strangulation by hood

[sashababy22]

i did notice when i did my open water check out this weekend, i did have a really bad problem with my hood around my neck i really felt like it was cutting off my circulation, i know it was a rented hood with my suit and all but is it normal for it to be really tight where it feels like it is restricting your breathing. i am on the prowl for a wet suit am i know that a wet suit is not the most comforting thing but how should it fit, any help would be great


brandy

 

[Greg D.]

i did notice when i did my open water check out this weekend, i did have a really bad problem with my hood around my neck i really felt like it was cutting off my circulation, i know it was a rented hood with my suit and all but is it normal for it to be really tight where it feels like it is restricting your breathing. i am on the prowl for a wet suit am i know that a wet suit is not the most comforting thing but how should it fit, any help would be great


brandy

Your hood should fit snug but not to tight, If it is to tight it will compress the arteries in your neck, that can lead to light headedness and fainting and unconsciouness. Your wet suit should fit fairly tight but if it is to tight arround the stomach and chest it could be restricting your breathing. I had that problem with my first wetsuit, so I got a size larger

 

[theskull]

Rented hoods nearly always suck! A good quality hood that fits properly is a pleasure to wear. Any of the hyperstretch-type neoprene hoods, or a hooded vest, especially in 5mm or less thickness will be very comfortable IF it fits properly. Try on before you buy.

theskull

 

[DandyDon]

I don't like a hood around my neck, but - I do like my beanies - 1 mil and 2 mil, depending on what water I'm diving. They cover the head, with just a chin strap holding one in place.

My first 3 mil suit was so tight I'd skip wearing it when I really needed to. Finally bought the next size up. I was surprised that it shrank; I'm certain it wasn't me.

 

[Xanthro]

It shouldn't be that tight around your neck.

Xanthro

 

[Walter]

A hood that tight can be fatal because of the carotid sinus reflex. It should be covered in your OW course.

 

[Mako Mark]

SashaBaby, go buy yourself a hood that fits properly.

I once suffered carotid Sinus reflex unconciousness years ago, but was fortunate enough to make it to the surface before it happened. If it happens underwater, it will kill you through drowning.

 

[Mo2vation]

I just love the name of this thread... I crack up everytime I come across it...

I'm not a big guy (5-8 170) but for some reason, I have a fat neck and an enormous sputnik dome. I wear the DUI hood, size XL. I tried the L and it was way too tight for my comfort.

I wear medium and large in almost everything, but in hoods, I got some Alien head thing going on and need an XL hood.

K

 

[brssmnky]

I don't like a hood around my neck, but - I do like my beanies - 1 mil and 2 mil, depending on what water I'm diving. They cover the head, with just a chin strap holding one in place.

I didn't like the feeling of hoods either, even when it's not too tight it just feels restricting to me. I too have a beanie and really like it. Of Coarse I have no shame and realize that beanies are kinda dorky looking, but it's a lot more free around the neck. the Downside is that you lose thermal protection in the places that the beanie doesn't cover as compared to the hood.

 

[Doc]

I didn't like the feeling of hoods either, even when it's not too tight it just feels restricting to me. I too have a beanie and really like it. Of Coarse I have no shame and realize that beanies are kinda dorky looking, but it's a lot more free around the neck. the Downside is that you lose thermal protection in the places that the beanie doesn't cover as compared to the hood.

Most of the heat loss is thru the upper areas of the head, so a beanie is most always just fine. I got my beanie with a propellor on top... see others at http://www.terrapin-wetsuits.com/ and the hoods at http://www.terrapin-wetsuits.com/minihood.htm

Any owned hood can be easily customized for us thick necked types. just cut a small line down at the neck and glue/sew/stitch an overlapping patch of wetsuit material. In a pinch, just cut it and go.

Necessity is a mother.