Used this for my first ocean swim in a triathlon, and was glad I had it. The water was numbing, but the cap took some of the bite out. Just be sure to use body glide where the cap meets your neck if you have a long swim in salt water.
It got me through a 10K swim in water as cold as 61-67degrees with no ice-cream headache at all (and, slow as all get out, that was more than 4 hours). The XL fit was plenty, though I have a huge head (XXL is never more than merely adequate). It isn't a sleek fit, though: the seams make you feel the water as you swim more than you want. When i finished, the strap looked like it had been used hard for years (other than the event, i had only tried it out for 2000 m. in a pool). I feared there would be chafing from it under my chin, but it turned perfectly with my head when breathing and was no problem at all.I might try some other brands for a smoother feel in the water--or I may just stick with this more than adequate and quite comfy model.
Great help if you get cold swimming. Strap is so short it is useless.
The strap is very comfy as well as the fit. It doesn't keep my hair dry at all and I bought the strap to protect my blonde hair from the harsh pool chemicals.
I was extremely hesistant with ordering a neoprene cap online, but I was in a jam for a tri. When I got it, although I looked liked a fool, it definitely works in keeping my head and ears warm-no throbbing from cold water! I put my swim cap over it and wore this underneath. The chin strap isnt a big deal, no chaffage, just a big snug, but then again I guess I could have loosened it-- it IS adjustable. I highly recommend this and glad I went with it over the others.
I use this for winter time swimming up at the lake and it really helps keep me warm. I get less of an icecream headache and I find that I stay warm enough that I can swim 10-15 minutes longer than without it. I would suggest getting the red colored one so people, boats etc can see you better. I don't wear the chin strap because it rubs a bit - but just tuck in under my goggle strap and it works just fine.
