32 replies to this topic

[DiviDivaDiver]

YES, but if it's for CHOCOLATE the sticky fingers and tummy ache are TOTALLY worth it. Thanks for your help with the tapatalk. :-)

I probably would have just gotten another Henderson without looking at other brands. It sounds like Waterproof is a serious contender for women from what you guys have written so I will check that out. Also: I got a chance to try out LavaCore under my 3mm in Saba and it REALLY helped. I would have been cold the last couple days without it. My LDS told me they didn't have thermal properties and tried to sell me something different. Now I know better! Thanks everyone, this was really helpful!

Proof again it pays to investigate every topic; much like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. (Well, except for the sticky fingers and tummy ache from overindulging, but maaaaybe that's just me.)

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Glad the Tapatalk is working for you Suzi!

[SassyLilCutie]

What about the hoods? Do many of you use the hoods often? If so, do you use the hoods with a vest or just the hood itself?

[MNJoe]

I have a hooded vest that I almost always pack no matter where I go. I mix and match my wetsuits for varying conditions. The biggest advantage with the hooded vest is that you will not get cool water down your neck as you do with just a plain hood. My hooded vest is a 5mm hood attached to a 3mm vest. It is also extra stretchy so it is very comfortable. I can and have worn this with, just swim shorts, my 2mm shorty, my 3mm full suit, and my 7mm full suit. It is quite versatile and takes up little room in my suitcase!

Keith

[jesterdiver]

I agree with MNJoe, I also have a 3mm hooded vest and comes in handy as a layering option if I get chilly toward the end of a week of diving or if the water is just on the colder side. Since you're thinking of getting a 5mm wetsuit, I'ld suggest a 3mm vest/hood which comes out to 8mm of neoprene over your core. Layering of neoprene is key.

I also have a standalone lavacore hood too. I mainly use it when night diving to give me a little extra protection from little jellyfish stings and to get that extra warmth on cooler nights.

[georoc01]

What about the hoods? Do many of you use the hoods often? If so, do you use the hoods with a vest or just the hood itself?

I have both. Since most of your heat loss comes through your head, they are a good idea if you get cold. I also know that for women with long hair that tends to get snarled up in your 1st stage, its worth it just for that even if you don't need the thermal protection. I usually cover my head with a Scuba du rag, just to prevent sunburn, but I know women who use those to put their hair up also.

[DiviDivaDiver]

I use a thin detached hood for protection from jellyfish and to control my hair. I've used it forever and cannot imagine diving without it. Now that I am diving a greater number of repetitive dives I will likely move up to a 3mm for warmth.

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What about the hoods? Do many of you use the hoods often? If so, do you use the hoods with a vest or just the hood itself?

[scubaclint]

I keep a beanie in my dive bag. If I'm doing 2-3 dives a day, I usually go without it. More than that and my ears get cold which leads to them getting sore and irritated.

[WreckWench]

Can't stand the hood attached to the vest...too claustraphobic so have a lightweight lava core hood for warmth and comfort. Its light and wonderful!

[SassyLilCutie]

Hmmm lots of different opinions on the hood BUT does seem like it's a necessary thing to have in one way or another! I'll have to try out a few of the suggestions here and figure out what I like best, I suppose.

I was also thinking about it for keeping my hair back since I have long hair and I've already found out that it's impossible to keep it all together!

[WreckWench]

Start off with a thin one i.e. lycra hood from say lavacore (one of our partners...you can use mine on a trip first if you like) and then add a thicker one if needed for add'l warmth. I am a huge wuss but I find the lavacore keeps me PLENTY warm. I do have a thicker hood but rarely use it as the lavacore does it all for me 99% of the time! And its lighter for packing too!

[SassyLilCutie]

Start off with a thin one i.e. lycra hood from say lavacore (one of our partners...you can use mine on a trip first if you like) and then add a thicker one if needed for add'l warmth. I am a huge wuss but I find the lavacore keeps me PLENTY warm. I do have a thicker hood but rarely use it as the lavacore does it all for me 99% of the time! And its lighter for packing too!

Kamala,
Do we get a special deal on Lavacore, being that they are one of our partners? I took a look at the hooded long sleeve shirt on their website and it's $139.

[WreckWench]

Yes we do get special pricing! I can't post it publically but can let you know via email! But hopefully it can wait until I get back from Truk and Palua!

[SassyLilCutie]

Yes we do get special pricing! I can't post it publically but can let you know via email! But hopefully it can wait until I get back from Truk and Palua!

Absolutely, it can!

[SassyLilCutie]

I went to a couple of dive shops today to try on some wetsuits to see how they felt AND to see how easy they were to get into. I took my own skin to make it a tad easier also.

First, I tried the LavaCore Hooded long sleeve top and let me just say, the inside of that feels AWESOME! I did notice that their sizes run incredibly small! I had to go up 2 sizes. But very warm and comfy!

I then tried on a Henderson H2 Titanium which was very easy to get into. Problem was that they didn't have my size but just the size above mine and they were on clearance and getting rid of them. The guy at the shop told me that the 'upgrade' or next gen of that suit was the XSPAN Neo Sport wet suit. It is a lot cheaper than the H2 Titanium but it's made by the same company. I wonder if anyone has ever worn one of the XSPAN Neo Sport wetsuits and if so, what did you think about it? It's made by Henderson from what I understand but under the Neo Sport brand.

[WreckWench]

How much bigger was the clearance suit? If you layer i.e. say lavacore under it or a vest...the next size may in fact be the right size for you.