Aqualung Seawave Hood (7/4mm) Review
Cold water wetsuit hood with a long bib and reliable seal
Price Tier: $$
Ownership: Personally owned/used for Midwest quarry dives
Overall Score: 8.2 / 10
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and easy to don | Slight bunching at the neck when turning head |
| Good thermal protection in cold water | Large bib can make neck compression tricky |
| Stays in place when layered correctly |
Why I Chose the Aqualung Seawave Hood
I purchased this specifically to pair with my 7mm Bare wetsuit for cold-water diving. The Seawave’s large bib helps seal out water, and the 7/4mm neoprene combination seemed like a solid match for Midwest quarry and Lake Michigan conditions. I wanted something that wouldn’t ride up or flush easily, and it delivers.
Performance in the Water
- Thermal Protection: Great for cold water. I’ve used it comfortably in low 50s Fahrenheit.
- Fit & Comfort: Snug overall, but you have to be careful how you layer it. On one dive I got a headache, and I suspect it was from accidentally compressing my neck by sealing the wetsuit too tightly over the bib.
- Durability: No signs of wear after a year of use.
- Pairing: Wetsuit use only. The large bib makes it impractical for drysuits.
Verdict
A good cold-water wetsuit hood, but it requires a little attention to fit and layering. Worth it for the warmth and seal it provides.
Would I buy it again? Yes, but I have found the H2 brand, which I prefer more because they fit my face slightly better and have a cloth style interior that makes getting into them slightly better. But there is nothing wrong with the Aqualung hood itself.
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance.
| Category | Score (0–10) | Weight | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | 9.0 | 30% | 2.70 |
| Ease of Use | 8.5 | 20% | 1.70 |
| Versatility | 6.0 | 15% | 0.90 |
| Durability & Build Quality | 8.5 | 15% | 1.275 |
| Value | 8.0 | 10% | 0.80 |
| Brand Trust | 8.0 | 10% | 0.80 |
| Total | 8.175 / 10 | ||
Rounded Display Score: 8.2 / 10
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 9.0: Excellent warmth and sealing for wetsuit diving in low 50s
- Ease of Use – 8.5: Easy to put on, but can cause issues if bib is placed poorly under the wetsuit collar
- Versatility – 6.0: Strictly wetsuit use. Bib is too large to use comfortably with a drysuit
- Durability & Build – 8.5: No issues after a year of use
- Value – 8.0: Priced fairly for the warmth and features
- Brand Trust – 8.0: Aqualung makes solid gear, even if it’s not the flashiest brand