Quick Wetsuit Hoods Buyer’s Guide
Most people have issues with getting wetsuit hoods because they are not very common for people just chilling on the shore.
Picking out best wetsuit hoods for your exact needs is actually easy, as you will know if they are a good fit even if you try them on dry land.
There are only three things you should look for if we don’t count aesthetics, which should come in as a potential tiebreaker. If you want to surf with your hood, your main concern will be your FoV (Field of View), but if you plan on diving in colder waters, the temperature will be the main issue.
Finally, there is a question of materials, because even in the warmest of hoods you will want some flexibility to be able to look around you without straining your neck muscles.
Field of View
Field of view is significant. Even though we might not focus on something that is in the corner of our eye, our bran has peripheral vision, and we feel comfortable knowing what is around.
The ideal FoV is 170 degrees left to right and 90 degrees up and down. This is what we have with unobstructed vision.
Generally, if you are surfing, you will not want to go lower than 150 degrees, as this will start making your neck twitch under stress, which is bad for both your health and your surfing game.
Temperature
While summertime surfing in Maui doesn’t even require a hood, unless for UV protection maybe, diving always does.
The deeper you go, the colder it is, and if you are going further from the equator, you will want at least 3mm of material between you and the chilly water.
Materials
The most common material for wetsuit hoods is neoprene. After that, nylon is added for sturdiness and flexibility, and Lycra is added for stretchiness.
There are also other materials like sharkskin.
If you are unable to test the hood beforehand, just read what the material does and how it performs in other places, and you will know if it is for you.
Conclusion
Having a hood while surfing or diving is a must. Thankfully, due to advancements in technology, you are now able to get the best wetsuit hoods on the market for a very affordable price.
Once you know where you are going, and how cold you are going to get, you can pick out a hood that is best for that situation.
Regardless of your choice, always remember to stay comfortable and to take care of your health. Even though these hoods will allow you to stay in the water longer, if you start feeling cold or tired, exit the water, rest for a bit, and start your adventure again in a short while.
