Drysuit neck gasket...

I used a new Kokatat drysuit today for the first time--not a semi-drysuit with neoprene neck gasket, but a real drysuit with rubber neck gasket. I had tried it on, and did notice that it was tight around the neck, but it seemed like it would be tolerable. However, on the water, I thought my eyeballs were going to pop out, like a rockfish brought up from 300' (not to mention not being able to breathe or swallow).

Is it worth it to try to stretch it, or is it better to just cut it? I have a skinny neck, btw...

Stretch and cut it. I took a couple inches off still works great.

Stretch and cut it. I took a couple inches off still works great.

This. I used to wear one for work a long time ago. We would stretch it overnight with something round and trim along the lines in the rubber using a razor blade.  Trim a little, try it out, and if it still too tight, do it again. Just don't trim too much.

Stretch and cut it. I took a couple inches off still works great.

This. I used to wear one for work a long time ago. We would stretch it overnight with something round and trim along the lines in the rubber using a razor blade.  Trim a little, try it out, and if it still too tight, do it again. Just don't trim too much.

I would recommend scissors. I had to buy another gasket after tearing it trying to with razor. Scissors is easier and quicker.

Kokatat has a gasket trimming  instruction video on their website

Kokatat has a gasket trimming  instruction video on their website

Yes, I saw that, and plenty of YT videos too. I guess I'm just reluctant to actually cut it...

Will try stretching it to see if that helps.

Stretching does help, I did it with the neck and the cuffs and it went from being unbearable to slightly unbearable.  Used a foot ball for the neck and some soft balls for the arms. in the end, still ended up cutting it. 

I used to stretch new neck seals on gallon bleach jugs overnight and then trim them right on the same jug with a scalpel.

Im throwing this one in the trash

Was $2500 in the 70s and still in good shape but they use different fittings now for the hookah

Im throwing this one in the trash

Was $2500 in the 70s and still in good shape but they use different fittings now for the hookah

That's cool! What's it made out of?

As am aside, according to the inflation calculator at https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/, $2500 in 1978 would be $12,262.23 in 2025 money...

Iwas surprised thecompany is still in business

According to any water sports guys the same work suit now is $5-6k

But $800-1000 to update seals that are a little stiff and im not a fan of drysuits so it's going in the trash

I was never deep enough to need that one + my original custom wetsuits were hot enough even in icey temps

Literally snow on the water and i was happy except for frozen face

Seems like dbl skin isnt a thing anymore But skin on inside is and i may get something made at custom place in monterey

I used to stretch new neck seals on gallon bleach jugs overnight and then trim them right on the same jug with a scalpel.

I stretched it over a gallon vinegar jug. Not having a scalpel handy, I scored it with a razor, then cut with a scissors, which seemed to work reasonably well. I cut it between the 2nd and 3rd ring. I was on the water for about 6 hours today, and I didn't pass out, so definitely an improvement...

I was on the water for about 6 hours today, and I didn't pass out

Much success!