Dive skins , decisions , decisions

[mermoose]

Can anybody weigh in on dive skins? I am considering a lava core skin or a Neosport by Henderson 13oz. Polyolefin. I really wish I could find a skin that had some style to it that was also functional. I have looked into dive goddess and she has some cute stuff but I want a suit with some substance. Any comments? I cannot find a thread on skins...It's not the most important piece of equipment but I'd love to avoid the weight of a 3 ml any time I can. A substantial skin could do that. Hep me pleeezze.

 

[Altamira]

I have a Henderson 17oz polyolephin dive skin, and while I would not go so far as saying it is as warm as a 2 mil wesuit, it does a pretty good job when a 3 mil suit may be too much. I primarily use mine under my 3 mil when my 5 mil might be too much, or to make donning the wetsuit easier, or to cut down on weight requirements.

 

[spectrum]

If you must own a skin then polyolefin is the way to go. it's most useful worn under a wetsuit. it will add some warmth while not adding a weight penalty.

 

[danvolker]

I like the idea of these Thermalution.com
but they may be a little on the bleeding edge.....but overal a much smarter direction than wetsuits....warmth without buoyancy

 

[ivakdiver]

I have been very pleased with my Henderson Polyolefin suit. On a recent trip to Truk, however, I was concerned whether it would be enough with repeated dives. I purchased a long sleeve hooded Lavacore, wore it underneath the Polyolefin and was very warm and comfortable.

 

[uncfnp]

I have to admit that I tried my Henderson polyolefin for the first time during my recent Bonaire trip. I found I was a little cool in my 3/2 so switched to a 5 mm and had severe buoyancy issues so switched to the polyolefin under the 3/2. No buoyancy problems but I have to say that I didn't notice a significant increase in warmth. Putting the wetsuit on over the skin was a breeze but putting the wet skin on itself for a second round of shore diving was a nightmare.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I have to admit that I tried my Henderson polyolefin for the first time during my recent Bonaire trip. I found I was a little cool in my 3/2 so switched to a 5 mm and had severe buoyancy issues so switched to the polyolefin under the 3/2. No buoyancy problems but I have to say that I didn't notice a significant increase in warmth. Putting the wetsuit on over the skin was a breeze but putting the wet skin on itself for a second round of shore diving was a nightmare.

I hate having to wrestle with wet dive skins myself. I find it much easier to pop into and out of a 1.5 mm one-piece wetsuit. It is a little warmer and it has very little buoyancy (maybe 3-4 lbs?) so suit compression is not an issue for me.

 

[mermoose]

I like the idea of these Thermalution.combut they may be a little on the bleeding edge.....but overal a much smarter direction than wetsuits....warmth without buoyancy

This looks very cutting edge. Would love to hear some feed back on it!!

---------- Post added March 19th, 2013 at 12:23 AM ----------

I am currently leaning towards a lava core skin. I have fourth element "undies" I can take that will add 2 mm( without adding buoyancy) if needed. Anybody own one of those lavacore suits? Feedback would be great...

 

[Hawkwood]

.....
I am currently leaning towards a lava core skin. I have fourth element "undies" I can take that will add 2 mm( without adding buoyancy) if needed. Anybody own one of those lavacore suits? Feedback would be great...

I have a full length Lava Core. I really like it. So far I have used it only when skin diving. I haven't used scuba diving, only due to opportunity. That will change in May.

My 3mm and 5mm suits are tight enough that there is no way I can use the Lava Core as another layer underneath those.

I will be giving the Lava Core a try as an undergarment with my dry suit this summer when we do start to get some "warmer" water temps.

 

[chauncy19]

Mermoose
been using a herderson polyfin suit for several bonaire trips including last one I am just back from. love the suit, its perfect for me. don't like to play with neoprene. thinking though of a vest just to be a bit warmer but really have never been cold. don't have an issue with putting it on wet or dry.
its just a dream to put on compared to a regular wetsuit. having said all this a new lavacore suit might be a good idea. more sizes available but more money. if you do buy a lavacore would love to hear about it.