Neoprene wet suit v/ 3 mil skin (lava Core)

[AE Puccinelli]

Hi, I am looking to lighten up my travel lode. I was interested in either a non-neoprene type wetsuit , How in terms of warmth do they compare to my 3 mil scuba pro wetsuit? Will the require less weight or is it about the same? I am also interested if anyone has experience with body suites like Lava-core that say they are equivlent to 3 mil neoprene? I just dive tropical waters, and somewhat long in the tooth (older diver) Thanks, appreciate any input

 

[Damselfish]

I have assorted lavacore, sharkskin, and old darlexx or something. Its pretty neutral I would expect a 3mm neoprene to require more weight. Despite what the marketing says I think 3mm neoprene is warmer, at least until it gets beat and squished. But I like lavacore and it’s warm enough for me. All the versions I have take much longer to dry than I would have expected.

 

[AE Puccinelli]

I have assorted lavacore, sharkskin, and old darlexx or something. Its pretty neutral I would expect a 3mm neoprene to require more weight. Despite what the marketing says I think 3mm neoprene is warmer, at least until it gets beat and squished. But I like lavacore and it’s warm enough for me. All the versions I have take much longer to dry than I would have expected.

Thanks, that helps me..

 

[rmorgan]

I have a Lavacore front-zip full suit. I wear it over a skin and am good down to about, maybe, 76-77F. It is very light when dry, and crazy heavy when wet, but we wring it out (a two-person job) and it dries in a few hours. It’s not hard to put on dry or wet. It requires no weight adjustment because it is neutrally buoyant. I wear only a skin above 80F, and estimate I have about 200 dives wearing the Lavacore, which is showing very little wear. I’ve put a shorty over it a handful of times. No complaints.as to the claim that it’s equivalent to 2-3mm of neoprene, I’d guess more 2 than 3.

 

[j0rd1]

I have Lavacore and Sharksin. As mentioned above, both advertise to be like a 3mm in warmth, but it is a bit less. In terms of weight, both are neutral. When I use them I don't need the weight I require for a 3mm.

Comparing both, Sharkskin dries much faster, seems to retain less water when you take it off. Also I had an issue with my Lavacore, as the zippers were metalic and they rusted and broke. I think the new models have plastic zippers, so this should not be a problem anymore.

I'd like to try the new Sharkskin they advertise as a 4-5mm ... But is not cheap.