coming apart at the seams?
Not really. It’s really one hole with two tiny, tiny other ones. The large hole is located in the front seam as it comes down from my shoulder to my pec and was created by me rushinig to put it on one day without taking the time to use a bag or lube. I don’t think it’s an issue of longevity.
This season I got three small holes in the seams of my Xterra wetsuit. They are about 3mm each and are in the shoulder seams. I don’t want them to grow larger. Can anyone recommend some type of repair method to patch them? I emailed Xterra, but have received no response.
Thanks.
I took my QR wetsuit to the local dive shop for repair. The guy handed me a can of glue, charged me $8, and said if it didn’t stick together wwith the glue to put a couple of stitches. That was several years ago and I’ve fixed several rips and tears since. There’s really nothing to it. Just make sure you get the right glue and thread. I use nylon thread and it holds up well.
On the outside of the suit glue the tears closed with Superglue/Krazyglue. On the inside cloth backing, stitch up the tear area being carefull not to go too deeply into the rubber. I glue a piece of non-stretchy material over the inside of the tear as well for good measure (cut a little piece out of an iron-on patch that you can purchase at a clothing store -don’t iron it on though, glue it.)
Unfortunately, this is probably the beginning of the end for your suit. I’m somewhat notorious for using equipment well past its’ prime. When the wetsuit starts tearing the rubber is usually getting old and brittle. You’re probably headed for the big tear. Start shopping.
Good luck.
Rubber Glue, or wetsuit repair glue (not rubber cement) can be used to repair most ‘nail bites’ to the neoprene. If it’s torn all the way through, you will probably have to have it sewn back together before glueing. I’ve used this method on a number of holes.
The suit is a Vector 2 that is only two seasons old so I hope it’s not the beginning of the end. I would think I would get more than three seasons out of it. I use it regularly, but not excessively. The spots in question are “nailbites” as someone called them so I am hoping I can cure it with glue.
That said, those new BlueSeventys look awfully sweet!!
As long as the cuts aren’t excessively long you should be able to fix them with standard wetsuit glue. My only other piece of advice would be to use as little glue as possible since a little goes a long way. It does dry clear but will look like there is snot around the repaired area if you use an excessive amount. Apply the glue to the cut and then lie it flat so that the sides of the slit will be close together and line up. Leave the wetsuit overnight to allow the glue to cure and you should be all set. Depending on the location and number of cuts the repair process might take a few days as you rotate the wetsuit around.
If they are garden vareity nail-bite cuts, you can use standard wetsuit repair glue, which you should be able to pick up at most dive shops.
We are currently working on new content for the new Nineteen Wetsuit Web site - set to launch in January, and there will be detail about how to perform small repairs like this at home.