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Review Summary
2023-10-11T04:59:21
Soft, stretchy and fits perfectly. Worked great and kept me warm while I snorkeled and scuba in South Pacific waters in September
RACHEL T.
2023-07-04T04:57:39
I get more use out of this than I ever anticipated! The Lavacore fit is perfect and I found the size chart to be accurate. Although I use it as a base layer under my wetsuit, I would say that it offers warmth consistent with 2-3mm of neoprene. It is neutrally buoyant so I've not needed to add any extra weight. My only issue is the lengthy dry time, although that seems to be the case with all similar base layers.
Crystal G.
2022-08-20T11:10:26
Worth its weight in gold! I invested in this for a Galapagos liveaboard in March - on most dives I was perfectly warm enough in a 5mm wetsuit with a 5/3mm hooded vest underneath, but I was really glad to have this to add underneath for extra warmth on the colder dives off Fernadina and Isabela (where the water temperature was around 21C/69F but sometimes colder beneath the thermoclines). Kept me toasty throughout and spared me the extra bulk of having to pack a 7mm just for the sake of a handful of dives. Lots of envy from my fellow divers who came up shivering in 7mm hooded suits! Love that it's neutrally buoyant so you can add it as a layer when needed without having to adjust your weighting. Easy to don and doff by yourself (I tried on the back zip version which is even easier to don and doff but the zipper would have got in the way of my wetsuit's neck seal). Does take a while to fully dry thanks to the fleece lining - 24 hours drying time at the end of the trip didn't quite do it. I will likely take this on future warm water liveaboard trips to layer under a shortie instead of skins after several days of repetitive diving when the water temperature starts to feel less comfortable, so I felt it was a good investment. Essential to try on before buying if you can as the sizing for Lavacore and rival brand Sharkskin suits is just as weird as all the reviews say - be prepared to size up two or even three sizes above your usual dress size and focus on th fit rather than the size on the label. I found the Lavacore size 14 a much better fit for me as a woman with some curves (5'6", 160lb, 38D) than the equivalent Sharkskin suit but the only way to be sure is to try them on if you can.
Caroline Q.
2022-04-14T08:18:33
Awesome suit. The fleece layer makes it exceptional. Highly recommended if you like staying comfortable with body temps.
RODNEY C.
2022-04-14T08:05:00
Warm but cheaply built. Worn only on a single dive and the stitching is already unravling in 3 different places. I?m hoping burning the ends will help to stave off further deteriorating, but I doubt it. I will NOT be buying Lavacore products again.
JASON W.
2022-03-18T13:49:59
It was great
GAVIN M.
2022-02-02T09:48:38
Love it! Wore it under my 3 mil wetsuit in Maui in January and it was perfect for 2 dives in 77 degree water
DARLA W.
2021-12-03T07:17:14
Love this suit. Super compact and fits well. 50+ dives and still in great condition.
JENNIFER D.
2021-08-18T11:25:09
I am supposed to be veteran in diving as I am diving since 1982 and had to experience with countless brands and different suits yet this turns out to be one of the best investment that I ever made. I was not sure about the size but it perfectly fits. Additionally I was a little suspicious about all the claims with triple layer, neutral buoyancy, 1mm thickness giving you to 3mm equivalence of heat protection, well after a dozen dives I would claim the same, all true I highly recommend LavaCore to everybody
ILTERIS S.
2021-07-01T01:19:59
Zipper broke while putting it on for the very first time and on a dive boat. Disappointing. Got my money back. Lava ore is quality. The zipper is bad. I buy the pullovers and pants.
joe m.
2021-06-05T20:00:00
Lavacore Men's Full Suit
ColinF
2021-03-03T07:38:27
Fits accurately and performs great! Love how fast it dries!
Michael N.
2021-01-19T19:00:00
Definitely helps to stay warm in 50 degree weather
JulieV
2020-01-03T05:41:46
Junk suit, zipper will not hold up, on my second one and same problems
THOMAS C.
2019-08-08T03:04:51
Relatively warm. A pair of lycra socks make donning a breeze. Fit was as defined. Coldest I've used it was 69F/20C in Bali, with a lava core shirt. While getting a slight chill it was acceptable. Best thing about it is that there no change in Buoyancy with the Lava core stuff. Glad I purchased this
JOE M.
2019-07-18T13:55:53
Tried the suit on when I got it and it fit well around my torso but was long in the legs and sleeves. Got the sleeves and legs altered at a uniform shop and took it on a trip to Belize. Suiting up for my first dive the zipper mechanism pulled right off. I wore it with the zipper unzipped for one dive and then didn’t bother with it on the subsequent dives. Very disappointed in the quality of the zipper on what would otherwise be a nice suit. I might try to have the zipper replaced but who knows how much that will cost. I’ve already got the cost of the suit and the cost of the alterations into it, so I’m wondering if it’s worth pouring more money into.
GLENN G.
2019-04-05T20:00:00
Works well and at 75+F can probably last for hours in the water. At 65F I can handle 45 minutes in the water before hypothermia kicks in. Not the same as a neoprene wetsuit, as the water does come in contact with your skin for the initial chill. It takes a minute for my body to warm up the water within the fleece, after which it forms a functional and insulative barrier. Personal demographic, 60" 185 lbs, 35" waist, 42" chest, plenty of body fat/couch potato equals size L. Tried ML first since I wanted it snug but it was too restrictive on my arms and caused numbing/blocking circulation to hands.
zong-guangs
2019-03-26T20:00:00
I bought the L.C. Trilaminate Polytherm to wear under my Henderson 7mm Thermaxx. I wore it for winter diving in the California channel islands. Water temp was in the low 50s. My wetsuit by itself would keep me warm for about 20-25 minutes before I would start to feel the cold. With the L.C. I was down for 40-45 minutes. It made a huge difference. Yes, with the L.C. and my suit together was more restrictive but once in the water I forgot about it and had an enjoyable dive. The only reason I didnt give it 5 stars was the zipper and lanyard. The zipper could be a little more of heavier construction and the lanyard could be just a little longer.
ShaunH
2019-03-11T14:00:05
Well made and size chart is accurate; haven't been in the water with it yet.
Robert H.
2019-02-24T19:00:00
This lavacore suit is awesome! I used it this winter (in Florida) while kayaking and paddleboarding. It kept me very warm, much better than just a lycra diveskin. Plenty of flexibility through the arms, no issue with paddling. I will also use it when snorkeling or diving in cool water. Fit perfectly, no issue with sizing.
Theodora
2019-01-11T14:08:54
It is comfortable like pajamas. Warmth is great. Little heavy when wet. Double zipper makes peeing in the ocean easy. No more stinky wet suit.
JAMES E.
2018-10-03T13:48:28
The lavacore suite fits real nice, works very good in the warm water of the caribbean. I would recommend this suit.
Allen M.
2018-09-12T12:38:53
I love the suit. This is the second Lavacore suit I have had. I wore out the other. The fit is tough. I wear a size 8 pants, 10 top, 5'6, 150#. I ordered the 14W. The general fit is good but the body is long. The cuffs, however are very tight. I had tried the 12 but the cuffs were so tight I could not get my hands through the hole. I will put up with the slightly too long body of the suit, but I did open the cuffs wider to make getting in and out of the suit easier. Wore it the other day, still love it. Best feel ever.
Kathleen E.
2018-07-12T20:00:00
My daughter and I have owned Lavacores before, and we run them into the ground! But they fit amazingly well and keep us warm too! We use them as skins, under our wetsuits, for surfing, you name it! I wouldnt use any other skin.
VirginiaS
2018-04-27T08:57:06
The suit seems to fit well, but halfway through zipping it up the pull broke apart. From other reviews I knew this was a risk. I bought a zipper repair kit and am going to try and fix it - so far I haven't had it in the water yet.
Craig K.
2017-10-17T09:29:38
I ordered the lavacore, and needed to return it, since it did not fit. The next size up was not available.
DONALD H.
2017-07-11T14:24:59
Love my new Lava Core! I had one before this one and word it diving all the time. When the water is chilly I wear it under my wet suit. In the summer I wear just it for protection because I do a lot of wreck diving. However, it protects you from jelly fish stings as well! My old one has been great but a litter faded after 5 years so I will keep it as a backup.
WAYNE D.
2017-07-02T11:23:51
It's sold as the equivalent of a 2mm. I love it. As does everyone I know that has one. It is neutral. Doesn't affect buoyancy. I add it to my 3mm and my 5mm. Makes them a 5mm and a 7mm in theory. Easy to get wet suits on and off over them too. Good luck. Very comfortable too.
Nili H.
2017-06-05T08:08:59
Used this LavaCore jumpsuit for the first time underneath my 7mm wetsuit for added warmth. Dove in 55 degree water temps over the weekend and was completely comfortable the entire dive. Jumpsuit is fleece lined such that you are virtually dry upon removal. Very comfortable....thicker than most skins...seems to be of excellent quality. No issues with the zipper thus far despite some reviews to the contrary.
JODY C.
2017-02-02T09:12:56
Best I have ever owned easy on and off and its nuet buoyant which means less weight.
MATT S.
Water Sport Layering, Protection Garment
Polytherm Tri-Laminate, Merino Laminate Lined
No, Water Resistant
Yes
Yes
SPF 50+
Front Dual Slider Zipper
Overlapped, Flat-Lock Stitched
20545071358
US | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6w | 8 | 8w | 10 | 10w | 12 | 12w | 14 | 14w | 16 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UK | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10w | 12 | 12w | 14 | 14w | 16 | 16w | 18 | 18w | 20 |
EU | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 38w | 40 | 40w | 42 | 42w | 44 | 44w | 46 | 46w | 48 |
Height (ft/in) | 4'7"-4'9" | 4'9"-4'11" | 4'11"-5'1" | 5'1"-5'3" | 5'1"-5'4" | 5'3"-5'6" | 5'3"-5'6" | 5'5"-5'8" | 5'5"-5'8 | 5'7"-5'10" | 5'7"-5'10" | 5'9"-6' | 5'9"-6' | 5'11"-6'2" |
Weight (lbs) | 70-90 | 80-100 | 90-110 | 100-120 | 120-145 | 115-140 | 135-160 | 130-155 | 150-175 | 145-170 | 165-190 | 160-185 | 185-210 | 180-205 |
Bust (in) | 26-29 | 28-31 | 30-33 | 32-35 | 36-39 | 34-37 | 38-41 | 36-39 | 40-43 | 38-41 | 42-45 | 40-43 | 44-47 | 42-45 |
Waist (in) | 18-21 | 20-23 | 22-25 | 24-27 | 28-31 | 26-29 | 30-33 | 28-31 | 32-35 | 30-33 | 34-37 | 32-35 | 36-39 | 34-37 |
Hips (in) | 27-31 | 29-33 | 31-35 | 33-37 | 37-41 | 35-39 | 39-43 | 37-41 | 41-44 | 39-43 | 43-46 | 41-44 | 45-48 | 43-46 |
Inseam (in) | 24-26 | 25-27 | 26-28 | 27-29 | 27-29 | 28-30 | 28-30 | 29-31 | 29-31 | 30-32 | 30-32 | 31-33 | 31-33 | 32-34 |
a wetsuit for those who hate wetsuits
By dp
I hate wetsuits. And I hate being cold. Quite the connundrum. I hate putting then on, I hate pulling them off, I hate that feeling when you get a gush of cold water in your suit, I hate the smell of neoprene, I hate the velcro catching my hair, I hate back zips... My least favorite part about suiting up for a dive -- the wetsuit. The lavacore takes away ALL of these unpleasantries. You feel like you are putting on your favorite fleece. It's light weight and easy to put on (no matter the con...
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Wife loves it!
By SFC_Swede
I had purchased a Henderson thermoprene shorty for my wife for our first Caribbean dive vacation. Because of her claustrophobia, the neck seal for her wasnt a real smart choice. The Dive Operation we were using allowed her to use the Oceanic Lavacore, and she was immediately in love with it. Her diving improved, the second she used the Lavacore, as she was no longer focused on the constricting nature of the neck seal of the Henderson. She also raved about its comfort, and ease of wear. W...
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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 suits are made with an exclusive Polytherm Tri-Laminate. Ideal for use as a primary exposure suit 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.
Suit is DWR: Durable Water Repellant has flat seam construction throughout for stretch and comfort, comfortable contoured collar with hook and loop adjustment, kneepads provide total flexibility, durability and comfort, a heavy-duty dual slider front zipper for easy self-donning-and-doffing, removable stirrups for use in active water sports and provides UPF 50+ protection. Suit comes with thumb loops and stirrups to prevent suit ride-up when worn under and exposure suit for layering. Suit is available in multiple sizes and is black in color.
http://www.lavacoreinternational.com/
800-435-3483
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