ION Neo Wetsuit Hood 3/2mm 2022 | Thermal Neoprene Surf Hood

A standalone neoprene hood that adds serious warmth to any wetsuit. The ION Neo Wetsuit Hood 3/2mm 2022 features Glued Blind Stitch seaming, an adjustable cordlock collar and a neoprene visor to keep spray off your face — the construction details that separate a proper surf hood from a thin neck tube. Find it alongside the full ION range and kitesurfing accessories at Northern Watersports.

Who It's For

Kitesurfers, wingfoilers and surfers who need head warmth but already have a hood-free wetsuit — or who want a separate hood system they can add or remove independently depending on conditions. Also useful as a winter backup if your main wetsuit's integrated hood is damaged. The 3/2mm thickness suits UK water temperatures from roughly 10–16°C.

Key Features

• 3/2mm Neoprene — 3mm on the skull for warmth, 2mm at the neck for collar flexibility
• Glued Blind Stitch (GBS) Seams — seams glued and blind-stitched to stop cold water entering through seam channels
• Neoprene Visor with Fixation Tab — brim-style visor sheds spray and windblown water from your eyes in whitecaps and wind chop
• Cordlock Drawstring Collar — adjustable neck seal tightens around your wetsuit collar to reduce cold-water flushing
• Interior Thermal Lining — heat-retaining inner that warms quickly and reduces the cold shock of a wet hood
• Standalone Design — no bib, works with any existing wetsuit regardless of brand

Real-World Feel

GBS seaming is the biggest upgrade over cheaper hoods. Without it, cold water percolates through every seam channel — with it, the hood stays warm through immersion. The cordlock collar is the other key detail: it lets you seal the hood over your wetsuit collar properly, eliminating the gap that sends cold water down your neck. The neoprene visor keeps your eyes clear in spray — something a standard tubular hood can't do.

Setup / Fit

Pull on over your head, then tighten the cordlock drawstring to seal around your wetsuit collar. The cordlock adjusts from completely loose to snug — tight enough to stop flushing without restricting your neck movement. Sized by head circumference: XS ~46cm, S ~48cm, M ~50cm, L ~52cm, XL ~54cm.

Size Guide (Head Circumference)

Materials

80% Neoprene / 20% Nylon. Thickness: 3/2mm. Seams: Glued Blind Stitch (GBS). Collar: Cordlock adjustable drawstring. Visor: Neoprene with fixation tab. Inner: Thermal lining.

Pairs Well With

• ION Claw Gloves — round out the cold-water setup with neoprene gloves from the same range
• ION Water Beanie TEC — in milder conditions, use the TEC Beanie instead of the full hood

Why We Stock It

A good standalone hood is one of the most effective ways to extend your season in UK waters — you lose heat rapidly through your head in cold water. The ION Neo Hood 3/2mm is one of the better-constructed separate hoods at this price point. GBS seaming and the cordlock closure justify the cost versus budget alternatives that flush cold water straight through the seams.

FAQs

What's the difference between a wetsuit hood and a neoprene beanie?

A wetsuit hood covers your full head and seals around the neck/face, preventing cold water reaching your scalp. A neoprene beanie covers the head like a hat but doesn't seal at the neck — suitable for less extreme or above-water conditions only.

Does the ION Neo Hood work with any wetsuit?

Yes — it's a standalone hood designed to work with any wetsuit. The cordlock drawstring seals around the collar of your existing suit. Particularly effective with wetsuits that have a collar panel for the hood to seal against.

What is Glued Blind Stitch (GBS) seaming?

GBS seams are first glued, then stitched with a curved needle that doesn't penetrate fully through the neoprene. This creates a seam that's both structurally strong and water-resistant — significantly warmer than flatlock-only or unglued seams.

Is 3/2mm thick enough for winter UK kitesurfing?

For head coverage, 3/2mm suits water temperatures from roughly 10–16°C. In colder UK winter water below 8°C, a 5mm or thicker hood would give more warmth. Match the hood thickness to your wetsuit thickness and conditions.

How should I care for a neoprene wetsuit hood?

Rinse inside and out with fresh water after every session. Dry inside-out away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not machine wash or tumble dry. Store flat or hanging.

Sources: ion-products.com product page (48200-4177), SkatePro, The SUP Co, H2O Sports UK.