Should I store a drysuit with the completely closed zipper?

[Linke Seitentasche]

I leave the zipper open during storage (i.e. hanger) so that moisture can exit the suit more easily.

I do not permanently close the zipper for storage, I believe having it open is beneficial to the life expectancy of the sealing surface, but I have no proof for this. Obviously it increases the risk of dust and dirt buildup. Choose your poison.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I leave the zipper open during storage (i.e. hanger) so that moisture can exit the suit more easily.

I do not permanently close the zipper for storage, I believe having it open is beneficial to the life expectancy of the sealing surface, but I have no proof for this. Obviously it increases the risk of dust and dirt buildup. Choose your poison.

That sounds logical, but in the linked-to pdf above the manufacturer of the OP’s zipper, TiZip, apparently recommends storing it fully closed. I suspect whether to store open or closed differs among zippers.

 

[Peter Slater]

I have a zipper cover and compromise that the cover is closed and the zipper is open. I figure that this gives the best of both worlds.

 

[VE7DAC]

I have a zipper cover and compromise that the cover is closed and the zipper is open. I figure that this gives the best of both worlds.

I do the same with my Fusion suit. The inner metal zipper stays open after rinsing, and I close the protective outer plastic zipper. That way the metal zipper doesn't get crimped, stressed, or pinched.

 

[Storker]

The manufacturer says to close the zipper completely:

"Store TIZIP® zippers properly lubricated and with slider completely docked/closed."

Do they give a reason for their recommendation?

 

[lexvil]

Do they give a reason for their recommendation?

To help prevent kinks.

 

[Storker]

To help prevent kinks.

Thanks. Which means that when I'm opening the zipper on my suit to prevent it from getting stale inside when it's hanging quietly on its hanger, I'm not doing something seriously wrong.

 

[W W Meixner]

I have been doing exactly this--closed except for the final docking--but it does seem contrary to the instructions from TiZip posted above. Those instructions do not seem to distinguish between long-term "storage" and short-term "transport."

L...

I agree...I have two suits...one with a brass zipper...one with a TIZIP...They're both stored open...the brass zipper stored well lubed...the TIZIP stored dry with the exception of the docking link which is lubed with the included TIZIP lubricant...the docking link on TIZIP zippers is soft and delicate and will imprint very easily...

I'm of the opinion that dive gear zippers like most things with soft sealing surfaces stored sealed/closed/tightened will imprint...decreasing the surface thickness of the matching sealing surfaces...which will eventually result in leaks...

Most of the time...manufacturers are not the best source for information on how to make their products last...

Best...

Warren

 

[Lorenzoid]

. . .
I'm of the opinion that dive gear zippers like most things with soft sealing surfaces stored sealed/closed/tightened will imprint...decreasing the surface thickness of the matching sealing surfaces...which will eventually result in leaks...

I agree. Same logic as o-rings: don't store in a compressed state.

Most of the time...manufacturers are not the best source for information on how to make their products last...

If true, that's truly sad. In my imagination, a manufacturer runs his product through tests intended to determine how best to maintain it. Of course, a cynic might wonder whether a manufacturer has a certain lifespan as a goal and doesn't mind if the consumer has to replace the product at that time. Whether the product could have been kept in good shape for longer than that, had it been more optimally maintained, may not be of concern to the manufacturer.

 

[W W Meixner]

I agree. Same logic as o-rings: don't store in a compressed state.



If true, that's truly sad. In my imagination, a manufacturer runs his product through tests intended to determine how best to maintain it. Of course, a cynic might wonder whether a manufacturer has a certain lifespan as a goal and doesn't mind if the consumer has to replace the product at that time. Whether the product could have been kept in good shape for longer than that, had it been more optimally maintained, may not be of concern to the manufacturer.

Some cynics would be right...vintage dive gear being used and displayed on SB is a simple example...with proper care/service/maintenance...50/60 year old items that should have long since expired are still like new...this was never the manufacturers intention...manufacturers have no desire to build products that last indefinitely...

Come up to Ontario and look at a typical Dodge Ram pick-up that has seen three Canadian winters...and look at the baseball size holes rotted through the rear quarters...Chrysler could prevent this premature deterioration if they wanted to...but they don't...

Sad yes...true yes...is it going to improve...don't think so...

W...