Hood Opinions

[rumblefish]

I'm looking for opinions on hoods. I'm currently looking at the following hoods:

Henderson hyperstretch 3mm and 5mm
Camaro Stingray and hydronomic 4mm
Pinnacle 5mm merino lined

Anyone have experience with any of these? Looking for good recommendations.

Thanks.

[wgt]

Under what conditions are you diving?

Originally Posted by rumblefish

I'm looking for opinions on hoods. I'm currently looking at the following hoods:

Henderson hyperstretch 3mm and 5mm
Camaro Stingray and hydronomic 4mm
Pinnacle 5mm merino lined

Anyone have experience with any of these? Looking for good recommendations.

Thanks.

[turnpikemike]

I love the hyperstretch 5mm. Seems to be incredibly warm to me, but make sure you get one that fits. My girlfriend got a 5mm one that fits well and she likes, but when she uses my 7mm one (and I use her 5mm one; they're the same size), she hates it for some reason. The 7mm one is a little stiffer, and something bugs her about it. They both seem to fit me the same, and I've used both the 5 and 7mm in different water temperatures, and have never had a single complaint. I have used a few non-hyperstretch ones. Not sure of the brands, but one was a pretty nice-seeming bare or pinnacle with a zipper in the back. I've never liked any of them once I put them on. I say go with the hyperstretch.

[rumblefish]

WGT I think the coldest I'll be diving is in the 50s.

turnpikemike Thanks for the opinion. I did try on a 3mm hyperstretch and liked it but was thinking of maybe getting something heavier like the 5mm.

[turnpikemike]

I didn't specify this, but most of my diving has also been in the 50's, and the hyperstretch 5mm has worked great for both me (I don't mind being cold) and Christy (she hates being cold).

[monant]

What ever brand you choose, check into their hooded vest. I've used both and I really like the vests.

[wgt]

For water of that temperature, I would suggest the 5mm. I use the Hyperstretch 3mm, but the water that I dive is considerably warmer than you are likely to encounter.

Originally Posted by rumblefish

WGT I think the coldest I'll be diving is in the 50s.

turnpikemike Thanks for the opinion. I did try on a 3mm hyperstretch and liked it but was thinking of maybe getting something heavier like the 5mm.

[TRACI]

I have a Henderson Hyperstretch 5/3, which I really like, compared to the the other hoods that have less stretch that I have tried. It is very comfy and warm.

[wmcyow]

Hey there - i'm using a 5mm Pinnalce w/ merino now. The temps te last couple of weeks have been in the high 50s.

Not only do i find it very comfortable - its warm as can be. I would say it'll function well right down to 50.

[north sider]

I have a Hyperstretch 7/5 mm. It goes on and off pretty easily and has a nice snug fit. It's alot more comfortable than the other hoods that I tried at the LDS. Though I don't believe the other two hoods that you mentioned were among the one's that I tried.