Can anybody provide me with some advice/direction. A mate has given me his old Flashbomb as its only been worn a few times (although he's had it for about 18 months) and he is headed to warmer waters.

The outside is in virtually new condition, but for some reason all the E3 taping on the inside is screwed (not sure what he's done to it), and the seams are really rough against your skin and uncomfortable. Is there anything I can do to soften them up or will I need to get the suit re-taped?

If re-taping is the only option is it easy to do yourself or would I need to stump up the $171 that RipCurl charge?

Thanks in advance for any advice

Sorry to sound like a broken record, but, Sikaflex!

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Buster fin said..
Sorry to sound like a broken record, but, Sikaflex!

I guess I should add, you've seen the 'liquid seals' or some such on oniels et al?, that's what you're going for. A nice thick seam. Not so thick that it'll pull itself away though. It's a tricky balance.
Bonus hint: do sections at a time.
BBonus hint: use gladwrap cut into 80mm strips to place over your sika and physically push it into the seam AMAP. Leave it there till it dries.

You're welcome in advance.

You can buy iron-on seam tape off ebay. It's very easy to apply and works well.

You can also buy proper seam glue off ebay if you don't want to go buster's industrial route.

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Legion said..
You can buy iron-on seam tape off ebay. It's very easy to apply and works well.

You can also buy proper seam glue off ebay if you don't want to go buster's industrial route.

Ooh, really? I've been unable to find it locally.

Thanks guys. Legion I'll check that tape out, thanks for the heads up.

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Buster fin said...
Ooh, really? I've been unable to find it locally.

The tape came from England IIRC. 5m for about $20-30 shipped? From memory it was tricky to find on ebay.

Like this?

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=301503581499&alt=web

If the link works ... exchange rate sucks now though.

The glue came from QLD. Quite a few selling it I think.

The tape works great and is easy to use. ~6-8 seconds with the iron. If it doesn't stick, a few more. Once it sticks, that's enough or give it another couple to make sure. Can do it a bit at a time until the whole job is done. No mess. It doesn't really stick to smoothie panels though, or smoothie seam seal. Just regular neoprene, but it sticks to that very well.