The Mares Explorer Lava wetsuit stands out definitely for the really cool camo design, with red lava like images on a dark background. A brave and attractive camouflage solution by Mares Pure Passion that in the last couple of years has come back to a great product line that was missing for a few years. The acquisition of Aqualung Group by Head Group (of which Mares is part) also shows the real strength and health, in economical, organizational and strategic terms, of this amazing reality.
A slim cut
The Mares Explorer Lava adds to the already interesting spearfishing wetsuits offer by the Italian Brand, which includes the Mares Polygon, the Mares Polygon Brown (in Yamamoto), the Illusion and Illusion Brown, the Explorer Camo Black, the very detailed Merge and the most affordable black Explorer Sport.
The cut of the Explorer family of wetsuits, compared to the successful Polygon, is definitely slimmer and so adapts better to such kind of physiques. On the other hand, Explorer, Illusion and Merge have a more “comfortable” cut for more stocky and solid builds.
Of course, as for all modern and hi quality spearfishing wetsuits, one of the main features of the Mares Explorer LAVA is its preformed ergonomic cut, developed to follow the body’s natural shape. This design helps offer a comfortable fit, and also better thermal insulation. The intention is to limit fatigue during long dives and ensure good mobility even in more demanding movements.
Materials and finishings
The wetsuit uses internally open-cell neoprene, known for its elasticity and resistance to compression. More specifically the neoprene used is 100% chloroprene rubber, with external lining made of 90% polyester and 10% elastane. The quality of the material is such that it ensures great elasticity equal to the best neoprenes on the market. This material allows the suit to maintain insulation over time without squeezing while providing flexibility.
The borders of face, wrists and ankles are made with folded externally smooth neoprene for best seal and comfort. Key are also the blind stitching in such areas and in particular the chin. In fact, there is never a contact of the skin with the stitches, but only with the neoprene, bringing comfort to the maximum level. This applies in particular to the chin area, key for avoiding annoying contacts with hard stitching.
Functional Details
Several practical details highlight the spearfishing orientation of the Mares Explorer LAVA. The anti-slip chest pad with a thick additional neoprene layer as shock absorber makes loading even very long spearguns more stable and comfortable. The anti-slip rubber cover layer is made of small single polygon elements which permit to reduce the stiffening of the area.
The double-pin beavertail closure ensures the jacket stays in place without restricting movement, and permits to easily add a pisette. The pants are high waist to protect stomach and kidneys area.
Reinforcements on the knees with the same rubber cover in polygon elements add protection in high-contact areas and extend durability when diving in rocky or rough environments.
Lava camouflage
Visually, the Mares Explorer LAVA stands out for its Lava camouflage pattern, designed to disrupt the diver’s silhouette. The camo aims to make the spearfisher less visible across different underwater scenarios, offering an advantage in approaching fish more closely.
Offer
The Mares Explorer Lava is offered in sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6. The slim cut suggests to use a one size more solution compared to the Mares Polygon and Illusion. The available thicknesses are 5 mm and, starting from October, 7 mm, and can be bought separately for a more flexible solution.
