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Review Summary
2023-03-15T11:30:58
I was looking for a hood that would stay put when diving in colder water. I have long hair and the usual hoods with bibs always come untucked during my dives, letting water into my suit at the neck. The fit of this vest was a bit strange on me - tight in the waist and hips, very large in the chest/arms. The measurements seem to assume that most women are proportioned with a large chest and small waist. In reality, the reverse is probably true for many of us. However, the fabric is stretchy so the tighter waist was not a major problem. I found that it fits okay over my wet suit but does not work well under my wet suit due to the extra fabric in the chest area- it made my 7mm suit, which normally fits like a glove, feel too tight. The drawstring did seem to stay in place over my suit, at least when walking around the house - I was concerned that it would roll up, but it did not. I'll have to see how it actually stays during a dive. Due to the suit not being very thick, I am concerned that the hood will not be warm enough to keep my head warm in 72 degree water. I may add a beanie if needed.
Caitlin F.
2022-12-27T10:41:22
This is my second Lavacore Hooded Vest. I really like how comfortable it is. It?s great for snorkeling and adds a bit more insulation under my 3mm wetsuit when needed. The Scuba.com rep was very pleasant to order from and I received my order quickly. Will definitely order from them in the future.
MARIANNE B.
2020-07-24T18:22:46
Keeps you warm. I wear this over a rash guard because it's hard to take off when worn against bare skin. It holds a lot of water and takes a long time to dry.
STEVEN J.
2020-02-27T08:01:36
Fit great, helped keep me warm. Very comfortable.
PETER F.
2020-02-11T10:07:29
Great way to add warmth without adding weight. This fleece lined hooded vest is nearly 0 buoyant but adds warmth like an additional 3 mils
STEVAN D.
2019-12-29T04:47:09
Favorite and most versatile piece of exposure gear. I wear this on every dive, whether over a rash guard or under a wetsuit. Have worn it over 100 dives and looks like new. Ordered my regular clothing size and fit perfectly.
Laura B.
2019-12-20T08:18:12
I love this hooded vest! I had the Lavacore unhooded vest but it blew overboard in Costa Rica, never to be seen again. This replaces that and it is great. I love the hood but I did have to clip a small outlet on the top of the hood to let air out.
DORETTA Y.
2019-07-08T18:59:33
Excellent product. Stretchy - Easy to get in and out. Warm.
CHARLES S.
2019-05-02T08:24:32
The quality of Lavacore is incredible. They fit well (tight, but right) and provide just the extra warmth you need.
PATRICIA D.
2019-04-30T11:26:35
Excellent product. It provides just enough warmth, without any noticeable bulkiness. Highly recommended !
bill r.
2019-03-25T15:34:20
This vest is warm and fuzzy on the inside, the medium fit me perfectly. Easy to put on and take off, even though it isn't really stretchy. Just the added warmth I needed in the Philippines under my 3ml full wet suit. The hood was great because it didn't move around with the mask strap the way a separate hood would. By the 3rd dive of the day, I was very glad to have bought the vest!
Robert B.
2019-03-05T04:48:48
I love my hood vest it’s a great way to layer up light and easy to take off and on. Plus it’s not buoyant.
Jason G.
2018-12-27T04:38:36
This is perfect - I wear it every time I dive - even tropical water as I find my ears feel better with my heard covered, especially on long dive trips when you are in the water 3-4 times a day.
Laura B.
2018-11-13T10:23:09
I always get cold in my wet suit when diving multiple times per day (even in 85F water!). This hooded vest is a great, comfortable second layer that I love to save for the third or fourth dive of the day. I love that it is non-constricting, and the drawstring at the bottom keeps it from riding up to my waist. I use it both with the hood up and the hood down, and I like it both ways. Fit is true to size in my opinion.
Jessica H.
2018-07-12T12:10:15
This vest isn't fitted for women despite what it claims. It fits like a potato sack. It's also not very warm, even under a wetsuit that compresses it to fit.
AMANDA C.
2018-02-28T05:43:25
I am always cold, especially on the second dive of the day (or the third dive, fourth dive, and so on...). What a difference this makes! The hood is much more comfortable than a neoprene hood and you can hear better as well! It is also easy to clean.
WILLIAM C.
2015-04-23T20:00:00
truly warm and really cuts down the water exchange around the neck when worn under your wetsuit. however, the vest runs smalli had to order a full size up, and it was still tight, though appropriately so. perhaps its because the material does not stretch much. but i like the warmth and comfort, not to mention that it does not add any buoyancy to my suit.
marthaw
2013-08-18T20:00:00
Used in 68-72 degree water. Did not need a hood with my 7mm wet suit. It was nice when removing the wet suit on the surface in windy conditions.
MikeZ
2013-06-12T20:00:00
I am 5'07 with a muscular build and found the fit on the large way too loose and the Med/Large a "better" fit. The chest is a bit loose allowing water to flow in, but since I wore it with a westsuit that was kept to a minimum. Overall the hood was easy to don on in the water and the vest was comfortable throughout all the dives which was the important factor. I'm just not sold on the warmth factor as it did warm me up, but not like previous hooded vest that I own (Pinnacle). Overall I would recommend this vest for the casual temperate water. I do have to say that I tend to get colder than others so it may also be a tolerance issue as well.
Alex A.
2013-05-16T20:00:00
I used the hooded vest for the first time on a recent dive trip. It worked really well under my 3 ml wetsuit. By cinching the drawstring at the bottom it didn't ride up when I put on the wetsuit. The armholes are a little big for me - otherwise it fits great. Very happy with my purchase.
diverinpink
2012-09-11T20:00:00
This is a great improvement from the basic wetsuit. It's easy to put on, comfortable against the skin, and warm. Use it under my 3mm wetsuit for added warmth on colder dives. Great product. Just got it so I'm not certain of the life of the product at this point. Worked great my first few dives though.
Sarah
Water Sport Layering, Protection Garment
Polytherm Tri-Laminate, Merino Laminate Lined
No, Water Resistant
Yes
Yes
SPF 50+
Waist Drawstring w/Barrel Lock
Overlapped, Flat-Lock Stitched
20545072218
0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Height (ft/in) | 4'7"-4'9" | 4'9"-4'11" | 4'11"-5'1" | 5'1"-5'3" | 5'3"-5'6" | 5'5"-5'8" | 5'7"-5'10" | 5'9"-6' | 5'11"-6'2" |
Bust (in) | 26-29 | 28-31 | 30-33 | 32-35 | 34-37 | 36-39 | 38-41 | 40-43 | 42-45 |
Waist (in) | 18-21 | 20-23 | 22-25 | 24-27 | 26-29 | 28-31 | 30-33 | 32-35 | 34-37 |
Hips (in) | 27-31 | 29-33 | 31-35 | 33-37 | 35-39 | 37-41 | 39-43 | 41-44 | 43-46 |
Great Product
By MARIANNE B.
This is my second Lavacore Hooded Vest. I really like how comfortable it is. It?s great for snorkeling and adds a bit more insulation under my 3mm wetsuit when needed. The Scuba.com rep was very pleasant to order from and I received my order quickly. Will definitely order from them in the future.
Warm
By STEVEN J.
Keeps you warm. I wear this over a rash guard because it's hard to take off when worn against bare skin. It holds a lot of water and takes a long time to dry.
Lavacore is a technically advanced fabric, constructed and engineered exclusively for water sports requiring the ultimate in thermal control and superior comfort. Thermal and neutral buoyancy properties create the ideal garment - under a neoprene wetsuit for added insulation and warmth or as a stand-alone exposure protection garment. The unique design of Lavacore materials eliminates constriction and allows for extreme movement and flexibility while regulating your core warmth.
Lavacore vests are made with an exclusive Polytherm Tri-Laminate. Ideal for use as a primary exposure vest in warmer waters or as a supplemental undergarment in colder waters. Windproof and breathable providing anti-wind chill properties while also drawing moisture away from the body on the surface, ensuring warmth in cold conditions. For the ultimate in warmth Lavacore's Merino Laminate lined garments are super soft yet durable. Moisture wicking and anti-bacterial, the Merino fleece inner minimizes odor and keeps you warm above and below the surface.
Vest is DWR: Durable Water Repellant has flat seam construction throughout for stretch and comfort. Lavacore is neutrally buoyant so you won't need to add weight to your weight system compromising your weight comfort zone. All seams are overlapped during flat-lock sewing to ensure maximum water integrity and strength. Lavacore provides SPF 50+ sun protection and is designed and developed with your guarantee of quality.
Women's hooded vest has extended material in the rear to keep vests and shirts from riding up the back. Vest has a drawstring and a toggle fitted to the base eliminating ride up and ensures thermal protection in the kidney and lower back areas. The garment is also hypoallergenic. Vest is black in color and is available in multiple sizes.
http://www.lavacoreinternational.com/
800-435-3483
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