When hood and boots are necessities?

[smokn']

I searched around a little but didn't find anything too concise on this. I understand personal tolerances play into it a great deal but at what point do you guys break out a hood and boots and a what point do you think you couldn't go without em?

 

[hypertech]

Boots - always. My fins are sized to fit with the boots.

My hood comes out around 55-60 degrees depending on how long I'll be down. They really aren't that bad, I don't know what all the fuss is about.

 

[ptyx]

Personally, boots are always on - since I haven't found a full foot fin I like and I'd rather not bruise my toes more than I need.

Hood - anything colder than 24C (75F) deserves one. Even my 5mm shorty has an attached hood, although I often have it rolled behind the neck.

What can I say, I'm a wimp.

 

[j yaeger]

unless i'm outta a boat or in sand-boots!!!!crap i step in in unbelievable!!!!
hood-keeps the water warm outside my ears-no earaches,and it keeps things silent
also keeps the crap off my bare head-just like my bare feet!
keeps my core temp up so the diving is longer and enjoyable!
have fun
yaeg

 

[cmburch]

Sea nettles hood on. fins are all sized for socks or booties. Lower than about 65F for me unless in the sun on the surface.

 

[LouieLouie]

I always wear boots or socks, though only for comfort when the water temperature is decent. Hood if below 75-ish.

 

[D_B]

Boots, even in 80f water of the Dry Tortugas trip .. and good ones with "real" arch support that keeps me stable walking in heavy gear.
Hood, well I didn't use one on that trip, but to stay warm I did have to switch to 3mm gloves from a "reef" glove ... any colder and I would have used one, others were putting on 3mm hooded vests under their 3/2 by their 4th or 5th dive of the day

if it's not too cold, a super stretch neoprene hood is more comfortable than a regular one , but a bit less effective

 

[smokn']

Good input guys, my cert dives are all I have under my belt and that was in 85 degree water so it's helpful to see what's needed for what.

 

[scubajim 1]

Even in water that warm I'd recommend a hood (henderson microprene is great). The warmer you keep your core, the more energy you have to dive. You will notice this especially on a dive drip with mulitple days of repetitive diving.
Besides as the others said...protection from sun and sea creatures. I think you will like a hood.
I live in Florida and dive with a hood year round.

 

[Soggy_Diver]

I do the same as CMBurch--hood if it is below 65.