that wetsuit discussion...

[Animal_Chin]

So I just bought a 2013 flashbomb 4/3 ($480 20% off rrp).

Good suit, warm, chest zip is easier than I thought it would be.

On the inside it says that it should be washed with 'Piss Off' wetsuit detergent. Anyone ever use a detergent on their wetty?

Is there a home made alternative?

[pinhead]

So I just bought a 2013 flashbomb 4/3 ($480 20% off rrp).

Good suit, warm, chest zip is easier than I thought it would be.

On the inside it says that it should be washed with 'Piss Off' wetsuit detergent. Anyone ever use a detergent on their wetty?

Is there a home made alternative?

https://vimeo.com/8962674

[BA]

Is there a home made alternative?

Water?

[Animal_Chin]

Is there a home made alternative?

Water?

er...

[tootr]

Question for the flash bomb people, is that lined area that really thick stuff.?

Reason I ask is my soon to be retired winter suit is the older 3/2 F bomb which is plenty warm but has that huge thick fireskin pad from the chest down to the knees, and I'd prefer a little more flex than the F.

So I'm wavering between an E bomb or the flash?

[swvic]

Wore my 4/3 Flash Bomb for the 1st time yesterday. If anything, it's slightly tighter than my old E Bomb, but I wouldn't want to go up a size. Felt great. Warm, flexible and yes, it did feel dry after 15 mins

Only neg is the key stash. Old wettie had a loop and zip, this has a loop and flap and my key dangled loose after a fall. Not serious waves either. Fail on that one RC

Edit: Didn't check pinhead's vid link, but I wash mine out at the end of each season in wettie wash from the local dive shop. Cheaper than piss off and prob the same stuff. In season, fresh water water does a good job

[Animal_Chin]

Another benefit of the f-bomb is how slick that lining is. Legs go through real easy.

So will normal detergent (kitchen or laundry) destroy a wettie? I thought it would but that vid suggests otherwise.

[swvic]

Yeah, just had a look. Reckon if I was going that way, I'd go the wool wash. Key is the rinse no matter what you use

Agree with the bootie thing too. Even after the wettie wash at the end of last winter, they remained a bit rank. Smell of wet booties in the car is one of the worst things about winter. Anyone who doesn't know, gets in your car and they're thinking you piss your pants daily and never wash

[Beanpole]

Very eye catching clip there a chin
So soaking the wetsuit in water for 15-20 mins doesn't get all the salt out?
You would have to be crazy to chuck a wetsuit in a washing machine I reckon
but I work with someone who does wash all her husbands and adult sons wetsuits
so it does happen.

Mine gets a good rinse when I leave it on the line and it rains.

[alakaboo]

wetsuit cement works well.
Follow the instructions. If it is on a bit that stretches, put in more than you think you need.

[Davros]

rubber cement is good to use but its nasty crap chemically wise, handle with care. My wetsuits disintegrate after 2 seasons, i hang them in the laundry with a washer and dryer I'm wondering if the chemicals from the detergent and the humidity of the dryer eat the lining somehow.

[Beanpole]

probably the heat more than anything i'd reckon.

[Davros]

probably right beanpole, I treat them like old tea towels.

[ajohnsen]

So, the Buell I bought a couple of seasons ago. Bit disappointed. Ticks all the boxes with the exception of longevity; I certainly don't give it a caning and I do look after it. It's starting to fill up a bit.

What's the word on Triple X?

[Moore]

Bought a BodyGlove suit for the first time years last winter, a Vapor 5/3 slantzip.

Hands down, the warmest suit I have had in 25yrs, really impressed. Bit of a fiddle getting in and out, but worth it.

Materials are really high end... Kinda freaky shiny spaceage rubber, really light and soft.

Only downside is that it is so warm and dry that it (and me, as a result) has started to really reek of stale sweat... Nice

[Beanpole]

Okay I admit it I'm a cheapskate. Consequently I find it very hard to pay more for a wetsuit than is absolutely necessary and my question is about bottom of the range wetsuits.

Had two billabong foils now cause I like the fit. Second one way better ergonomically than the first but has packed it in big time after one year. So I'm thinking about getting an O'neill Reactor or similar.
The trouble is I've got an O'Neill springy which is not in the same league design wise as the bong but is as tough as an old boot strength wise. I don't want to go backwards in comfort but I want a hard wearing cheap wetsuit. Any suggestions other than spending more money?

[alakaboo]

Peak

[ajohnsen]

Triple X?