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Check the coating...
Submitted by Ron R on 04/Mar/2015 in reply to Advice on replacing dry suit gaskets posted by Eliza on 01/Mar/2015 131.182.158.133
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Presumably this is a coated nylon suit. If so, another item to check is the condition of the urethane coating on the inside. If the coating is starting to crack, the suit is basically done. Once cracking starts, it begins to flake off, and more cracks usually appear and flake off. Water gets through the cracks and flaked-off areas. And there's really nothing you can do about cracked and flaking coating except a very temporary repair.
As for the mildew, gentle hand wash followed by rinse in diluted vinegar. Don't rinse the vinegar with straight water. Afterwards, check the wash water and vinegar solution for flakes of coating.
My thoughts... if you're going to do spring and fall runs and the suit isn't going to last long, don't sink any significant funds into it. Save your pennies for a new or very good used one-piece suit. Spend money once on the "right" thing that will last, rather than more over time on a series of the "wrong" things that don't last.
If buying, I absolutely would hold out for booties and relief zipper. Some folks also hold out for tunnel; but unless you're serious about play or big water, that's probably optional. One piece is less bulk around the middle, easier to get on, and less likely to leak. Booties mean better circulation and thus warmer feet, along with one less gasket. Relief zipper lets you stay hydrated.
My $0.02. Your results will vary.
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