Zippers on certain Hobie bags

Are the zippers that come on the gear bucket bag, mirage drive bag, collapsible cart (really any bag that gets wet with SW) saltwater-grade?

The teeth look plastic but are small. Thanks.

The teeth on my 7 year old Mirage Drive bag are "smaller" and made of a high grade plastic material....maybe nylon??

I think the smaller teeth makes it easier to zip it closed, as the bag is anything but flat due to the shape of the contents.

I have not experienced any issues with the zipper.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

These are currently metal zippers. As I'm sure you know, with any zipper, it's recommended to rinse thoroughly with fresh water after being exposed to saltwater. If you're diligent about this, the zippers should keep working for a long period of time.

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

Thanks Howie... however, I must say I'm surprised by this. Any lans to upgrade them to SW-grade zippers? I have fishing pouches, drytops & drysuits with larger plastic zippers which work great and don;t need to be babied.

No plans at the current time to update zipper material

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

So how does one free up a zipper that has frozen as a result of salt water spray & months of storage. I have tried soaking in fresh water. I have tried using CLR, vinegar & corrosion X. No luck. Broke off pull tabs already. Zip itself is plastic, but the handle thing is metal. Do I need to just soak them longer?

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PA 14; 2012
Cape Fear River - NC