cold water hood recommendations?

[Houseplant]

As someone else said, it's all about fit. IMO fit is more important than thickness, same goes for wetsuits too. My 3mm Decathlon/Tribord hood is warmer than my 5mm Oceanic for this reason, nothing wrong with the latter, just doesn't fit my head. If I could get a hood that was a good fit and 5mm+, I'd be a happy bunny. Might check out the Scubapro flexi thingies.

[tom]

Ack - forgot about this thread, and now it's come back to life! I meant to post something thanking everyone for the comments etc. Special thanks to those offering cheap hoods.

I ended up getting a Waterproof 5/7mm hood as mentioned by a few people - done a handful of dives with it so far, and I like it. The bib is quite big & stiff, but doesn't cause a problem in the water, and the air venting system works pretty well. I'm now thinking about some gloves from the same company when my current pair wear out.

[Twinsetmad]

Hi Tom...I've had Bodyglove, Othree and Scubapro...The Scubapro keeps me warmest and is very comfy, but the Othree match my suit! The Scubapro gloves made from the same stuff are really good too.

[jojac]

Originally Posted by Brian of Aquanauts

True!

Waterproof via CPS partnership (TUSA) have started doing a nice line in 7mm hoods with 5mm round the face, very toasty, with two nicely designed vents. Warmest hood i've found so far.

I third recommed these, looks good too.

[Napier]

Tried a Waterproof hood at the weekend & fitted nicely. Just worried that my CF200 drysuit doesnt have anything to retain hood collar. Is it feasible to trim it or would it be best to try first & see if collar is a nuisance?
Advice welcome

[yellowduke]

I hate hoods with a passion but they are a necessary evil for winter diving. I have 3 and will only wear one of them which is a Typhoon 3mm. It has that silver lining to the neoprene so slides on wet and has no flappy collar. It has been ok for me in 3 degrees and nice in 7 degrees. I might be a bit odd though as I also use 3mm gloves!

Jim

[Justin Owen]

Originally Posted by JAG

I've tried a few and my trusty old scubapro is the best by far.

Seconded... Scubapro Super-Stretchy hood... Best by far!

[tom]

Originally Posted by Napier

Tried a Waterproof hood at the weekend & fitted nicely. Just worried that my CF200 drysuit doesnt have anything to retain hood collar. Is it feasible to trim it or would it be best to try first & see if collar is a nuisance?
Advice welcome

try before trimming - I thought it might be a nuisance, but not so far (my suit doesn't have anything to retain it either)

[malcolm smith]

If you already have a hood that is fine for most of the year, you could get a cheap 2nd hand canoeing helmet to wear over your hood in the winter. This is probably cheaper than getting a supadoopa new hood.

I paid very little for a groovy blue one.

If you worry about your long hose, and it's deployment, don't put any lights on the helmet, and no problemo :-)

I dive in Crummock water all year, sad but true :-)-------and since investing in this gem, February feels like August :-)

When it warms up, back to my faithful old Otter on its own.

Cheers, Malcolm.

[Houseplant]

Originally Posted by Sipadan

If I could get a hood that was a good fit and 5mm+, I'd be a happy bunny.

Guess I'm a happy bunny now. Got a 5mm Body Glove which did a great job at Stoney this weekend