Kokatat wrist drysuit replacement

I have the Kokatat Angler drysuit. I wore it twice and stopped because the wrist gaskets were killing me. My wrists are gigantic at 8.25" circumference. Even when I insert 2 liter bottles of soda into it for a month to stretch it out, it becomes unbearable in 2 hours. And I'm not talking "uncomfortable." I'm talking, my hand turns white, goes numb, starts tingling, I start having issues closing my hands kind of pain.

Kokatat said they could replace it with their coast guard version of wrist gasket that allows you to strip away one layer at a time until it fits. I think that would be ideal. However, the part costs $65, and it's $35 + shipping to them and from them. So probably looking at $120 just to fix it.

Has anyone done the wrist repair? I don't know if it would be difficult or if I should bite the bullet and get them replaced by Kokatat. Or if it's easy to replace them myself. In these winter months it'd be nice if I could wear a drysuit instead.

I have not had the replacement wrist cuffs done, but I did have a similar thing happen to me.  I managed to stretch mine out with large soup cans.  I wore my drysuit the other day and had no problems, granted it was 22 degrees.  Warm weather might cause more of an issue.  Then again, maybe I'm just losing weight?  Yeah!  That's it, I'm losing weight.  [emoji12]

did you try trimming them?

did you try trimming them?

+1

did you try trimming them?

No, these are not the ones with the layers you can remove. I'm not sure they can be trimmed without risking it not sealing completely. Unless you knew that and have trimmed them before successfully?

I mean I'm not going to wear this drysuit using these wrist gaskets so thinking on it now I don't see why I can't try to trim it and see if that works before sending it in to get them replaced. I'm mostly concerned about losing the watertight nature if I do it improperly.

did you try trimming them?

No, these are not the ones with the layers you can remove. I'm not sure they can be trimmed without risking it not sealing completely. Unless you knew that and have trimmed them before successfully?

I mean I'm not going to wear this drysuit using these wrist gaskets so thinking on it now I don't see why I can't try to trim it and see if that works before sending it in to get them replaced. I'm mostly concerned about losing the watertight nature if I do it improperly.

Trim them in small 1/4" strips until your wrists feel comfortable. Better to have them a little tight to keep the water out.

Fair enough I'll give it a shot. Worst that can happen is I end up having to replace it which was the original plan anyway. Thanks for the feedback!

whoops gave you the wrong info:

Can I trim my latex neck gasket?
Yes (but Kokatat wrist gaskets are not designed to be trimmed - see below)! Neck gaskets are designed to be trimmed to fit. If you feel as though you are getting less oxygen than normal when wearing the gasket, you may want to trim your gasket. Turn your garment inside-out, and notice the rings running parallel down the gaskets. Make all cuts in-between the rings. Be sure to closely visually inspect the trimmed edge for nicks; the cut must be straight. Nicks need to be trimmed out before you try it on. Be careful and cut one ring at a time until you get it right; you can't put the latex back on! Wrist gaskets are not designed to be trimmed: try stretching the wrist gaskets over a form (can or bottle) before using the garment. If you have questions, please call us before trimming your gasket.

but i did hear of people cutting it and it worked?

but i did hear of people cutting it and it worked?

I trimmed mine way back when and it was the best thing I've ever done.  Had the same experience with numbness, tingling, loss of color, and swelling of my hands and the combination of trimming and stretching has my wrist gaskets perfectly fitting my wrists.

It's my understanding that trimming the wrist gaskets can cause issues with them tearing, especially if a single uniform cut isn't made.

It's my understanding that trimming the wrist gaskets can cause issues with them tearing, especially if a single uniform cut isn't made.

That definitely makes sense. I can probably avoid cutting a jagged pattern with a very sharp xacto knife and using something as an edge to make a swift, straight cut. I bet I have to cut it back at least 1", so I should have 2-3 cuts of practice before getting where it needs to be.

Really sharp scissors, and a head lamp so you can clearly see what you are cutting.  Bottom line, you need to make sure you when you cut the latex, do not do it in choppy short strokes.  As you come near the end of your scissor stroke, you'll want to taper off until you are cutting right into thin air, and not leave a tag. 

Just slowly keep trimming one ring at a time until you are satisfied with the results.