does anyone know of a company/brand that makes a 6/5 or 6/4 mm wetsuit that does NOT have a hood attached ? I cant seem to find any. I am not against hoods...I just dont like when the hood is tight around my face (my jaw is closed shut and its annoying unlike my ratty old neilpryde hood)

if there aren't any. can you sail with the hood flopping around in the back? does it fill with water . maybe cut some drain hole if they dont have any?

I have no issues wearing the hood down, against the back of my neck. I wear a helmet for warmth and protection. The hood pulls flat, doesnt flap and no probs with water in it.

Personally i wouldnt cut it off, the hood and neck seal are an integral part of the suit and drastically improve warmth. You rarely get any water coming in through the neck seal or shoulders. A well fitted suit will stay very dry.

Maybe try a few on and see which work for you? Different materials and hood thickness will affect the comfort.

I have had a good run with the need essentials 5/4. Very comfortable and warm, winter sessions in 8 to 10 deg water are no problem at all. They do a 6/4 with a 3mm hood as well

I have C-skins wired, 6:5 with integrated hood, and it is the warmest wetsuit (or rather a semi-dry) that I have ever had. It is my first suit with integrated hoody, and I really like it. There is much less water pooring down the neck when sailing in waves. Have been using it down to -3 C (air-temp) and it works great.

It doesn't pull more on the jaws than the hooded shorty I used to use under a regular wetsuit. The hood is also thicker and warmer than separate hood or hooded shorty is. Guess you can sail with the hood off, you want to, but I usually change down to a 5/4 without hood when the wether permits.

SurferKris said..
I have C-skins wired, 6:5 with integrated hood, and it is the warmest wetsuit (or rather a semi-dry) that I have ever had. It is my first suit with integrated hoody, and I really like it. There is much less water pooring down the neck when sailing in waves. Have been using it down to -3 C (air-temp) and it works great.

It doesn't pull more on the jaws than the hooded shorty I used to use under a regular wetsuit. The hood is also thicker and warmer than separate hood or hooded shorty is. Guess you can sail with the hood off, you want to, but I usually change down to a 5/4 without hood when the wether permits.

thanks....flexibilty ? on par with other suits ?

I have used both xcel and oneill hooded suits and regularly sail witht the hood off. Can be a bit of water sloshing around in it, but if it is annoying me i reach back whilst sailing and squeeze the water out. It's worth keeping the hood, especially in waves, as if you wipeout, and are getting nailed in the white water, you can pull the hood up. It is easy to pull it back down while sailing. Both are really good suits.

I agree -- useful to have the hood, even if you don't wear it all the time. It is not in the way when you don't, and when the weather changes (rain/snow squall) you can pull it up for some extra heat/protection. Hood (when up....) also is better at keeping the water out than simple collar when you do fall in or get washed.