Pinnacle Fusion 5/4 Neck Seal

[costi]

Yesterday I dove one of the local lakes in my 7/7 farmer John and was quite comfortable. Since I've been chomping at the bit to try out my new Pinnacle 5/4 Fusion,I decided to give it a test drive today (though I didn't really think that it was going to keep me warm this early in the season).
I must say that I was totally impressed with the comfort and warmth that I felt.
I only went down about twenty feet or so to get into colder water, and stayed about 30 minutes (I was working at the lake and was on lunch break), but it was enough to realize that the suit was right for the conditions.
I did have a problem initially though that I'm hoping someone can help me with:
The neck seal on the Pinnacle is sort of a fold in type seal unlike my other suits.
I'm assuming that I did not fold it properly around my hood because I initially got a shot of cold water down my back when I descended. I surfaced and tucked it in the best I could with gloves on and I didn't have the problem after that.
Can anyone out there tell me if there is a special technique in "tucking this neck seal"?
Thanks,
BC

 

[coldwaterlloyd]

You want to roll in in like a reverse turtle neck . check all around to make sure there are no folds and it feels smooth all around . With your suit I would recommend using a dry suit hood which you don't tuck under your neck seal . I use the same style suit and the dry hood is the ticket . Also when doing your neck seal up , don't be afraid to snug it up , don't choke yourself but make sure it is nice and snug to your neck . You will love the dry neck seal once you adjust to it . good luck!

 

[Jimmer]

Good advice from Lloyd. I have a 5/4 Fusion, and I stopped wearing a tucked in hood, and I found it much more comfortable.

 

[superstar]

costi, what was the water temp at depth?
I picked up a 5/4 fusion in March and have not used it yet. I hope to give it a try in a few weeks.

 

[ohmdiver]

Just bought a suit, the neck seal is similar to a neoprene seal on a dry suit. I dive with a dry suit hood and had no problem. I did 4 dives in one day at Dutch Springs this past weekend, while I will not say I was warm, I will say I was comnfortable. 48* at 62'. The suit I bought was a 5mm with the marino wool lining. Please note that I do not mind being chilled somewhat, but when I get cold I am very cold.

 

[costi]

Good advice from Lloyd. I have a 5/4 Fusion, and I stopped wearing a tucked in hood, and I found it much more comfortable.

Sorry I haven't responded sooner guys. Thanks for the info on the hood. I'll give the drysuit hood a shot. I dove it again today with the same wetsuit hood that I normally use and it still leaked a little (this time of year a little trickle of water down the back doesn't feel so "little") so I am anxious to give the drysuit hood a shot.
Superstar, I dove it this weekend in a different lake and at depth it was 52 degrees. I did feel a bit colder this time....not in the core, but the arms. It was doable, but I wouldn't have wanted to spend a lot of time below the thermocline. I still feel that it is warmer than my other 5 mil suit that doesn't haver the merino lining. Good luck!
Bob