Proper fit for a wetsuit hood?

[BobbyWombat]

Oh great Scubaboard, I come to you with a simple question:

What is a good wetsuit hood fit supposed to feel like?

I just bought a 3 mil hood, feels great around my head, but it's a bit loose around my neck. Is this OK or not desired??

Trying to decide if I should exchange for a size smaller.....but I don't want it to then fit my neck and crush my head. :huh:

 

[irishsquid]

Oh great Scubaboard, I come to you with a simple question:

What is a good wetsuit hood fit supposed to feel like?

I just bought a 3 mil hood, feels great around my head, but it's a bit loose around my neck. Is this OK or not desired??

Trying to decide if I should exchange for a size smaller.....but I don't want it to then fit my neck and crush my head. :huh:

I'm fixin to checkout and buy a hood this weekend myself. I'm curious to hear some responses here. I value the wisdom here on this board. Im thinking you want the "head" fit to be the main consideration. I figure a proper fitted wetsuit should take care of the neck. Sure don't want to put a "sleeper hold" on myself and pass out because the neck is too tight. Luckily, I'm practicing a few skills this weekend with my brother at the LDS and will get to try several before purchasing one.

 

[chrispete]

If your eyes pop out, it's too small. If it falls off your head, it's too big.

Seriously, it should be comfortable, not restrict your movement too much, and not have tons of air space. The goal is to keep water from entering or moving around too much when you are moving your head or moving forward underwater.

 

[spectrum]

I just bought a 3 mil hood, feels great around my head, but it's a bit loose around my neck. Is this OK or not desired??

First of all we're talking about a 3mm hood so it's not like you're gearing up for an ice dive.

Since the bib will be tucked under your wetsuit you have some leeway on the neck fit and the last thing you want is a tight neck. This is a case where you really could die.

Pertaining to the fit on the head if it feels like a close fir then there will be minimal water in there and good warmth. Be sure to evaluate the fit carefully, especially near your temples. This is an area that often closes badly and catches exhaust bubbles. The hood then starts to inflate and does all sorts of weird crap to your mask fit. If it fits well along the face opening then it's worth a try. In any case I suggest adding several small vent holes (if there are nine) near top dead center while in a diving posture. A small nail heated with a torch is a common method. It will burn a hole and melt any loose ends together. Beware of the fumes.

If it's a local buy then going in to test fit the next size down could be telling.

Pete

 

[plot]

Regardless of the size, I'd recommend a hyperstretch hood.

 

[Peter_C]

If you are a cold water diver look no further than here http://otterbaysuits.com/wetsuits.cfm

Crickett will custom make a hood for you. Everyone that uses one including myself LOVE them. Mine is 12mm thick...works great in our 44-57 degree water.

 

[plot]

If you are a cold water diver look no further than here http://otterbaysuits.com/wetsuits.cfm

Crickett will custom make a hood for you. Everyone that uses one including myself LOVE them. Mine is 12mm thick...works great in our 44-57 degree water.

ha! that dog suit is awesome!

 

[BobbyWombat]

First of all we're talking about a 3mm hood so it's not like you're gearing up for an ice dive.

Since the bib will be tucked under your wetsuit you have some leeway on the neck fit and the last thing you want is a tight neck.

Very true. Since the fit feels really good around my head, I'm leaning towards just hanging on to what I got. I'll have to wear it around the house a bit more and try to ignore my wife's puzzled looks while making a final decision.

Thanks!

 

[serambin]

Regardless of the size, I'd recommend a hyperstretch hood.

What type of hood is this?

My problem is that my neck is about the same size as my waist. Most hoods that fit my fat head, cause a choking sensation in my neck, so I use a beanie.

Stan

 

[spectrum]

Very true. Since the fit feels really good around my head, I'm leaning towards just hanging on to what I got. I'll have to wear it around the house a bit more and try to ignore my wife's puzzled looks while making a final decision.

Thanks!

My neck is stout and I end up doing the basketball stretch with some of my hoods so your loose neck in some ways is a positive feature to me. If your hood really, really fits snug around the face I'd just make sure it's vented and go diving. I think you will learn more by looking in the mirror than by wearing it.