WB Product Review: Xcel Drylock Hood 2mm

The Xcel Drylock Hood 2mm

$39.95 at Tactics

Features:

2mm hood with Quick Dry Lining - an UltraStretch SmoothSkin double flap neck dam - face seal - adjustable elastic cord/cinch - Wind resistant Texture Skin outer hood and bill.

Like all Xcel products, this hood is durable and warm with its wind resistant skin and quick dry lining. It is probably the warmest we have ever tested. The bill is also perfect size; large enough to help block out the sun but not get in the way.

As good as that may be, it doesn't work well. First of all, the flap neck dam makes it extremely difficult to turn your neck. Since 90% of surfing requires turning your neck it poses a real problem. The hood is also not long enough in the neck making the flap neck dam seem pointless.

THE GOOD:

This hood is very warm which helps us here in NorCal and it is definitely durable. It has glue stitching and a perfectly sized bill. Its soft skintech is also a nice addition.

THE BAD:

This hood is not long enough in the neck if you're a bigger guy/gal and it's weak on flexibility. The head hole allows for some flushing if you don't pull the cinch tie tight. Additionally, the texture skin outer hood creates a vacuum that can push into your ear which can be painful as when water does get in, it sits at the ears.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

This hood is great for warmth but if your not surfing somewhere freezing then you will want to go with a hood with more flexibility.

WB Product Review: Hurley Fusion 3/3 Men's Surf Boot

The Hurley Fusion 3/3 Men's Surf Boot

The Hurley Fusion 3/3 Men's Surf Booties is one of the longest lasting and most durable pair of booties that we've ever tested. 

It's features are:

• Micro TPR sole: maximum board feel/ durability combination
• Split toe leash guard: flexibility of split toe with function of round toe.
• Arch Strap: enhanced fit and stability
• Heel Cup : added support from vulcanized tpr eliminates heel fit.
• Supratex abrasion panels:added durability in high abrasion areas

It's materials consist of:

• Upper: 3mm hollow fiber.
• Ankle: 3mm Exoflex
• 100% Nylon

The seams are glued; compression bonded; blind-stitched and vulcanized seam seal rubber.

The Good:

As we said before, this is one of the longest lasting pair of booties we've ever tested. These booties are really durable. The design keeps water retention at the feet (aka. ballooning of the booties) to a minimum because of the velcro strap around the opening which is a great help when you're out in the surf. It's also one of the cheaper options of booties out there, going for $45 at Hurley. 

The Bad:

The thick rubber makes it hard to feel the board under your feet. The grip is adequate but there is not as much grip as some of the other brands. 

The Bottom Line:

Although this bootie doesn't give you the feeling that you're not wearing the, it does keep your feet warm for a long time making them a good choice for the surfer who's session time is cut short due to the cold. It's