It started happening pretty much all over the suit simultaneously. So far it’s just the glue that’s failing; stitching is still intact everywhere. I’ve tried repairing with wetsuit glue a few times, but the seams mostly just pop again the next time I put the wetsuit on.
So two questions:
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Will the stitching hold up in the popped seams without the glue, or is it just a matter of time before it fails, too?
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For each manufacturer, is there any real difference in the durability of the seams between their suits at different price points? In other words, can I pay for a more durable suit? Mine is definitely “entry level,” but I’m a little disappointed that it’s failing like this after only three seasons. I love the fit of my suit, but am wondering whether its replacement should be a different brand.
3 seasons of heavy use is not too bad for an entry level wetsuit.
To answer question number 1: everything break eventually, and yes, the seams are the next weak link in the chain. They will fail before the suit material.
Big question, I suppose, is how quickly the seams will start to go at this point. I’ve only got two more races this season, and would like to be able to nurse the suit along until the end. Just don’t want the thing to blow apart right before I hit the water.
You could get the seams doublestitched. Take it to an upholstery shop and see what they’d recommend, for a heavy duty solution. Or, to the neighborhood cleaners that does alterations and see if they can reinforce the seams where the glue has failed. Make sure they understand the possibility of chafing to minimize the risk of occurrence.
Stop whining and get a new suit
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I’d bet a scuba shop could help you reglue (or stitch better) i’d take it there first…