Brand new wetsuit... Torn after first use

[Rmichaelson86]

Hey guys,
I purchased a brand new Picasso Yazbeck suit about 5 days ago for about $500 (two piece, built in hood)http://www.picassoamerica.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2_23&products_id=179

Keep in mind I am very very new to freediving. I went out into the ocean (I live in Monterey) several days ago for the first time with the suit, and it worked great. I was warm, comfortable, it appears to be a great suit. I used lubricant to ease in/out of the suit...

When I took the suit off I noticed several small tears. There are two tears on the hood of the suit, where my forehead meets the suit. One tear is about 3/4 inch, the other is about 1/2 inch. The interior of the suit is a silvery color, and there is one tiny tear here also, but it does not extend through to the surface. Also, if I look at the front of the suit I notice several "indentations", like the neoprene was compressed or something.

What do I do about this? Are these flaws common? Did I cause the suit to tear? Based on the pictures I have seen advertising this suit, I imagine I can stick my head through the opening on the hood, am I incorrect? If so I would be at fault.

A Picasso representative said that I should glue the suit using Picasso glue, and stitch it up. Will this work? How should I handle the situation? Wetsuit repair shop?

I really appreciate it,
Ryan

 

[Fondueset]

Did you use lube to put the suit on? Sometimes not enough lube can result in small tears in open cell suits - as can grabbing it too hard with fingernails.
Dents can result from storage.

I've gotten a few tears in that size range in my elios suit particularly when I first got it. Looks like the same material or close to it. They were around the neck, cuffs and lower part of the jacket. Caused by inexperienced grabbage and not enough lube. All easily repaired with neoprene cement. Sounds like maybe you grabbed the hood at the top front to pull it back? A certain amount of this is normal wear in an open cell suit. You realy have to watch the finger and toenails.

I wouldn't worry about the indentations. From what you are describing my call would be it's inexperience - and quite minor damage.

 

[Rmichaelson86]

I did lube up before I suited up, maybe I didn't use enough.. I'll use more the next time around. I didn't grip the suit from the hood to pull it down over my body.

You said dents can result from the way the suit is stored.. What do you mean? I used the suit, noticed them immediately, rinsed the suit, let it dry, and set it flat on the floor..

Should I purchase the picasso wetsuit glue? Is there anything specific that you would recommend to repair this, I have never done it before?

A wetsuit company, Express Wetsuit Repair, is recommending that I send the wetsuit to them to have the face shield replaced and reinforced for around $40... Is that something to consider? She says I won't have a problem like this again.

Thanks

 

[Fondueset]

I'm not sure what kind of tears you are describing but I just use aqua seal - standard neoprene glue available in any dive shop. Other folks with more experience might have other suggestions.

 

[roy_nexus_6]

Ryan,
As Fondueset said, watch your fingernails and toenails. They are usually the cause for the majority of the small tears. As for indentations in the neoprene, most of the suits that have been shipped have a few small ones.

I use Aquaseal to repair my Picasso suits. However I hear that Picasso neoprene glue is really good as well, but a bit pricy.

Last but not least, don't skimp on lube. A few cents in hair-conditioner (thats what I use) will go a long way in preserving $500 you have invested in to the wetsuits.