hooded xcel wetsuits - does the hood stretch out?

andrewbanandrew · Since 15 Jun 2009 7 Posts Kook

I bought a size S Xcel Infiniti 5/4/3 X-zip 2 and the body fits perfect but the hood is mildly too tight, compressing my neck from the top down.

I talked to a salesman from the place I bought it and he said on his O'neill suit the hood did stretch considerably (he said it was hard to breathe the first time he put it on!) but he didn't seem to know if it'd stretch out in the up-down direction or not.

I haven't worn it in the water because I want to be able to return it if need be, but has anyone had experience with any of the Xcel hooded suits?

I did a search but with the whole "hood river" thing it was pretty much impossible to see if anyone had asked this before.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

I have a 5/4 excel infinity drylock - the hood has not stretched as far as I can tell. However, for whatever its worth - the neck part is pretty scratchy and if I have a beard I get a rash if I wear the thing for too long.

Ben · Since 28 Jun 2005 43 Posts Hood River

Stretch the hood around a soccer ball, watermelon, etc that is slightly (don't go too big) bigger than your head and let it sit overnight. Should help.