hood over or under?

[LeFlaneur]

Forgive me if this question has been asked before, a search did not reveal any answers.

The question is:

I always see divers tuck their bibbed hoods inside their wetsuits. Is there any reason why a bibbed hood should not be worn on the outside?

The advantages of putting the bib over the wetsuit would seem to be: Better seal on wetsuit neck, neck squeeze by a tight wetsuit would be reuduced, easier on/off, bib would cover the "leakage area" at the top of the back zipper better.

The only disadvantage I see is that bib could billow up and allow water to flow underneath. But how much would this really happen with a bc strapped over it? And anyway, this would be a worthy trade off if overall it reduced the amount of water getting into the suit.

 

[fdog]

LeFlaneur, I can't say I've ever worn my bibbed hood on the outside. But. I've worn a bibless hood before with my farmer john wetsuit, just to see how it fit. I thought it might be more flexible.

I couldn't get out of the water fast enough. Yes, it was more flexible, although every head nod or tilt flushed a fresh shot of cold water onto my neck and down my back. Brrr.

My semi-dry has a permanant hood...that's how much I believe in a good seal of hood to suit.

Everybody's different, though, it might work for you. Give it a try and let us know!

All the best, James

 

[saltwater taffy]

I can't give you the real reason, but I've always worn a bibbed hood on the inside. The only reason I could see not to wear inside is if this would put too much bulk at your neck. I think this is one of those questions like do you wear you suit inside your boots or outside???? I wear mine outside. Personal preference.

SWT

 

[crpntr133]

I wear mine on the outside so I don't get too warm. If I do I just flush and all is well.
One draw back that I have seen is that you can end up with a mouth/face full of water when you put your mask on. The first time I used my hood not tucked I reached down and grabbed my mask and ended up with the bib of the hood also. The bid of the hood created a scoop for the water to settle into. I guess I learned my leason since I haven't done that again.

 

[Paul Evans]

Under, To cold otherwise, its strange but I either feel I need a hood or not, theres no in-between..............

.............What I'am trying to say is I never feel to hot when I,ve got it tucked in but I never feel to cold if I go in without one :06: Unless I'am subconsiouly pitching it just right to begin with, I can't explain it!!!!!!!!!!!!!