Dry Suit Hood

[scuba_frog]

Being new to the dry suit arena, my question is regarding dry suit hoods. I've seen people use their wet suit hood, but honestly, seeing the skirt flap around seems a little silly. I have also seen beanies on the market. Don't know anyone who uses them though.

For my wet suit, I use a 5/3 Henderson Hyperstretch and love it. They don't seem to make this is a dry suit version.

Water temps I dive in range from 50 to 70. Question...I really do not like the constriction of the hood. Would a beanie give me the adequate warmth or would I be better off with a 5 mil hood. And if anyone knows where to buy the Hyperstretch dry hood online, let me know.

Thanks for your help and comments.

 

[jonnythan]

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemIndex_4/CategoryID_985/Context_980/Sort_SKU/BREHD.html

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemIndex_17/CategoryID_985/Context_980/Sort_SKU/HRVACTH.html

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemIndex_25/CategoryID_985/Context_980/Sort_SKU/SSTHTD.html

http://store.triple-l.biz/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=127

The last link is the only actual hood (ie, not a beanie) I've found that is made from less than 7mm neoprene. It would work well for temps in the 60-70 range.. but I think that for as low as 50 I'd want the 7. If you get from Triple-L, you can buy one of each and still be paying less than if you bought the cheapest 7mm from LP or your local shop.

 

[scuba_frog]

Triple L is the most cost effective. However, you need a minimun order of $35 and there are no sizes...one size fits all I guess.

 

[trevinkorea]

Whites also makes a dry hood.

I use the 5m whites for the warmer dives and a 7mm Bare for the colder dives.

Both hoods are very good.

For me I'd recommend a hood with a rear zipper and vent holes on the top.

I find it much easier to get the hood on without messing up the neck seal if it is zippered plus this usually gives a closer fit.

EDIT - I wouldn't bother with the wetsuit hood. It will work in a pinch but they look silly, can get in the way of other equipment and straps and don't usually fit the suit as well and can be more difficult to remove in a hurry. Plus if you do have to break the neck seal in an emergency the skirt could get in the way. - END OF EDIT

Good luck with you hood search.

 

[ScubaSarus]

I love my bare drysuit hood. Zipper or not they are quite cosy.

 

[kidspot]

Triple L is the most cost effective. However, you need a minimun order of $35 and there are no sizes...one size fits all I guess.

I've got 2 of their hoods, they fit the kids I take snorkeling (who get cold very fast) but are very constricting on my head ...

 

[Dapher]

I love my DUI warm neck hood I got with my drysuit. No zipper and has 4 vents on the top. Easy to put on and not too restrictive. During the winter when I had brain freeze I tried a Bare hood with a zipper and was miserable. Also got a harveys and same thing. They seem to really put pressure on my bottom jaw. My hubby uses a zipper one in the winter too and he feels the same.

http://www.dui-online.com/acc_hood.htm

 

[scuba_frog]

Thanks for all the input. I'm going tonight to try on a bunch. Looking mostly at the Henderson, Bare and DUI. Looking forward to this weekends dives.