Hood fit

[Venio]

I stopped today by ST to get some stuff and I end up with a new Henderson 3 mil hood and gloves. While the gloves fit awesome, I failed to see that my hood is a bit loose over my neck until I got home and tried it again. Since, I never have used one I'm not sure how it is supposed to fit proper. Does it have to have snug fit or it would be OK if it's loose? I would like to know before I get in the water and exchange it.

Thanks.

[somewhereinla]

it needs to be snug but not tight as you don't want to cut off circulation. It should feel comfortable.

[Theepdinker]

If the fit isn't close enough to keep water from flushing in and out,
it won't keep you warm.

Theep

[andyallen69]

Im a UK dry suit diver so use a 5mm hood. I have never seen a hood that is is tight over the full neck area, most fit nicely over the head and flair out a bit as they go down. The main area you want to keep warm is your head so if its just the neck that is a bit looser I would give it a try first. I dive in 44 F water and my head has never been cold yet.

[Kidder]

I would say it needs to fit snug not tight. It should tuck into your wet suit so that should help. I doubt once you have on and tucked that it will be a problem.

[Venio]

Thanks to all for the answers. I'll go to the store and try the Medium once again to see which one fits more comfortable. It's so nice to live in driving distance to ST.

[BobbyWombat]

Venio,

I had the same problem, same question. I have a Henderson 3mm hood and the fit on my head is great, but the neck is loose.

I tried a size down (small) and the head was uncomfortably tight, and the neck STILL loose.

I kept the medium and dove with it, tucking the neck under my wetsuit. No problems. My head was warm, and the wetsuit kept the hood snug around my neck so there was no flushing.

Get the best fit for your noggin, then have fun.

-BW.

[sudnit5]

I originally got a large and thought it was too big until I tried on a Med. I nearly suffocated. Needless to say I stuck with the large.

[mdwestgrl]

I had the same type of deal. Mine fit good around my head and face but was too big around my neck. Needs to be snug around your neck or will defeat the purpose.

[scuba cat]

It definitely needs to be snug around head, but not too tight otherwise you'll end up with a headache after your dive. I'm generally a small but the small hoods that I've tried seemed too tight around the head but ok around the neck and my head was pounding after the dive. Medium works better for me. Even if it was a little loose around the neck, tucking it into the suit helped.