under armor hood?

[quarkuud]

I really really hate wearing hoods. I find them uncomfortable both on and out of the water and I'm always having to pull on them to let water in so I can equalise. But the water is pretty cold where I live and having a warm head seems like a good idea.

I was digging around looking for something else and came across an under armor hood. It's got a neck bit, a bit you can pull up over your face to keep the sand out (obviously wouldn't use that with a reg), and then the actual hood and it's made out of the usual under armor material. It's much more comfortable than neoprene.

Will this actually keep me even a little warmer in water, though? I'm willing to make the look like an alien sacrifice for a warm head, but otherwise I'd rather not look weird.

Any other suggestions for the hood-hater? I've tried a 5/3 Henderson hood and I think a 3mil hood attached to a borrowed hooded vest and both were equally uncomfortable.

[ScubaToys Larry]

No, really won't help with warmth at all. It's the air bubbles in neoprene that give it the insulation properties - so aside from holding down your hair, and stopping the top of your head from getting a sunburn... that material on a hood won't do much, if anything.

If you want to keep a little more warmth in, but hate hoods, even a 1mm neoprene beanie will do more than just lycra. http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...ID=TilosBeanie

[peteg]

I rock a Henderson 3 mil beanie and find it to be a nice compromise between comfort and convenience. This means I second Larry's suggestion.

[No Misses]

I 3rd Larry's suggestion. I wear a beenie in cold water. Just like you're mom always told you - wear a hat, it will keep you warm.

[sudnit5]

I have a Henderson 5mm and it feels and works great.

[CompuDude]

I hate hoods, too, but there's really no alternative when the water is really cold.

I treasure those hood-free warm water vacations.

If it's really that much of a bother for you, however, and a beanie is not warm enough, you could go to a drysuit with a dry hood. Some find those more comfortable. At least you won't have the issue with needing to let water in to equalize!

[quarkuud]

Thanks everyone. I figured that was the case, but I was just hoping to get away without spending any more money. Clearly my first mistake.

I'll give a beanie a shot.

[scubamike]

I went to the LDS today looking for the same type of hood you were asking about. I tried a few of them and hated most of them..too tight, wrong fit, uncomfortable. I tried a few of the Henderson one and they all felt really bad.. I would rather wear a bandana.

If you find one, let me know so I can try it.

[quarkuud]

I went to a dive shop here yesterday. They didn't have any sort of beanie, and the guy tried to sell me a Radiator hood. Their stuff is nice generally, much thinner than neoprene and almost as warm, but it's also very expensive. I didn't buy it. I already have a hood I never wear, I'm not willing to spend $60 on another one. Also, I think they were charging more than MSRP on it. I can buy it direct from the company if I change my mind.

This wasn't my usual LDS. I go to the one that's further away but seems less rip-off-tastic. Now I remember why.

It's about to be summer here anyway, so I can get by without any head covering for a few months while I look for something better.

[crpntr133]

Originally Posted by No Misses

I 3rd Larry's suggestion. I wear a beenie in cold water. Just like you're mom always told you - wear a hat, it will keep you warm.

Cold water in FL?? You must travel a bit. Before anyone asks the answer is 39 degrees.