Description
This airtight and waterproof zipper has the same dimensions as the SuperSeal zipper I have been using in the DIY Packrafts since 2016. It’s the same type of zipper used in many drysuits, high-end drybags, backpacks, and other rugged waterproof/airtight applications.
Compared to the SuperSeal, the MasterSeal 10 is slightly lighter weight, less expensive, more flexible, and easier to clean. It has the same pressure rating as the SuperSeal, but has only one seal and a somewhat lower cross-breaking strength. Because it has exposed teeth, the MasterSeal may be less abrasion resistant than the SuperSeal. Unlike the SuperSeal, the MasterSeal has TPU on both sides of the tape, so it can be welded from either side. That means a separate fabric rectangle is not required to weld it to something that has TPU on the outside of the fabric, such as a packraft.
Features & Specifications:
- Approximate installed weight: 65 grams (2.3 oz)
- Zipper length: 50 cm (19.5″)
- Air pressure rating: 700 mbar (10 psi) pressure – that’s more air pressure than in a basketball (packrafts are typically inflated to less than 1/4 this pressure).
- Water pressure rating: IPX8 – waterproof to a water pressure equivalent to a depth of 10 meters (33 feet), for up to 1 hour when properly closed.
- Cross breaking strength: 200 N/cm (114 pounds per inch).
- Operating temperature range: -30° to +70° C (-22° to 158° F)
- Overall width: 7.0 cm (2.75″)
- Overall length: 55 cm (21.65″)
- Resistant to fresh water, salt water, oil, gasoline, and weather
- The 50 cm zipper length provides easy pass-through of items up to ~30 cm (12″) in diameter, without the zipper being too long to mount conveniently in a packraft. Beware of longer zippers, as you will struggle to find a suitable place to mount them.
- Genuine TIZIP zippers, made in Germany (beware of counterfeits).
Each MasterSeal zipper ships with:
- A tube of silicone lubricant
- A TIZIP maintenance instruction card
Installation: the MasterSeal’s TPU tape can be heat welded, sewn and taped, or glued in place. A minimum slit width of 20 mm is recommended (~0.75″), or 30 mm (~1.25″) when mounting in rigid substrates. Do not roughen the tape before installation.
Note: With careful use, cleaning, and lubrication, your TIZIP zipper should provide many years of reliable service; however, airtight zippers are mechanical devices with moving parts that interlock precisely and, as such, they may eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
Note: Other zipper lengths are not available from DIY Packraft.
