Wetsuit Hood Recommendations

[GrafCanuck]

Looking at purchasing my first wetsuit hood. 90% of the time I will be diving in the Caribbean in 75+ water temps. I'm thinking 3mm or maybe go up to 5mm. From what I gather in reading some of the posts on here is to stay away from a bib style. I'm looking for manufacturer recommendation(s) with experiences. Thanks in advance.

 

[Marie13]

Waterproof. I use the non-bibbed ones with both drysuit and wetsuit.

 

[Caveeagle]

Fourth Element Thermocline hood. Most comfortable hood ever! Only issue Is I have to burn a couple small holes in the top to let bubbles vent out.

I am on my second one, just because I sort of wore out my first one.

 

[scubadada]

Think about a hooded vest, if you need the extra warmth, you'll get it

 

[Ministryofgiraffes]

My fourth element has bubble holes

 

[Caveeagle]

My fourth element has bubble holes

I have seen the neoprene versions with vent holes , but neither of the thermocline hoods I have came that way.

 

[happy-diver]

Previously my head has exploded wearing a hood in 75+ water

If I feel like headbutting something, I use my first stage instead

Well my head didn't really explode but I was definitely inside the pot sharing the same view as the lobster
Yeah I rolled the hood off my head and more tightly around my neck and strangled myself to death instead

Hey, but if it's cold and I have no hood, well that's like the top of my head being processed by a ham slicer

I didn't really strangle myself to death

Here I am

In 65+ water temps my hood, is about the same thickness as my diving attire, my hair

Do you think Scubapro should buy my photo

 

[jonhall]

I had a similar question just a little over a year ago. Following is the link to the thread that had plenty of recommendations: Teach me about the hood

I was looking for something to keep my head warm in cooler than 75º water (Sea of Cortez), but like you, over 90% of my diving is in the Caribbean. I purchased the 3mm Aqua Lung Hot Head. With water temps ranging from 72-75º, I found I probably could have survived without the hood, but that I appreciated the extra warmth on top. Post #33 on the link above has a picture of what I purchased and my experience with it.

I don't see myself using one in the Caribbean, but if a person gets cold easily, they are nice.

 

[JohnnyC]

K01 is the best hood on the market, hands down.

For Caribbean water, the 3mm Aqualung isn't bad, although you'll probably want to punch a couple vent holes in it. All I roll with when I'm in rash guard water is the Mako freediving hood. It's for physical protection, not warmth.

 

[Oitzu]

Maybe a little bit overkill but the Seac Sub Tekno gave me personally the best warmth for bucks.
Has:
Long collar for tucking beneath wetsuit.
Smooth skin on collar, for a little seal between hood and wetsuit.
Smooth skin arround face.
Vent system (Holes with a flap).

Not suitable for a dry-suit though, but you asked for wetsuit.