: I think you'll get a lot of interest in this. Where did you get the Neoprene?
: Can you buy a small piece? How Much $$ ? It would be interesting to post
: your longevity findings about it. I wonder how long it will last after
: stretching it over your head reguarly.

I bought the neoprene from Macro. (http://www.macrointlco.com/products/neosheets/Finishes.asp) The 50"x80" was $22. It was one of their clearance rolls. I'm curious also how long it will last but it seems like it will last forever being used as a neck gasket.

: You said you researched it? Are some manufacturerers using this material now
: for diving drysuits?
The diving suit manufacturers that I talked to use a thicker neoprene with smooth skin on the outside and nylon on the inside. Once your head is through the gasket they roll the top of the gasket down and inside about an inch to get a good seal. I found that I could keep a good, comfortable seal with the 1mm by just using like a latex gasket.

: It seems like latex seals are safe since the bulk of manufacturers use them
: and they seem to go after a few years and only when you pull it over your
: head. I never heard of one going after it's on. I once spoke to the rep
: from Kokatat about the use of silicone and the problem with it was that
: eventually it takes a set and will not stretch to the % needed to go over
: your head. Most paddlers complaints are about new seals being too tight.
: Most people get around 3 yrs out of latex ones - the neck seal being the
: most replaced.
I'm just not comfortable with how latex can blow open without any signs of wear or deterioration. I look forward to never have to change this gasket again and always being able to depend that it will work when I want to use it. Time will tell how well it work.