GBS vs Flatlock vs Blindstitch: which seam is better in a wetsuit
Seams are where a wetsuit lets cold water in. Two suits with the same neoprene can feel very different depending on how their panels are joined. These are the three systems, from least to most protection.
Flatlock: the basics
Panels are sewn flat with overlapping edges, and the needle goes all the way through the neoprene. Those holes let water in. It's the seam used in entry-level and warm-water suits.
- Pros: cheap and easy to repair.
- Cons: water comes in through the needle holes.
Blindstitch
The needle only goes through part of the neoprene's thickness, without piercing it. Because it doesn't go all the way through, much less water gets in.
- Pros: good water resistance.
- Cons: without glue, the join relies only on the thread.
GBS: glued and blind-stitched
GBS stands for Glued and Blind Stitched: panels are glued with neoprene adhesive and then blind-stitched. The glue seals the join and the stitch makes it strong. It's the system used in cold-water wetsuits.
- Pros: a sealed, strong join.
- Cons: more work to make.
Liquid seal: one more layer
An exterior liquid sealant can be applied over the GBS seam to cover the join and block water even more. It's useful in the coldest water.
Which seam each Kuhane wetsuit uses
| Wetsuit | Seams |
|---|---|
| K2H · Kuhane Two Hood | GBS (glued and blind-stitched) + liquid seal |
| K1H · Kuhane One Hood | GBS (glued and blind-stitched) |
| K1 · Kuhane One | GBS (glued and blind-stitched) |
The K2H, made for 8–12 °C, adds liquid seal. The K1 and K1H, for 10–14 °C, use GBS without exterior sealant.
FAQ
Do GBS seams make the suit stiffer? Not noticeably. What changes is how much water gets in, not mobility.
How do I care for the seams? Rinse with cold fresh water, dry in the shade and don't wring the suit.
What if a seam fails? Kuhane wetsuits carry a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects.