Finally gave those heated dive hood liners a shot after years of thinking they were overkill

My old crew in Seattle swore by them, but I always figured my 7mm was enough. Did a 45 minute inspection dive in 42 degree water last month with one and my head wasn't numb for the first time ever. Anyone have a brand they actually trust not to fail underwater?

3 comments

3 Comments

thomas.piper3mo ago

What kind of testing did the brand you chose actually do on the battery seals? I see a lot of ads but not many details on how they make sure it won't flood when you are sixty feet down. That's the part that makes me nervous about buying one.

ray_patel273mo ago

You mentioned your head wasn't numb for the first time ever, which really says it all. That's the kind of real world result that makes gear worth it. When you were looking at brands, what was the biggest factor for you in picking one? Was it just word of mouth, or did you find any good info on their actual waterproofing or battery seals?

murray.cole20d ago

Totally get where you're coming from. I've been diving in the PNW for over 15 years and always thought heated liners were just a gimmick for the rich guys. Then I did a 50 minute nav exercise in 40 degree water last winter without one and came up shivering so bad I couldn't take my fins off. Borrowed a buddy's Santi liner for the next dive and it was a total game changer. You're right, the numbness in your head is what really gets to you after a while. As for brands, I've had good luck with the Fourth Element ones so far, but I don't have enough dives on mine yet to say they're totally bulletproof.