Replace old dry suit latex even if little used?

Fauvel · Post by **Fauvel** » Tue May 19, 2009 5:55 pm

Hello,

I am wondering if Dry-Suits latex gaskets become more fragile with
time even if you do not use the dry often and rarely use
sunscreen or bug repellant.

I use my dry-suit less than 5 days a year (around Montreal it is
usually either too cold or too hot, i use it in short transition
periods). I treat the latex with 303 regularly. Can't remember
when i bought it but it is at least 8 years old.

I ripped one wrist gasket and wonder if i should change both as well
as the neck gasket.

Thanks,

Sylvain

Yukon · Post by **Yukon** » Tue May 19, 2009 6:19 pm

well think of it like this? We all know that gaskets rip. What is the conquence of it ripping? Will it ruin in your day and stop you from paddling? Is so I would replace them both. they do get brittle. I hve heard storing them in an airtight container helps keep them fresh. I wish they would last forever...

ezwater · Post by **ezwater** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:06 pm

Some claim that gaskets can be over-treated with 303, which can make them tear more easily.

Larry Horne · Post by **Larry Horne** » Tue May 19, 2009 11:46 pm

8 gasket years is like 340 human years. I can't believe they lasted that long! I would change em all.

Fauvel · Post by **Fauvel** » Wed May 20, 2009 1:54 pm

Understood. It's gonna be all new gaskets.

Maybe replacing latex foot by gore-tex ones too.

Thanks,

Sylvain

Carol · Post by **Carol** » Fri May 22, 2009 4:04 am

gortex booties are worth the money...toasty warm toes