How long should a wetsuit hold up for?

Swimming
1

I have an Orca Vitalis Shorty wetsuit that I bought in March 2024. I use it for OWS training when the water temp is a bit too warm for a full suit.

I reckon I’ve done max 30 hours swimming in it. The stripes on one shoulder have worn away and today I noticed there is also a small hole. Wondering if I send this in under warranty, they are going to say it is normal wear and tear?

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Also, I stood in front of the mirror and mimicking swim stroke, I can’t get this area of the suit to really rub on anything.

2

That looks like normal wear and tear.

If it fits good, is comfortable and is not letting too much water in, get the little patches or glue and do some work to repair the little holes. It could last ages as a nice training suit.

Ive heard of some Aussie racers who have their wetsuits from back in the late 90s and 00s (these guys really liked the QR suits from then which had more 5mm panels) and they have patched it, and patched it, and patched it over and over, and it still gets the job done

2 Likes
3

I think they’d say normal wear and tear too. But I’m not impressed with how little use it has had.

4

My DeSoto T1 Black Pearl top is now about 18 years old, and seems in near-new condition. One of the straps on the bib has a (non-repairable) tear in it.

5

Yeah, I won’t be buying Orca again. As well as the fast wear, the Velcro on the neck and zip-leash are really aggressive and stick to the inside of the suit when removing it, pulling all the fibres on the inside. Their customer service is also terrible.

Unfortunately there is a lack of shorty wetsuits available for swimming in cool waters.

6

Same here

DeSoto wetsuits last for ever. Even with lots and lots of hours of use in chlorinated pool

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7

I have a sleeveless QR that I bought in 1998. I am very gentle with the neck closure, but I still wear it.

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8

The orange section doesn’t feel water-repellent to me, so I’d probably choose another brand.

9

To be honest there isn’t a better alternative, I’ve searched for hours, unless going for a SwimRun front zip suit.

There are a couple of sleeveless shorties, but sleeveless chafes the top of my shoulders.

Actually thinking of getting a full suit and having the arms and legs cut. Not sure if that’d work.

10

I think that is the dream scenario, to cut them yourself, but in practice it is more expsniv than worth it. Have you tried putting some kind of vaseline on your shoudlers before using your current suit? Otherwise you can get nasty rashes

11

You were one of the people I was talking about!! Respect

12

I’d say it really depends on how often you’re using it and how well you take care of it. Things like rinsing with fresh water, avoiding too much sun exposure, and careful storage can make a big difference. I’ve seen some wetsuits last 5+ years with regular use, while others start showing wear after just a season if they’re not looked after. The material and brand also play a role in how long they hold up.