Aqualung Seawave Hood (7/4mm) Review

I bought the Seawave to pair with my 7mm Bare wetsuit for cold-water diving. With 7/4mm neoprene and a large bib, it aims to keep warmth in and water out, and with careful layering it does.

By Tyler Allison · Updated July 2025
Aqualung Seawave Hood (7/4mm)
Current role
Previously paired with my 7mm Bare wetsuit
Still in my kit
No

The Short Version

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.

What Works

  • Comfortable and easy to don
  • Good thermal protection in cold water
  • Stays in place when layered correctly

What Doesn't

  • Slight bunching at the neck when turning head
  • Large bib can make neck compression tricky

Why I Chose Aqualung Seawave Hood (7/4mm)

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.

Who It Makes Sense For

This item is best suited for:

  • Cold-water wetsuit divers needing reliable thermal protection
  • Divers looking for a secure hood that stays in place
  • Budget-conscious divers who want solid build quality

It may not be ideal for:

  • Drysuit divers: the large bib makes sealing difficult
  • Divers sensitive to neck compression from bulky layering

What It Is Like to Dive

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.

Ownership and Value

The hood showed no signs of wear after a year of use and was fairly priced for the warmth it provided. Careful bib placement matters more than the basic process of putting it on. The large bib made it a wetsuit-specific option for me rather than something I could comfortably use with a drysuit.