Does anyone have any feedback on Lavacore vs Sharkskin? Is a lycra skin the same thing? Any other options? Any suggestions for pants?
My wife and I own some of both products (lavacore and sharkskin). I'm pretty sure one of those companies copied the other, they're pretty much exactly the same thing. Lavacore (or sharkskin) does provide warmth on account of the layer that stops water from flowing. In my experience it's slightly less than the warmth you get from a 3mm neoprene wetsuit. Lavacore is far more comfortable and easier to put on than any neoprene wetsuit. If the warmth you get from it is enough, then I highly recommend it. Also, lavacore/sharkskin does not compress so there's no buoyancy changes like you get with a wetsuit. There is a drawback to lavacore. It takes a LOT longer to dry than neoprene.
Lyrca (or fleece lined) skins do not have the middle layer that prevents water flow. Therefore they don't provide any benefit with regards to warmth. They are usually very cheap (often around $40 for a full suit). I do own a fleece lined skin that was just over $100. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any benefits over a regular inexpensive lyrca skin. It turned out to be just a gimmick.
Another use for a lyrca skin is providing protection from jellyfish (or anything else) in water that's warm enough to not require a wetsuit. In my avatar photo I'm wearing only a lyrca skin. That was in Key Largo. You also don't have to worry about any of your gear rubbing against your skin and maybe causing an abrasion.
Lyrca skins can be wrung out to speed drying, and they can be washed in the washing machine then dried in the dryer. I use gentle cycle and low heat. Wetsuits must be cleaned by hand. I have washed my lavacore on gentle in an HE washer but I think the manufacturer recommends against it. I wouldn't put the lavacore into a dryer. Dry time on a lavacore could potentially become an issue if you're flying home after a dive trip. You've got to make sure you hang it up and wring it as best you can or put it into a plastic bag before packing it into your luggage.
Lavacore can be combined with a neoprene wetsuit. In springs, I often wear a full lavacore suit, and a "shorty" 2mm neoprene over the top of it. A shorty is a one-piece suit with short sleeves and short legs.
There are also two piece suits (both wetsuits and lavacore) but I don't have any experience with those myself. I think they're called "farmer john" suits or something like that.
