Yet another wetsuit question...hooded or not?

I surf vb through the entire winter with a 4/3. I have a separate hood 3 mil and 5 mil booties and gloves. When water temps go up I shed the hood, gloves, and booties accordingly. I second the ear plugs in winter.

 

Wetsuit-wise, I do same. Will give ear plugs a try next winter. Had a fair amount of ringing in the ears from the cold water. Last winter in VB, water got down to 42.

 

Time to chime in.... 4/3 with attached hood is the smart bet. 5/4 just felt like a walrus suit out there with lack of flexibility and if water got in it felt like it was NEVER coming out. I sold my 5/4 last winter season and personally looking at getting a 4/3 for this winter with an attached hood.

If you see any good deals locally or online PM me cause I can't hold out for Whiskey to have a deal.

Also ear plugs... great investment I started two years ago for cold weather surf and also after storms. I like hearing music and my kids... not so much the wife and employees all the time; but whatever. I'll let my military side ruin my hearing and not my love of the water.