Hood- 7mm or 5mm?

[Nalu]

Hi all, I am going to order a Henderson Hyperstretch hood to use in S. California. I am a
hood hater and have heard that these are good and stretchy for people like me but since I am a newby diver I was wondering if I could get away with using a 5mm so it will be more comfy or if I need a 7mm...I guess water is in the low 50s when it is cold here. Thanks!

 

[Nalu]

Also,
There are no henderson dealers near me so how do I know what size head I have? I can't find any hood size charts...

 

[wb416]

Nalu once bubbled...
Hi all, I am going to order a Henderson Hyperstretch hood to use in S. California. I am a
hood hater and have heard that these are good and stretchy for people like me but since I am a newby diver I was wondering if I could get away with using a 5mm so it will be more comfy or if I need a 7mm...I guess water is in the low 50s when it is cold here. Thanks!

A few months ago I was agonizing over the hood choice myself and decided to take a chance on a 5mm MARES hood from www.diveinn.com

After about 20 dives, I definitely consider it a good choice/value ($20 + S&H).
http://www.scubastore.com/producte.asp?id=6&id_modelo=190&desde=0


Last few dives have been about an hour long (or more) in 39-41°F water. My toes and fingers (in drygloves) get cold and I haven't given my head a second thought cause it was so toasty.

If you get something from DiveInn, you may want to consider bundling it with another purchase to spread the S&H (from Spain) out a little.

I think getting the correct hood size is far more important than brand because a little too much slack can cause a great deal of water flow or catch the exhaust from your reg and result in faster chilling or variable bouyancy issues.

wb

 

[Soggy]

My opinion is go with a 7mm. You'll be warmer. Plus, 2mm difference is not going to change your comfort level too much. Either you like hoods or you don't. I, myself, hate diving without one. My mask pinches at my ears.

 

[ericfine50]

I have a 5mm from a company called WetWear. www.wetwear.com - A great hood, made from G-231 Rubatex.

Eric

 

[Tavi]

I tried on several hoods (Mares and DUI) and didn't find any that fit well.
I ordered a Bare dry hood on-line from Leisure-Pro. It fits great and I really like it. It has the zipper up the back.
Leisure pro has an exellent return policy if it doesn't fit.

Hope this helps

 

[rickyd]

I have the Hyperstretch 5/3 hood/vest combo, and dive the Channel Islands. I also hate hoods, but, I barely know I'm wearing this one. And, keeps me plenty warm

 

[Nalu]

Thanks, many hoods to look at...I am going to go peek around at all of those....so is there any way to make an educated guess at hood size with out trying...like measure your head around and --inches = small ....etc...?

 

[Nalu]

The Bare site actually had some numbers for sizing...but I am wondering about the zipper...I have really long hair...do you have any entanglement issues....I can see that being a fun problem to get out of...

 

[sylvester]

I just bought my first hood. I love it I Ordered the same size hood as my wetsuit. Since I borrowed a hood in the past, and didnt like teh way it went on or off. I ordered the zippered hood. That is the way to go so much easier to don and doff. I dont have hair but I am sure if you have hair the zipper would be a wise investment. I was in 42deg water yesterday for 49 min and my head did not get cold. My hood is 6 or 6.5mm.