H2 Short Bib Hood (5/7mm) Review
My favorite all-purpose hood for both wetsuit and drysuit diving in cold water
Price Tier: $$
Ownership: Personally owned and used with wetsuit and drysuit
Overall Score: 9.3 / 10
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fits my face perfectly | Not widely available in all shops |
| Interior lining makes donning and doffing easy | None specific to this model |
| Bib design works with both wetsuit and drysuit |
Why I Chose the H2 Hood
When I purchased my drysuit, it came with a Santi hood that turned out to be a terrible fit for my face. After talking with the team at Dive Right In Scuba, several of them mentioned they preferred the H2 brand. That recommendation led me to try it, and it has since become my favorite hood brand. The fit is perfect, and the interior lining makes donning and doffing much easier than raw neoprene hoods.
Performance in the Water
- Thermal Protection: Great down to mid 40s, even in longer dives. Warm and comfortable.
- Fit & Seal: Fits my face perfectly with no flushing or gaps. Less bulk around the bib than other models.
- Comfort: Easy to wear for extended periods without pressure points or discomfort.
- Ease of Use: Interior lining allows for smoother donning and doffing, especially when wet.
Verdict
This is my go-to hood for cold water dives, whether wetsuit or drysuit. The smaller bib tucks into either suit type without discomfort, and the fit is excellent. I’ve slowly started replacing all of my hoods with the H2 brand.
Would I buy it again? Yes
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score (0–10) | Weight | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | 10.0 | 30% | 3.00 |
| Ease of Use | 9.0 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Versatility | 9.0 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Durability & Build Quality | 9.0 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Value | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Brand Trust | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Total | 9.30 / 10 | ||
Rounded Display Score: 9.3 / 10
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 10.0: Warmth, fit, and sealing are all excellent down to mid 40s.
- Ease of Use – 9.0: Interior liner makes donning easy and comfortable even when wet.
- Versatility – 9.0: Works equally well for wetsuit or drysuit use with a manageable bib size.
- Durability & Build – 9.0: No signs of wear or breakdown after a year of use.
- Value – 9.0: Excellent performance for the price range.
- Brand Trust – 9.0: Quickly becoming a go-to brand for thermal exposure gear.