Why Latex for gaskets on drywear?

Howdy all,

About to drop some real money and buy a drysuit.  I'm torn between the NRS Mission and the Kokatat Meridian.  On one side, I am a total eVent convert, and so the NRS suit satisfies my need for the latest and greatest fabric.  On the other hand, the NRS color choices are unbelievable - dull yellow and grey with white piping?

Okay, I'll probably flip a coin and most likely be happy with whatever I buy.  on to my question.

Why Latex rubber for suit gaskets?  Why not silicone or Nitrile?

For me, the concern about latex is the speed at which is deteriorates when exposed to UV, and its vulnerability to organic solvents (as well as the potential for allergic reactions to it).

Some companies like Extrasport and Kokatat make drysuits/drytops with a snug neoprene neck instead of the latex.  They aren't quite as water tight, but the minor trickly you might get really isn't that big of a deal.

Brian

Kokatat recommends that you use the formula 303 to help increase the life of the latex gaskets... 

Some companies like Extrasport and Kokatat make drysuits/drytops with a snug neoprene neck instead of the latex.  They aren't quite as water tight, but the minor trickly you might get really isn't that big of a deal.

Brian

I "tested" just how water proof that neoprene neck gasket on my SuperNova Angler drysuit this last weekend on my little surf odyssey. I took about 3-4 waves and I was still dry underneath. For you wrists I'd definitely go w/ the latex but for the neck, GO NEOPRENE!!

Z

Kokatat recommends that you use the formula 303 to help increase the life of the latex gaskets... 

Right, 303 is a great thing to use to protect rubbers and plastics, but why not go over to using tougher materials?  Silicone rubber can be formulated to be as or more flexible than latex, has a higher temperature range, and is solvent resistant.

Undoubtedly, latex is being used for economic reasons and a proven track record - latex rubber is less expensive to produce, is probably easier on the environment overall (being a natural rubber), and with proper care a recreational user probably wouldn't see a noticeable difference between it and tougher stuff.

I think I am overthinking this

I "tested" just how water proof that neoprene neck gasket on my SuperNova Angler drysuit this last weekend on my little surf odyssey. I took about 3-4 waves and I was still dry underneath. For you wrists I'd definitely go w/ the latex but for the neck, GO NEOPRENE!!

Z

I second that...

Man I love my SuperNova Angler!

Silicone may be harder to attach to fabric with glues, as it seems to have some level of nonstick to it. 

BTW - Who sells this 303 locally (Portland-Forest Grove area)?  I need to pick some up for my NRS dry top.

BTW - Who sells this 303 locally (Portland-Forest Grove area)?  I need to pick some up for my NRS dry top.

I use to buy it at Joes, I just recently got some at Fisherman's...

Here is a search locator... http://www.wheretobuy303.com/index.php?tab=US

BTW - Who sells this 303 locally (Portland-Forest Grove area)?  I need to pick some up for my NRS dry top.

Fisherman's, West Marine, Andy and Bax, Next Adventure, maybe REI.

BTW - Who sells this 303 locally (Portland-Forest Grove area)?  I need to pick some up for my NRS dry top.

Fisherman's, West Marine, Andy and Bax, Next Adventure, maybe REI.

Sweet!  Give's me an excuse to go shopping at the "fun" stores.  Maybe some other stuff will fall in my cart and I won't notice it until after I'm home.   

I think I am overthinking this

Yep



I've got a ripped latex neck gasket from the last fish dance (ask somebody else ) and if I were buying a new suit it would most definitely be neoprene. Waaaay more comfortable and it should last much longer. As verified by Zee, I'm sure its water tight enuf unless your diving in it.

take it from me. sunscreen will kill a latex gaskett in a matter of days. mine are all gooey and sticky at the moment.

I prefer "seal saver" over 303. it's a latex lube and UV protector. 303 works good too, but seal saver is specific to latex.

Silicone may be harder to attach to fabric with glues, as it seems to have some level of nonstick to it. 

BTW - Who sells this 303 locally (Portland-Forest Grove area)?  I need to pick some up for my NRS dry top.

http://www.aldercreek.com

I think I am overthinking this

Yep



I've got a ripped latex neck gasket from the last fish dance (ask somebody else ) and if I were buying a new suit it would most definitely be neoprene. Waaaay more comfortable and it should last much longer. As verified by Zee, I'm sure its water tight enuf unless your diving in it.

So when the latex neck seal on my NRS finally gives up, is switching to Neoprene an option?  Although I get use to the latex after a few hours, it does bug the snot out of me in the beginning of the day. 

I couldn't find anybody to do it (including Mt Soles). So I'm going experimental on it. But that project got tabled as its tooo hot for a drysuit here.