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I've got an old "shortie" that has a rip in it, so I replaced it with a new full length. However, a seam failed on the new one on the first outing and was subsequently replaced FOC, with the new one being sent within 2 days to my holiday accommodation (Big Up! to Twowetfeet).
So now I have 3 suits. A new one, an old one with a rip and a scrap one. Could the ruined one be cannibalised to patch the "shortie", or is sewing a patch to something like a wetsuit not going to work?
How big is the rip - blackwitch or similar glues are quite good at meaning small tears.
It's more of a pull along one of the seams around the zip. 20mm perhaps.
EDIT
Just Googled "Black Witch". Think I'll chop the damaged suit and make a few patches.
Blackwitch should do it, I've repaired a 6" gash in my swimming suit successfully with it (put hand through taking if off on a cold day). Looks a tad messy but still does the job. Absolutely stinks and is very "stringy" so do it outside if possible and not over something you're precious about.
Also repaired a seam on a suit I bought split, last one in my size, 10 minutes with blackwitch and you can't tell. Worth 10 minutes of my time for the discount the shop gave me! Glued the seam together with the compund and stuck one of the patches down the seam on the inside and works perfectly.
Personally, I’d keep the suits as they are and buy some neoprene patches. A shorty is always useful.
Aquasure glue is excellent on neoprene too. Will be stronger than the neoprene
Personally, I’d keep the suits as they are and buy some neoprene patches. A shorty is always useful.
The Shortie is going to get repaired. The damaged new one is going to get chopped for patches.
If you want to get it repaired properly, Bodyline wetsuits in Newquay are brilliant. They do mail order repairs. I tripped over and ripped a hole in the knee of a brand new winter suit. They removed the old panel and replaced it; good as new. Reasonably priced as well.
If Alpkit can't do it, there's a good bunch down in Torquay that do great wetsuit repairs. Friends have had their swim wetsuits fixed by them, good stuff.
But as per others, black witch as a 1st port of call.
I've also used Aquasure on kayaking stuff like spray decks. Very strong, but stiffer than using.BW, so just be aware in case the location may make the next bit further along fail next.
A lady close to here runs Snowdonia gear repair. She repairs wetsuits and allnsorts of outdoor clothing for MRT etc.
She is Rosanna and her little repair place is https://www.snowdoniagearrepair.co.uk/
Ian
Trouble with using patches made from existing suit is the thickness. Good for worn knee pads and bum (stuck inside) but less so for hingey areas. Black Witch can be got in a kit with thin repair material which is better.
Aquasure and Blackwitxh both good glues. For any sizeable repair I’d also reccomend blind stitching (I.E. sew the sides together but don’t go all the way though).
If you buy Blackwitch store what is left in the freezer for the next repair. It lasts years like that!