Used Aqualung Seawave Dive Hood 3/1mm
In stock — ships from Irvine, CA
This item is currently on backorder. Order now to reserve yours, and we will ship it as soon as it is back in stock.
Used Aqualung Seawave Dive Hood 3/1mm - Black/Blue / S (Small) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Pickup available at In Store
Usually ready in 2 hours
Aqua Lung size charts by gear type. Imperial in bold, metric underneath.
Wetsuits
Aqualung wetsuits
Men's wetsuits
Height and weight
| Size | Height ft/in · cm |
Weight lb · kg |
|---|---|---|
| 3XS / 42 |
4′9″–5′1″ 145–155 |
90–112 40–50 |
| 2XS /44 |
4′11″–5′3″ 150–160 |
101–123 45–55 |
| XS / 46 |
5′1″–5′5″ 155–165 |
110–132 50–60 |
| S / 48 |
5′3″–5′7″ 160–170 |
121–154 55–70 |
| M / 50 |
5′5″–5′9″ 165–175 |
132–176 60–80 |
| MS / 26 |
5′3″–5′7″ 160–170 |
130–176 58–78 |
| MT / 98 |
5′9″–6′1″ 175–185 |
146–191 65–85 |
| ML / 52 |
5′7″–5′11″ 170–180 |
154–198 70–90 |
| L / 54 |
5′9″–6′1″ 175–185 |
176–220 80–100 |
| LS / 27 |
5′5″–5′9″ 165–175 |
169–214 75–95 |
| LT / 102 |
5′11″–6′3″ 180–190 |
180–220 85–105 |
| XL / 56 |
5′11″–6′3″ 180–190 |
198–231 90–105 |
| XLS / 28 |
5′9″–6′1″ 175–185 |
198–231 90–105 |
| 2XL / 58 |
6′1″–6′5″ 185–195 |
210–242 95–110 |
| 3XL / 60 |
6′3″–6′7″ 190–200 |
242–264 110–120 |
(A) Chest, (B) Waist and (C) Hip
| Size | (A) Chest in · cm |
(B) Waist in · cm |
(C) Hip in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3XS / 42 |
27–31 70–80 |
24–28 61–71 |
28–31 71–79 |
| 2XS /44 |
29–33 75–85 |
26–30 66–76 |
30–33 76–84 |
| XS / 46 |
31–35 80–90 |
28–32 71–81 |
31–35 80–90 |
| S / 48 |
33–37 85–95 |
30–34 76–86 |
34–38 87–97 |
| M / 50 |
35–39 90–100 |
32–36 81–91 |
36–40 91–101 |
| MS / 26 |
35–39 90–100 |
32–36 81–91 |
36–40 91–101 |
| MT / 98 |
35–39 90–100 |
32–36 81–91 |
36–40 91–101 |
| ML / 52 |
37–41 95–105 |
36–37 86–96 |
38–42 96–106 |
| L / 54 |
37–41 95–105 |
36–40 91–101 |
40–44 102–112 |
| LS / 27 |
37–41 95–105 |
36–40 91–101 |
40–44 102–112 |
| LT / 102 |
37–41 95–105 |
36–40 91–101 |
40–44 102–112 |
| XL / 56 |
41–45 105–115 |
38–42 96–106 |
45–49 115–125 |
| XLS / 28 |
41–45 105–115 |
38–42 96–106 |
45–49 115–125 |
| 2XL / 58 |
43–47 110–120 |
40–44 101–111 |
47–51 120–130 |
| 3XL / 60 |
45–49 115–125 |
42–46 106–116 |
49–53 125–135 |
Women's wetsuits
Height and weight
| Size | Height ft/in · cm |
Weight lb · kg |
|---|---|---|
| XS / 34 |
4′11″–5′3″ 150–160 |
100–110 45–50 |
| S / 36 |
5′1″–5′5″ 155–165 |
110–121 50–55 |
| M / 38 |
5′3″–5′7″ 160–170 |
121–132 55–60 |
| MS / 38 |
5′1″–5′5″ 155–165 |
121–132 55–60 |
| MT / 38 |
5′7″–5′11″ 170–180 |
121–132 55–60 |
| ML / 40 |
5′5″–5′9″ 165–175 |
132–143 60–65 |
| L / 42 |
5′7″–5′11″ 170–180 |
143–154 65–70 |
| LS / 42 |
5′3″–5′7″ 160–170 |
143–154 65–70 |
| LT / 42 |
5′9″–6′1″ 175–185 |
143–154 65–70 |
| XL / 44 |
5′9″–6′1″ 175–185 |
158–169 72–77 |
| XLS / 44 |
5′7″–5′11″ 170–180 |
158–169 72–77 |
| 2XL / 46 |
5′11″–6′3″ 180–190 |
165–176 75–80 |
| 3XL / 48 |
6′1″–6′5″ 185–195 |
176+ 80+ |
(A) Chest, (B) Waist and (C) Hip
| Size | (A) Chest in · cm |
(B) Waist in · cm |
(C) Hip in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS / 34 |
29–33 75–85 |
23–27 60–70 |
29–33 75–85 |
| S / 36 |
31–35 80–90 |
25–30 65–75 |
33–37 85–95 |
| M / 38 |
33–37 85–95 |
27–32 70–80 |
37–41 95–105 |
| MS / 38 |
33–37 85–95 |
27–32 70–80 |
37–41 95–105 |
| MT / 38 |
33–37 85–95 |
27–32 70–80 |
37–41 95–105 |
| ML / 40 |
35–39 90–100 |
29–33 75–85 |
41–45 105–115 |
| L / 42 |
35–39 90–100 |
29–33 75–85 |
41–45 105–115 |
| LS / 42 |
35–39 90–100 |
29–33 75–85 |
41–45 105–115 |
| LT / 42 |
35–39 90–100 |
29–33 75–85 |
41–45 105–115 |
| XL / 44 |
37–41 95–105 |
31–35 80–90 |
45–49 115–125 |
| XLS / 44 |
37–41 95–105 |
31–35 80–90 |
45–49 115–125 |
| 2XL / 46 |
39–43 100–110 |
33–37 85–95 |
49–53 125–135 |
| 3XL / 48 |
41–45 105–115 |
35–39 90–100 |
53–57 135–145 |
How Aqua Lung measures
- (A) Chest: Measure around the widest part of the chest.
- (B) Waist: Measure around the waistline where your pants would rest.
- (C) Hip: Measure around the widest part of the hips.
From Aqua Lung’s chart: Sizes shown here are estimations
Drysuits
Aqualung men's drysuits
Men's drysuits, XS / 46 to ML / 52
Weight, height and chest
| Size | Weight lb · kg |
Height ft/in · cm |
Chest in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS / 46 |
110–132 50–60 |
5′1″–5′5″ 155–165 |
38–40 97–103 |
| S / 46 |
121–154 55–70 |
5′3″–5′7″ 160–170 |
39–41 100–106 |
| M / 50 |
132–176 60–80 |
5′5″–5′9″ 165–175 |
40–42 102–108 |
| ML / 52 |
154–198 70–90 |
5′7″–5′11″ 170–180 |
42–45 108–114 |
Socks / boots (EU) and socks / boots (US)
| Size | Socks / |
Socks / |
|---|---|---|
| XS / 46 | 39–40 | 7–7.5 |
| S / 46 | 41–42 | 8–8.5 |
| M / 50 | 41–42 | 8–8.5 |
| ML / 52 | 43–44 | 9–9.5 |
Tolerance (printed without a unit): Weight ± 5.5 for lb, ± 2.5 for kg; Height ± 5.5 for inches, ± 2.5 for cm; Chest ± 5.5 for inches, ± 2.5 for cm. None is given for Socks.
Men's drysuits, L / 54 to 3XL / 60
Weight, height and chest
| Size | Weight lb · kg |
Height ft/in · cm |
Chest in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| L / 54 |
176–220 80–100 |
5′9″–6′1″ 175–185 |
44–46 112–118 |
| XL / 56 |
198–231 90–105 |
5′11″–6′3″ 180–190 |
45–48 115–122 |
| 2XL / 58 |
210–242 95–110 |
6′1″–6′5″ 185–195 |
46–49 119–126 |
| 3XL / 60 |
242–264 110–120 |
6′3″–6′7″ 190–200 |
48–51 123–130 |
Socks / boots (EU) and socks
| Size | Socks / |
Socks |
|---|---|---|
| L / 54 | 44–45 | 7–7.5 |
| XL / 56 | 45–47 | 8–8.5 |
| 2XL / 58 | 45–47 | 8–8.5 |
| 3XL / 60 | 47–48 | 9–9.5 |
Tolerance (printed without a unit): Weight ± 5.5 for lb, ± 2.5 for kg; Height ± 5.5 for inches, ± 2.5 for cm; Chest ± 5.5 for inches, ± 2.5 for cm. None is given for Socks.
Socks: Aqualung's chart prints the second line for L / 54 to 3XL / 60 as 7–7.5, 8–8.5, 8–8.5, 9–9.5, the same as for XS / 46 to ML / 52, although the EU sizes in the first line are larger. It names no sizing system for this line, so it is shown as printed.
How Aqua Lung measures
- A - Chest: Measure around the widest part of the chest
- B - Waist: Measure around the waistline where your pants would rest
- C - Hip: Measure around the widest part of the hips
From Aqua Lung’s chart: The measures listed on this chart are given for your guidance only. However, the Aqualung wet suits are exceptionally stretchy and get adjusted easily to all morphologies even if they are quite different from the above chart. These differences of sizes do not alter the temperature sense and the termal protection is respected. In any case, be aware that a chart will never replace a good trying on at your Aqualung dive shop together with professional advises.
Aqualung women's drysuits
Women's drysuits, XS / 34 / 4 to ML / 40 / 10
Weight, height and chest
| Size | Weight lb · kg |
Height ft/in · cm |
Chest in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS / 34 / 4 |
103–110 47–50 |
4′11″–5′3″ 150–160 |
33–35 84–89 |
| S / 36 / 6 |
110–119 50–54 |
5′3″–5′4″ 160–163 |
34–36 88–93 |
| M / 38 / 8 |
119–134 54–61 |
5′4″–5′5″ 163–166 |
36–38 92–97 |
| ML / 40 / 10 |
134–148 61–67 |
5′5″–5′7″ 166–170 |
37–39 96–101 |
Socks / boots (EU) and socks / boots (US)
| Size | Socks / |
Socks / |
|---|---|---|
| XS / 34 / 4 | 36–37 | 4.5–6 |
| S / 36 / 6 | 38–39 | 5.5–7.5 |
| M / 38 / 8 | 39–41 | 7–8.5 |
| ML / 40 / 10 | 39–41 | 8–9.5 |
Tolerance (TOLERANCE column, printed with no unit): Weight ± 2.5 beside the kgs line and ± 5.5 beside the lbs line; Height ± 2.5 beside the cm line and ± 5.5 beside the in line; Chest ± 2.5 beside the cm line and ± 5.5 beside the in line. Nothing is printed beside Socks.
Women's drysuits, L / 42 / 12 to 2XL / 46 / 16
Weight and height
| Size | Weight lb · kg |
Height ft/in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| L / 42 /12 |
148–159 65–72 |
5′6″–5′8″ 169–172 |
| XL / 44 / 14 |
159–170 72–77 |
5′9″–5′10″ 175–178 |
| 2XL / 46 / 16 |
165–176 75–80 |
5′9″–5′11″ 177–180 |
Chest, socks / boots (EU) and socks / boots (US)
| Size | Chest in · cm |
Socks / |
Socks / |
|---|---|---|---|
| L / 42 /12 |
39–41 100–105 |
41–42 | 8–9.5 |
| XL / 44 / 14 |
40–42 103–108 |
43–44 | 9–10.5 |
| 2XL / 46 / 16 |
42–44 107–113 |
43–44 | 9–10.5 |
Tolerance (TOLERANCE column, printed with no unit): Weight ± 2.5 beside the kgs line and ± 5.5 beside the lbs line; Height ± 2.5 beside the cm line and ± 5.5 beside the in line; Chest ± 2.5 beside the cm line and ± 5.5 beside the in line. Nothing is printed beside Socks.
From Aqua Lung’s chart: The measures listed on this chart are given for your guidance only. However, the Aqualung wet suits are exceptionally stretchy and get adjusted easily to all morphologies even if they are quite different from the above chart. These differences of sizes do not alter the temperature sense and the termal protection is respected. In any case, be aware that a chart will never replace a good trying on at your Aqualung dive shop together with professional advises.
Aqualung Fusion
Height and weight
| Size | Height ft/in · cm |
Weight lb · kg |
|---|---|---|
| 2XS - XS |
5′1″–5′5″ 155–168 |
90–130 41–59 |
| SM/MED |
5′5″–5′9″ 168–180 |
120–170 55–77 |
| LG/XL |
5′9″–6′1″ 180–186 |
160–210 73–95 |
| 2XL–3XL |
6′0″–6′4″ 183–195 |
200–250 91–114 |
| 4XLplus* |
6′0″–6′10″ 183–208 |
230–350 105–160 |
Chest, waist and buttocks
| Size | Chest in · cm |
Waist in · cm |
Buttocks in · cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2XS - XS |
30–37 76–94 |
22–31 56–79 |
27–36 69–91 |
| SM/MED |
35–41 89–105 |
27–36 69–91 |
32–41 81–104 |
| LG/XL |
39–45 99–114 |
31–40 79–102 |
36–45 91–114 |
| 2XL–3XL |
43–49 109–125 |
35–44 89–112 |
40–49 102–124 |
| 4XLplus* |
45–58 114–148 |
41–58 104–147 |
46–58 117–147 |
Crotch to floor
| Size | Crotch to floor in · cm |
|---|---|
| 2XS - XS |
26–29 66–74 |
| SM/MED |
29–32 74–81 |
| LG/XL |
30–33 76–84 |
| 2XL–3XL |
32–35 81–89 |
| 4XLplus* |
33–38 84–97 |
From Aqua Lung’s chart: *The limited Edition skin is not available on in 2XS/XS and 4XL+
Hoods
Aqualung hoods
| Size | Head circumference (A) in · cm |
Neck circumference (B) in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| XS |
19.7–20.5 50–52 |
13.8–14.6 35–37 |
| SM |
20.5–21.3 52–54 |
14.2–14.6 36–37 |
| MD |
21.3–22.4 54–57 |
14.6–15 37–38 |
| LG |
22.4–23.2 57–59 |
15.4 39 |
| XL |
23.2–24.4 59–62 |
15.4–16.1 39–41 |
| 2XL |
24.4–25.2 62–64 |
16.1–16.5 41–42 |
Boots
Aqualung boots
| EU | US | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | 3 | 2.5 |
| 36 | 4 | 3.5 |
| 37 | 5 | 4 |
| 38 | 6 | 5 |
| 39 | 7 | 5.5 |
| 40 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 41 | 8 | 7 |
| 42 | 9 | 8 |
| 43 | 10 | 9 |
| 44 | 10.5 | 9.5 |
| 45 | 11 | 10.5 |
| 46 | 12 | 11 |
| 47 | 13 | 12 |
| 48 | 14 | 13 |
| 49 | 15 | 13.5 |
| 50 | 16 | 14.5 |
| 51 | 17 | 16 |
Gloves
Aqualung dive gloves
| Size | Palm circumference (A) in · cm |
Hand length (B) in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| XS |
7.00–7.74 17.78–19.68 |
5.11–5.21 13.00–13.25 |
| S |
7.74–8.00 19.68–20.32 |
5.21–5.41 13.25–13.75 |
| M |
8–8.5 20.32–21.59 |
5.41–5.51 13.75–14.00 |
| L |
8.50–8.74 21.59–22.22 |
5.51–5.61 14.00–14.25 |
| XL |
8.74–9.25 22.22–23.50 |
5.61–5.80 14.25–14.75 |
| 2XL |
9.25–9.74 23.50–24.76 |
5.8–5.9 14.75–15.00 |
Fins
Aqualung Phazer, Express ADJ and Stratos ADJ fins with adjustable heel straps
| EU size | US size | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 35–39 | 3–6 | S |
| 40–43 | 6–9 | M |
| 44–47 | 9.5–12 | L |
| 42–47* | 8–12* | XL |
* suited for special boots
From Aqua Lung’s chart: Aqualung fins with adjustable heel straps are designed to fit a range of foot sizes. Feet at the smaller end of the size range may not reach the edge of the fin pocket, while feet at the larger edge of the size range may extend past the edge of the fin pocket. Sizes shown here are estimations
BCDs
Aqualung BCDs: Rogue, Axiom and Axiom i3+ (men and women), Dimension, Lotus, Pro HD Compact, Pro HD (men and women)
Height and weight
| Size | Height ft/in · cm |
Weight lb · kg |
|---|---|---|
| Rogue | ||
| S |
4′7″–5′7″ 140–170 |
90–155 40–70 |
| M |
5′7″–6′0″ 170–182 |
150–210 68–95 |
| L |
5′10″–6′5″ 177–195 |
200–270 90–120 |
| Axiom / Axiom i3+ Men | ||
| XS |
5′0″–5′5″ 152–165 |
100–125 45–57 |
| S |
5′2″–5′7″ 157–170 |
120–155 54–70 |
| M |
5′7″–5′10″ 170–177 |
150–165 68–75 |
| ML |
5′10″–6′0″ 177–182 |
160–190 73–86 |
| L |
6′0″–6′2″ 182–188 |
180–210 82–95 |
| XL |
6′2″–6′5″ 188–195 |
195–240 88–109 |
| 2XL |
6′2″–6′5″ 188–195 |
230–270 104–122 |
| Axiom / Axiom i3+ Women | ||
| 2XS |
4′8″–5′4″ 142–162 |
90–125 41–57 |
| XS / S |
5′2″–5′7″ 157–170 |
110–145 50–66 |
| M |
5′5″–5′10″ 165–177 |
140–165 63–75 |
| ML |
5′10″–6′0″ 177–182 |
160–190 73–86 |
| Dimension | ||
| S |
5′2″–5′7″ 157–170 |
120–155 45–57 |
| M |
5′7″–5′10″ 170–177 |
150–165 54–70 |
| ML |
5′10″–6′0″ 177–182 |
160–190 73–86 |
| L |
6′0″–6′2″ 182–188 |
180–210 82–95 |
| XL |
6′2″–6′5″ 188–195 |
195–240 88–109 |
| Lotus | ||
| XS / S |
5′2″–5′7″ 157–170 |
110–145 50–58 |
| M |
5′7″–5′10″ 170–177 |
140–165 64–75 |
| ML |
5′10″–6′0″ 177–182 |
160–190 73–86 |
| Pro HD Compact | ||
| 2XS / XS |
4′8″–5′5″ 142–165 |
90–125 41–57 |
| SM |
5′2″–5′10″ 157–177 |
120–165 54–70 |
| ML / L |
5′10″–6′2″ 177–188 |
160–210 73–95 |
| XL / 2XL |
6′2″–6′5″ 188–195 |
195–270 88–122 |
| Pro HD Men | ||
| XS |
5′0″–5′5″ 152–165 |
100–125 45–57 |
| S |
5′2″–5′7″ 157–170 |
120–155 54–70 |
| M |
5′7″–5′10″ 170–177 |
150–165 68–75 |
| ML |
5′10″–6′0″ 177–182 |
160–190 73–86 |
| L |
6′0″–6′2″ 182–188 |
180–210 82–95 |
| XL |
6′2″–6′5″ 188–195 |
195–240 88–109 |
| Pro HD Women | ||
| XS |
4′8″–5′4″ 142–162 |
90–125 41–57 |
| S |
5′2″–5′7″ 157–170 |
110–145 50–66 |
| M |
5′5″–5′10″ 165–177 |
140–165 63–75 |
| ML |
5′10″–6′0″ 177–182 |
160–190 73–86 |
Waist and over the shoulder
| Size | Waist in · cm |
Over the shoulder in · cm |
|---|---|---|
| Rogue | ||
| S |
29–43 75–110 |
33–42 83–108 |
| M |
32–48 81–121 |
40–49 101–124 |
| L |
42–58 106–147 |
44–53 111–134 |
| Axiom / Axiom i3+ Men | ||
| XS |
30–42 76–107 |
33–41 84–104 |
| S |
30–42 76–107 |
37–45 94–114 |
| M |
33–45 84–114 |
40–48 102–123 |
| ML |
35–47 89–119 |
42–50 107–127 |
| L |
38–50 97–127 |
44–52 112–132 |
| XL |
41–53 104–135 |
46–54 117–137 |
| 2XL |
44–56 112–142 |
46–54 117–137 |
| Axiom / Axiom i3+ Women | ||
| 2XS |
26–38 66–97 |
32–38 81–97 |
| XS / S |
30–42 76–107 |
33–39 84–99 |
| M |
33–45 84–114 |
35–41 89–104 |
| ML |
38–50 97–127 |
35–41 89–104 |
| Dimension | ||
| S |
30–42 76–107 |
37–45 94–114 |
| M |
33–45 84–114 |
40–48 102–123 |
| ML |
35–47 99–119 |
42–50 107–127 |
| L |
38–50 97–127 |
44–52 112–132 |
| XL |
41–53 104–135 |
46–54 117–137 |
| Lotus | ||
| XS / S |
30–42 76–107 |
33–41 84–104 |
| M |
33–45 84–114 |
35–43 89–109 |
| ML |
38–50 97–127 |
35–43 89–109 |
| Pro HD Compact | ||
| 2XS / XS |
26–43 66–109 |
32–44 81–112 |
| SM |
28–45 71–114 |
36–48 91–123 |
| ML / L |
33–50 84–127 |
39–51 99–130 |
| XL / 2XL |
39–56 99–142 |
42–54 107–137 |
| Pro HD Men | ||
| XS |
25–37 64–94 |
32–38 81–97 |
| S |
27–42 69–107 |
34–40 86–102 |
| M |
30–45 76–114 |
39–45 99–114 |
| ML |
32–47 81–119 |
41–47 104–119 |
| L |
35–50 84–127 |
43–49 109–125 |
| XL |
37–52 94–132 |
45–51 114–130 |
| Pro HD Women | ||
| XS |
26–38 66–97 |
32–38 81–97 |
| S |
30–42 76–107 |
33–39 84–99 |
| M |
33–45 84–114 |
35–41 89–104 |
| ML |
38–50 97–127 |
35–41 89–104 |
How Aqua Lung measures
- Waist: Measuring points for waist size. Men are measured at waistline, rather than normal beltline.
- Over the shoulder: Measuring points for over the shoulder length.
Source: Aqua Lung’s size chart (original chart 1, original chart 2, original chart 3, original chart 4, original chart 5, original chart 6) and Aqua Lung’s current size chart. Where the chart prints only one unit, we converted the other: inches from centimeters (to the nearest 0.1″).
Condition Note
- Open Box: This product is Open Box. It is generally unused, either returned by a customer or displayed in our showroom, and may have minor, unnoticeable blemishes. Original packaging may be damaged or missing.
Payment & Security
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Save with Open Box or Used Purchase
Product Information
This is a used Aqua Lung Seawave dive hood in 3/1mm, pairing 3mm neoprene over the skull with 1mm at the neck and bib. That places insulation where heat loss is greatest while allowing the neck to move freely.
Flat-lock stitched seams sit flush against the skin to limit chafing under a wetsuit collar, and the face seal is left unbound so it can be trimmed to a custom fit. A hanging loop supports drying and storage.
As a used item, this hood shows wear consistent with prior diving. Please review the listing photos for the condition of this specific unit.
- Flat-Lock Stitched Seams: Designed to provide exceptional warmth by minimizing water seepage.
- Standard Stretch Neoprene: Offers maximum durability, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Unbound Face Seal: Allows for custom trimming, ensuring a comfortable and personalized fit.
- Hanging Loop: Conveniently designed for easy drying and storage after use.
| Brand | Aqua Lung |
| Model | Seawave Hood |
| Condition | Used |
| Thickness | 3/1 mm |
| Material | Standard stretch neoprene |
| Seams | Flat-lock stitched |
| Face Seal | Unbound, trimmable for a custom fit |
⚠️ WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness of dive boots, gloves, or hood should I choose?
As a general rule, thicker neoprene insulates more, so colder water pushes you toward thicker accessories, but fit, dive length, and personal cold tolerance matter as much as the millimeter number. Divers commonly lose a great deal of heat through the head, so a hood is often the highest-value warmth upgrade for the money. Remember that every added piece of neoprene also adds buoyancy you will need to account for.
How should dive boots fit?
Boots should fit like a snug athletic shoe, with no heel lift and no crushed toes; a little water inside is normal, a sloshing pocket is not. Try them on with the socks you would actually dive, and remember your fin foot pocket has to accommodate the boot. Hard-sole boots protect on rocky shore entries, while soft-sole boots are lighter and pack smaller for boat and travel diving.
How should dive gloves fit?
Gloves should be snug across the palm with fingertips reaching the ends without bunching, since trapped air and loose fingertips destroy dexterity. Thicker gloves are warmer but make buckles, clips, and inflator buttons harder to operate, so choose the thinnest glove that keeps you comfortable in your conditions. Try working a clip or buckle while wearing them before you commit.
How should a dive hood fit?
A hood should seal around the face and neck without restricting your throat or jaw, and lie flat on your head without pulling the mask strap out of position. A loose hood flushes cold water continuously, while an overly tight one is distracting and uncomfortable. Many hoods have a vent to release air trapped during descent, so check yours and burp out any trapped air before you go down.
Why does new neoprene feel so tight?
New neoprene compresses and relaxes with use, so a boot, glove, or hood that feels firm out of the packaging usually settles slightly after a few dives. It should still be snug afterward rather than loose, because neoprene that stretches into a loose fit was probably oversized to begin with. Buy for a snug fit when new, but never for a fit that restricts circulation or breathing.
Do I need to change my weighting when I add a hood, gloves, and boots?
Yes, because every piece of neoprene you add is buoyancy, and a hood, boots, and thick gloves together can shift your weighting noticeably. Do a proper buoyancy check any time you change your exposure protection rather than assuming your usual weight still works. The weight-check procedure is covered in your training, and a dive professional can help you re-do it.
How do I care for dive boots, gloves, and hoods?
Rinse them inside and out in fresh water after every dive day, since they hold sweat and salt more than any other gear, and dry them fully inside-out before packing. Dry them out of direct sunlight and never on a heater, because heat hardens neoprene and weakens glued seams. Store them dry and unfolded, as damp neoprene sealed in a bag is how gear picks up a permanent smell.












