lanky said...
But all of the bloody modern wetsuits only last 1-2 years...
I've had my excel O.S. zip (4:3) 4 years now, and it still looks almost new. The first 3.5 years it was getting sailed in 2-3 times a week in salt water. Still toasty warm, and no leaks or tears.
Sure, it was more expensive than some of the offerings that were around at the time, but without a dirty great beer gut to fill out the space around the midsection I couldn't find a single one that fitted as well around the lower back.
Despite all the fear and misinformation around about the longevity of stretchy neoprene I am still extremely happy with my choice, and imagine that it'll be another couple of years before I'm looking for a new one. The only thing I'd change from new would be some velcro straps around the ankles, but they are easily added after the fact, and boots have the same effect.
I'd be very unhappy if I bought a new wetsuit and it only lasted 1-2 years, and would definitely be investigating other brands!