What are the pros/cons of wearing a Neoprene Swim Cap? One thread said the velcro straps are not comfortable. That said looks like Desoto and Orca makes one without velcro straps? Anyone have experience with these?
Rex
For really cold water, a neoprene cap can be a big help in keeping you warm. Fit and testing that fit are key as the neck/chin area is a critical area when it comes to issues of chaffing.
I weird side effect is that your head will be more bouyant and you will consequently feel like you are riding higher in the water. Again, I would test thsi out a few times in open water to get a feel for it before-hand.
Fleck
I have a DeSoto (and I’m not afraid to use it!). It keeps my head warm in cold water and has never come off when I don’t want it to. My friend cheaped out and bought one with a velcro strap. She said it rubbed under her chin and kept coming undone. I suggested she sew the two flaps together and also attach some softer material for the chin, or buy a DeSoto.
i bought a QR to use at IMAZ last year. the velcro thing stunk. scratched me and choked me. so, i took the flaps and tucked them under the QR cap. the race swim cap covered the QR and held it in place. (i made sure the swim cap was past the QR and gripping on me). worked fine.
We sell Aleeda ones with no velcro strap. It’s just a neoprene strap under the chin. You can’t really see it that well in the pic, but it’s what I’m wearing for the 70.3 Calif. next month:
http://www.ebodyboarding.com/s.nl/sc.9/category.18/it.A/id.2463/.f
I have a Barracuda with the velcro strap. The Barracudas have a wide range of sizes, unlike many of the other thermal caps that are one-size or maybe two, so I think that makes a big difference. I’ve never noticed any chaffing from the chin strap when I wear it. It is very comfortable, with a stocking-like liner. I bought it on the recommendation of the guys at Sports Basement the year I did Alcatraz. The fellow who I bought it from said that he had done the swim wearing just that cap and was warmer than when he did it in a wetsuit without a thermal cap. I have used it several times in very cold water, and everytime, I find myself quite comfortable despite the cold.
On the con side, you look like a dork.