Investing in a high-quality drysuit is an investment in your diving comfort and safety. At LEOTITE, we know that the performance of a drysuit often comes down to its most technical component: the zipper. Whether your suit is equipped with a CR Metal Airtight Zipper or a Resin Airtight Zipper, proper maintenance is the secret to making your gear last for years.
Here are the essential “Do’s and Don’ts” for drysuit care:
1. The Golden Rule of Zippers
The zipper is the most expensive part of your suit to replace. To protect your CR Metal Airtight Zipper or Resin Airtight Zipper:
- Don’t rush the close: Ensure the suit is completely on and positioned correctly before zipping.
- The Buddy System: Even with self-donning suits, ask your buddy to operate the zipper. This ensures a straight, smooth pull without unnecessary torque.
- Avoid the “Drag”: Never pull on the very end of the zipper tape. When removing sleeves, have your buddy hold the wrist seal firmly while you pull your arm back—this prevents stress on the zipper’s docking end.
2. Washing & Hygiene
After a day in the water, your suit needs more than just a quick rinse.
- Skip the Shower: Don’t just stand under a shower head. Instead, take the suit off and give it a thorough “slosh” in a tub of fresh water.
- Use Specialized Wash: Always use a dedicated wetsuit/drysuit wash. These are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.
- The “Never” List: NEVER use bleach, never use a washing machine, and NEVER put your suit in a dryer. Heat and harsh chemicals are the enemies of airtight seals.
3. Smart Drying & Storage
Gravity can be a drysuit’s enemy when it’s heavy and wet.
- Waist-Hang Only: Never hang a wet suit by the shoulders on a standard hanger; the weight will stretch and damage the material. Instead, drape it over a thick pipe or a wide rod from the waist.
- Stay in the Shade: Always dry your suit in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Direct UV rays degrade both the fabric and the specialized Resin Airtight Zipper teeth.
- Storage: Ensure the suit is 100% dry—inside and out—before bagging it. Store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid the car boot or a damp garage floor.
4. Seal & Seam Maintenance
- Latex Care: If your suit uses latex seals, only use unscented talc or approved lubricants.
- Precision Trimming: If you need to trim a neck seal, cut one ring at a time. Even a tiny nick can lead to a full tear mid-dive.
- Repair Early: If you notice a seam unravelling or minor damage, fix it immediately. If the fabric begins to delaminate, the repair cost will skyrocket.
At Suzhou Leotite Industry Co., Ltd (LEOTITE), we provide the hardware that keeps you dry. Our CR Metal Airtight Zippers offer rugged durability for professional use, while our Resin Airtight Zippers provide the perfect balance of flexibility and high-pressure resistance for recreational enthusiasts. Take care of your zipper, and it will take care of you!