LavaCore Etc as a Drysuit Undergarment

[RobPNW]

Has anyone used a Lavacore, Sharkskin, Exowear etc tri-layer jumpsuit as a drysuit undergarment? They suppose to be similar in thermal protection as a 2mm wetsuit but also neutrally buoyant. The inner layer is supposed to wick moisture. I wonder what equivalent undergarment these would be? When I get my drysuit made, maybe I'll jump in the lake and try it out and let you guys/gals know how it works.

 

[Marie13]

I know someone who has done that, but it’s not the warmest, if I remember correctly.

 

[Superlyte27]

I do it (lavacore) for dives under 90 minutes in 70 degree water with little deco.

 

[RobPNW]

I do it (lavacore) for dives under 90 minutes in 70 degree water with little deco.

Under a drysuit? Trilam?

 

[Superlyte27]

Under a drysuit? Trilam?

under a DUI FLX Extreme

 

[rjack321]

Has anyone used a Lavacore, Sharkskin, Exowear etc tri-layer jumpsuit as a drysuit undergarment? They suppose to be similar in thermal protection as a 2mm wetsuit but also neutrally buoyant. The inner layer is supposed to wick moisture. I wonder what equivalent undergarment these would be? When I get my drysuit made, maybe I'll jump in the lake and try it out and let you guys/gals know how it works.

Won't work, save your gas.

Totally inadequate for Lake Washington unless you're basically on the surface in summer (62-64F). Its 46F at depth (>30ft), this is a silly idea. Get a proper undergarment similar to what everyone else is using. 4th Element arctic, DUI 400gm, and Weezle extreme or extreme+ are typical weights for shell suits. 200gm fleece or sweatshirt and pants is typical under a 7mm uncompressed neo drysuit.

 

[mc42]

In PNW waters I've done Icebreaker 260 full top and bottom plus Lavacore and Fusion suit, and it was fine in a pinch, but I don't chill easily. I wouldn't recommend it as your only layer under a trilam suit. It might work fine with neoprene as rjack said.

I know people that use it in addition to their base and regular undergarment as an extra layer.

 

[napDiver]

I believe for drysuit undergarments its about wicking, warmth, and air layer. I think most sharkskin/lavacore is only good at wicking.

My guess is something with alot of merino will work. My only thought is maybe the pinnacle inferno v-skin.

I'll give it a try once I fix my drysuit and let you know

 

[jale]

Hi
I used to use a Sharkskin under a trilam in warm water for long dive and it was ok.
I had also used it as a base layer for cold dive but I didn't like it as a wool layer with a top fleece is more efficient. Listen to rjack

 

[soonerwink]

It depends on the temp, but I regularly wear a 2 piece Lava Core with temps between 65-75 degrees. I wear a DUI FLX Extreme. It's much more comfortable than my thicker garments. I did have to cut a small hole for the p-valve hose.