Essential Maintenance for Maximum Performance and Longevity How to Care for Your SCS or OPENCELL Wetsuit
SCS (Super Composite Skin) wetsuits feature an ultra-smooth outer coating that reduces drag in the water, making them ideal for freediving and spearfishing. OPENCELL wetsuits have a raw neoprene interior that clings directly to the skin, offering superior warmth and flexibility. Both types deliver high performance but require careful handling to maintain their benefits.
All our SCS and Open Cell wetsuits are made from premium Yamamoto neoprene, which requires careful handling to maintain flexibility and performance.
Proper use and maintenance are essential to extend the life of your wetsuit and ensure top performance in the water. Follow these care guidelines to protect your investment:
Avoid Friction and Scratches
SCS and OPENCELL surfaces are soft and delicate, with limited resistance to wear. Keep your wetsuit away from hard or sharp objects, and be mindful of your nails when putting it on. Avoid rubbing against rocks, coral, sand, or shipwrecks. For training sessions, wearing a rashguard over your wetsuit adds an extra layer of protection for the ultra-smooth surface.
Protect from Sunlight and Chemicals
These advanced rubber materials are sensitive to environmental damage. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause deterioration, while contact with corrosive liquids may lead to brittleness, cracking, and loss of elasticity. Always dry your wetsuit in the shade, never under direct sun.
Use with Care
Do not overstretch your wetsuit while putting it on, as this may cause tears or peeling of printed designs. A simple trick is to use shower gel or a wetsuit lubricant on both your body and the inside of the suit—this makes entry smooth and stress-free. After every dive, rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water and allow it to dry naturally in a shaded, ventilated area.
What NOT to Do
Never machine wash your wetsuit. Do not use bleach, detergents, or harsh chemicals. Do not iron or dry clean your wetsuit. Do not tumble dry. These practices will damage the delicate neoprene material, SCS coating, and OPENCELL structure, causing irreversible harm to performance and longevity.
Understand Normal Characteristics
When new, some wetsuits may show slight oil residue on the SCS surface, or minor variations in color and texture. These are natural results of the production process and do not affect performance.
Store Properly
Always hang your wetsuit on a wide, smooth hanger or rack. Store it with the fabric side out whenever possible, and avoid folding or stacking heavy items on top. Long-term compression can reduce flexibility, elasticity, and thermal insulation.
Know the Service Life
All diving wetsuits are made from rubber materials that naturally degrade over time. With use, the metallic coating on SCS surfaces will gradually wear away due to friction. This is normal. Monitor your wetsuit's condition and replace it when necessary to ensure maximum comfort, performance, and safety.