wetsuit lifespan

[ashtheflash]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knows how long an elios smoothskin/open cell wetsuit, Heiwa medium density, would retain its stretchability after 1 year of keeping it in the locker.
Mine seems to have lost its elastic properties, since I tried it last week and had problems with it breathing up, as well as tightness around the neck area, and shortness of breath after the dive only to 75% of maximum.
Do wetsuits have to be given up yearly, whether you use them or not?!

 

[Bill McIntyre]

I don't know about the Elios, but I just got 6 years out of a JMJ open cell wetsuit. While I may have expanded a bit, it had not lost any of its elasticity. I finally replaced it because the seams were getting harder to repair.

 

[dave]

If a wetsuit isn't used for a while the neoprene will often seem to stiffen and lose some elasticity, but I think at least some of this is usually due to "user expansion" in the intervening period All my wetsuits seem to shrink in the waist area over the winter!
cheers
dave
www.spearo.co.uk

 

[ashtheflash]

I do understand about user expansion:vangry ,but not in this case.And what about the neck area. After training,I has some discomfort around the chest for a few days.Is it possible that with usage, the suit will regain its elasticity, or its become a throwaway

 

[Marwan]

ashod,
did you try to email elios?
sounds a bit strange, i had an oneil (scuba wetsuit) that stiffed up after 10 years of use... 1 year definitely doesnt sound right,
did you put on some weight all those sweets then you blame elios ill call you tonight to joke about this some more