Xcel Drylock Celliant 2mm Hood W/Bill & Neck Dam

I have always had great experiences with Xcel wetsuit products; however, I want to warn anyone looking at this hood the product is not exactly what the description entails. To be specific, this hood corresponds to the 2mm Thermal Dry Celliant [(UPC 612804 255311)(SKU AG008257-BLK)], but it DOES NOT entail the Neck Dam. Essentially, that latter component is a secondary neck sleeve that fits over the initial neck piece that would be inserted into the wetsuit neck. The Neck Dam would then act as a channeling agent that diverts water away from the neck opening. Upon visiting the manufacturer's website it is difficult to to ascertain the existence of the Neck Damn in the photos provided without multiple angles, but on the one shown it seems Xcel has eliminated the Neck Damn and not changed the product description.

That being stated I went ahead and used the delivered item because it would provide me with an opportunity to test if the Hood sans Neck Dam would be a good idea at all because I eventually wanted to purchase the 3mm hood. Upon using it I must say that the fit is slightly tighter (not only in the neck entryway but also on the dome itself), warmer, and therefore better than the older generation 2mm Hood W/Bill and Neck Dam. The Bill basically deflects water from running into your eyes if you re-emerge from a duckdive, but it also can offer a little bit of protection from the glare of the sun. A few minutes after getting it initially wet you will forget the Hood is even…