The zipper is no doubt the most important part of any drysuit. You can come up with the best drysuit in the market, yet if you do not use the suitable type of zipper, the drysuit’s ability to keep out the water out will end up compromised.
Considering that the main purpose of a drysuit is to offer environmental protection for the wearer through providing thermal insulation as well as through preventing water from getting inside the drysuit, it is the zipper that ensures that the overall quality of the drysuit is not affected and that the environment of the wearer also remains properly protected at the same time.
Different Types of Zippers for Drysuits
There are two basic types of drysuit zippers being used in the market today and these are the metal and plastic drysuit zippers. This classification primarily pertains to the material from which the zipper teeth have been made. This doesn’t necessarily refer to the entire composition of the zipper itself.
It is also important to note that the zipper teeth are not the ones responsible for keeping the drysuit watertight and instead, it is the job of the rubber or plastic sealing which they pull together once the zipper is closed and lock into one another.
But, the sealing material used in drysuit zippers is so narrow that this might be considered unimportant at first glance. It is the main reason why the material that makes up the teeth is the key distinctive factor for the different types of zippers for drysuits.
Key Differences between Plastic and Metal Drysuit Zippers
The two main types of zippers for drysuits have different characteristics and qualities that may help you reach your decision to choose one over the other.
The metal drysuit zippers are made from materials such as bronze that is ideal thanks to its anti-corrosive properties responsible for making them more hard-wearing. However, their teeth are smaller and more closely arranged that makes them more prone to jamming from tiny sand particles. These are also more rigid and more rugged which then requires greater effort for them to work.
On the other hand, plastic drysuit zippers are relatively lighter in weight and are also more flexible and this makes them easier and more comfortable to operate. These are also less prone to damage, unlike the metal drysuit zippers.
Tips for Buying
When trying to choose between the two primary types of drysuit zippers, there are several key factors you will need to consider including their durability, reliability, ease of use, as well as the level of comfort of the drysuit itself. The recommended zipper must also have the ability keep out the water and preferably outlive the drysuit.
The plastic and metal drysuit zippers are both generally reliable. Plastic drysuit zippers offer the benefit of being easier to operate and improving the creation of a more comfortable drysuit compared to the metal ones. But, with proper maintenance, the metal drysuit zippers tend to last much longer compared to plastic drysuit zippers.
Visit https://www.zippershipper.com/zipper-chain-by-the-yard for zippers perfect for drysuits and other garments.
