I'm interested in the opinions out there. My LDS staff discourages use of the hooded vest, but I'm beginning to realize it's all a matter of personal preference. Interested in those that have used both, and chosen one over the other. I do mostly cold water diving if that makes a difference to your opinion. Thanks alot.
Hood vs Hooded Vest
- Thread starter carolhd
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
I went from a 6.5mm farmer john to 7mm jumpsuit and 5mm hooded vest. I stay a lot warmer. I have no idea why your LDS discourages this. I am in the process of switching out the FJs for jumpsuits and vest for my students.
Tim
Tim
carolhd:
I've used both and I find that an integrated hood on a wetsuit is generally warmer because it limits circulation of water better and doesn't allow water to "scoop" in the back of your neck when you look around. On the other hand an integrated hood on a wetsuit that doesn't fit well can cause fatigue and cramps in your neck muscles and limit the range of motion of your head. Choose carefully and you won't have this problem.
The cynic in me thinks that your LDS may be discouraging you from using a hooded vest because if you don't have a hood on your wetsuit then they can sell you a hood separately and make more money.
R..
Depends on your definition of COLD water and your tolerance for it. If you feel uncomfortable with the shot of cold water down the back of your neck occasionally, get a hooded vest. You will be warmer. I agree with DiveTyme that its surprising that your LDS is discouraging a hooded vest - unless there is some other issue such as fit or availability for your size.
Of course, there is always dry!
Of course, there is always dry!
SoCAl diver in 50-60 degree water. I have also used both skirted hood and hooded vest. With just the hood it does not matter what you do the skirt of the hood always bunches up when you zip up. Where it bunches it of course just funnels water down your back. The hooded vest eliminates this failure and I avoid the pleasure of the cold shots down the back. I also find the front zipper vest to be eaiser to get off than the zipperless version. I ordered my vest from aquaflite.com as off the shelf. I found the neck to be shorter than my own (I do have a long neck) and they were great about the alteration to make it fit perfectly. Try both the hooded vest and just the hood and then decide for yourself.
I too am at a loss to understand why they discurage the hooded vest. Personally, I would march over to the LDS and ask "I understand you discourage the use of a hooded vest. What are your reasons?" They may have some good points, but I really can't immagine what they are.
I too am at a loss to understand why they discurage the hooded vest. Personally, I would march over to the LDS and ask "I understand you discourage the use of a hooded vest. What are your reasons?" They may have some good points, but I really can't immagine what they are.
I have and use both, depending on the season. In the middle of winter in colder water, the vest keeps me warm. When the water gets up to the toasty 72 degrees it was this past weekend, a hood is plenty. Don't let an LDS tell you what to think, just try both and do what's right for you.
nativenarcosis
Guest
I am a fan of my hood with a vest. Not only warmer but I always had a hard time making sure all was tucked in perfectly and allowing cold spots. Look into Henderson, I have a goldcore but I have heard the hyperstretch hood and vest is very confortable.
teknitroxdiver
Contributor
Wonder why they don't recommend it? Hooded vests are great because (1) they provide more torso and head insulation and (2) because there is a vest there's far less water circulation.
Don Burke
Contributor
I have a hooded vest and several hoods.carolhd:
Having a hooded vest makes a given wetsuit considerably warmer by making the leakage path less open. The extra thickness helps some as well.
If I do not need the extra warmth, I go with just a hood.
I would be very interested in the reason your LDS gives for recommending that you not use a hooded vest.
Similar threads
