Kokatat G-tex drysuit question...

I was out fishing Harriet Lake yesterday and took a swim (no Huli, I was retrieving a snagged lure).  Although the upper body of the suit filled up nicely with air like a pfd, I noticed when I got out, my crotch was starting to feel a little chilled. It appeared the zipper had a slow leak.  Nothing that I feel would be life threatening if I needed to stay in the water for a long period of time, but for the price of the suit, i was a little disappointed.  The suit is a couple years old and is supposed to have a good warranty (lifetime??).  My question is: If I contact Kokatat will they repair it, or say no receipt- no warranty work?

-Thanks

Craig

Oh, and I got my lure back plus a couple others along with the test of the dry suit.

The relief zipper should have sealed the water out if you are sure it was closed all the way. If its a few years old and after you have used the zipper enough times it is probably due for a re-waxing.

Erik

One thing to check on all watertight zippers.  You should fill the "gap" at the end of the zipper with a touch of Vaseline.

-Allen

The relief zipper should have sealed the water out if you are sure it was closed all the way. If its a few years old and after you have used the zipper enough times it is probably due for a re-waxing.

Erik

One thing to check on all watertight zippers.  You should fill the "gap" at the end of the zipper with a touch of Vaseline.

-Allen

Thanks for the quick replies, guys.  I was going to try re-waxing next.  I didn't have any with me at the time.  In fact, I was using the dry suit as waders while I was fly-fishing.  My Father-in-law had my waders.   I went for the swim because I snagged some idiots 20 lb test (about 30 feet of it) they broke off on an under water stump.  Beats me why someone would need 20 lb test in a lake/stream that only holds rainbow, cutthroat, German brown, and bull trout.  It was in chest deep water and I figured I could yank it out so no kids got tangled in it if they were swimming.  Again, it wasn't much water and it was at the relief zipper, so I bet wax and Vaseline would do the trick.  I guess that is one more thing to remember to throw in the drybag with the sunblock.

Kokatat Goretex has lifetime warranty---your life, that is.

Kokatat Goretex has lifetime warranty---your life, that is.

I think it usually more accurate to say the lifetime of the company. I've worked for companies that had a pretty limited lifespan.

And the one thing they had in common was employing me ?

Craig, congrats on actually finding fishing gear instead of loosing it. 

Sherm, are you saying you're the independent variable???

Sherm, are you saying you're the independent variable???

I'm not going to say that, but some of my co-workers have. 

Of course, most of those co-workers have the same experiences. The world of small manufacturing companies is pretty tough at times!

The relief zipper should have sealed the water out if you are sure it was closed all the way. If its a few years old and after you have used the zipper enough times it is probably due for a re-waxing.

Erik

One thing to check on all watertight zippers.  You should fill the "gap" at the end of the zipper with a touch of Vaseline.

-Allen

Thanks for the quick replies, guys.  I was going to try re-waxing next.  I didn't have any with me at the time.  In fact, I was using the dry suit as waders while I was fly-fishing.  My Father-in-law had my waders.   I went for the swim because I snagged some idiots 20 lb test (about 30 feet of it) they broke off on an under water stump.  Beats me why someone would need 20 lb test in a lake/stream that only holds rainbow, cutthroat, German brown, and bull trout.  It was in chest deep water and I figured I could yank it out so no kids got tangled in it if they were swimming.  Again, it wasn't much water and it was at the relief zipper, so I bet wax and Vaseline would do the trick.  I guess that is one more thing to remember to throw in the drybag with the sunblock.

I don't think wax is for waterproofing.  It is a lubricant, not a sealant, and meant to make the zipper zip more easily.

From Kokatat

Broken zippers cannot be repaired but can be replaced. This work may be performed only by Kokatat at our factory; if you feel your zipper has been damaged, please contact Customer Service to obtain a Return Authorization Number (RA#).

Kokatat’s TROPOS dry suits are supplied with TiZip® entry and relief zippers. This watersports zipper is effectively waterproof for surface watersports. All GORE-TEX® dry suits are supplied with a metal tooth Optiseal zipper, which has larger teeth and is factory tested to be completely waterproof to 20 feet.

The zipper is one of the most sensitive component of your dry suit. Avoid aggressive pulling, and NEVER force a jammed zipper. Keep sand and dirt out of the zipper teeth and the closing end. Clean it occasionally with mild soap, water and a toothbrush. Lubricate the zipper with a light coat of paraffin, beeswax or a zipper lube product. A dab of Vaseline in the closing end improves sealing. Make sure you read the instructions on your garment's hangtag before use!

-Allen

You are absolutely right Allen. I didn't mean to infer the wax was the reason for the leakage. The wax has more to do with trapping sand or grit in after a while than keeping it out. CLEANLINESS is what I am told.

Erik

BTW, I personally believe every drysuit should be sent in for servicing at least every couple years, if not every year.  You'd be amazed at the number of  pinholes that get repaired.  The cost is like $15-25 at Kokatat, more if you need gaskets or zippers replaced.  They'll pressure test your suit and repair any leaks in the fabric that they find.   They'll likely give you feedback on the zipper too as it would leak during pressure testing.

-Allen

BTW, I personally believe every drysuit should be sent in for servicing at least every couple years, if not every year.  You'd be amazed at the number of  pinholes that get repaired.  The cost is like $15-25 at Kokatat, more if you need gaskets or zippers replaced.  They'll pressure test your suit and repair any leaks in the fabric that they find.   They'll likely give you feedback on the zipper too as it would leak during pressure testing.

-Allen

Thank you very much for the info Allen.  I may send it in soon.  I hope to use it a few more times this fall first, but $15-25 is very reasonable.  I will try the vaseline this weekend.