NPX Wind/Water Hoodie

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

Hey,
Anyone have experience with this product. Is it reasonable to kite in it with the hoodie up. Need it mainly for upper body and head/neck sun protection. Too warm for Florida?

Also, does the hoodie part have straps or strings to help secure to your head while kiting in strong winds. Thanks for your help.

http://www.xlkites.com/wind-hoodie-p-883.html

wylieflyote · Sat Sep 11, 10 8:08 pm

The NPX Hoodie is great for after session hanging out on the beach. If a cool wind comes up the material is closed cell so it's much warmer than a regular cotton hoodie. That said, the few people I've talked with that tried it out on the water said it became way to heavy with retained water for any sense of comfort.
I'm taking mine south when I go to La Ventana just for off-water comfort, usually in the evenings.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

every other seattle kiter seems to own one of these. the other half seem to own the lucifer drysuits...
I use my hoodie mostly on the beach but do kite with it too.
it has a slot for the spreader bar and fits loose enough to drain.
the hood seems to fill with water and you need to physically drain it by hand or it does become heavy.
I tend to use it when it's cold and my wetsuit doesn't feel adequate.
the strings can be annoying with the wind whipping them around.
When it rains (on ocassions in seattle) I put the hoodie up and it blocks pretty good.

MarkM · Since 16 Jun 2009 11 Posts Whidbey Island

I wear mine all the time. Install weep holes in the hood to drain the water though. I wear it over a 5/3 in the middle of winter and I am toasty. Keeping the wind off your core is huge. I do not use the hood unless I am on the beach. Kiting with the hood is annoying. As far as Florida goes, it would be a great for warming up a shorty or neoprene top.
I don't think you can go wrong with one of these. I know that since having one I will always have it with me.

steve · Since 12 Jul 2007 74 Posts

for sure the top of the line for equipment of this type! Best use is before, between and after sessions. Seen a fair amount of instructors use them on the water while giving lessons off of jetskiis. Also good on the water...but probably best without the hood. does have draw strings but your head can turn inside the hood and impair your vision. Hadn't thought about drain holes in the hood...interesting idea
steve

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

Thanks for the input guys.

I dont think it will suit my needs. I wanted it for full on water wear and was hoping the hoodie would stay on (and drain well) while kiting.

Perhaps if the had a tight hood built inside the hoodie that was like a wetsuit hoodie but also attached to the the larger loose hoodie.

I think Im gonna go the rought of a long sleeve neoprene top and either a thin surf/wetsuit full hood or a weatherproof motorcycle Balaclava with breathing vents.

Sun is brutal down here and you can burn in just 20 minutes.

Thanks again

AKkiter · Since 31 Aug 2008 187 Posts Montavilla Stoked

I boost my wetsuits cold water abilities with a paddle drytop when its real cold.
I am not sold on this baggy, trying- to- look- cool- while- my-hood- is- past-my-nuts fashionista gear.