Xcel Durability

Whether it is "worth it" depends on where you live. Do you need a 4/3? You decide that.
As for durability, I own Xcels, as well as Quicksilver, Oneills, etc. I would say they are about the same.
How a suit FITS YOU is related to durability, as a better fit creates less wear, imho. FIT is KING!!
Merry Christmas.

 

I've worn just about every major brand of wetsuit just about possible. Each one had positives and negatives. I would basically rank all the major suits almost the same for warmth, durability etc. Over the years I've switched entirely to Rip Curl suits (SS, LSSS, 3/2, 4/3 and 5/4) based solely on fit. Excel products are definitely good (imo) thus can't hurt to start your quest for favorite wetsuit brand with one. Will say poor treatment definitely shortens lifespan. Take care of your investment!

 

I'm not sure why you think Xcels are more expensive than other brands. It's not hard to find an Xcel for same or less than a comparable Rip or Oneill. they are all good suits if you get the right fit, as others said.

 

Agree with the others if the suite don't fit you must acuit ! Had a free suite one time that was a little big duck diving was no bueno. If you surf a lot 2 to 3 years is a good run for longevity. I've always found it hard to tell about the fit until the deal was done. Goode lucke.

 

For me 50*F is 4/3 temps; 54*F is borderline. Yeah, its better to be a degree or two warmer than colder - longer session perhaps?? I will say, I do have more Xcels than other brands, but I have one Ripcurl that is a favorite (maybe because it is different?? ) Recently bought a Quicksilver 4/3 Cypher--very nice as well. A bit cooler than the Xcel 4/3 Drylock.

As you reside in RI, yes, I would say a 4/3 is a good buy/need.
Good luck, and have a great trip.

 

I hate excel. But it's because of fit and warmth(probably because the fit). Rip curl all the way. But like Barry said. It's about fit. What fits me may or may not fit you

 

100% Rip Curl!! Fit and warmth

 

XCEL is the schitt. I've had a 3/2, 4/3, multiple 5/4s and a 6/5. Durable as hell and fit me great.

Then I gave Hurley a try after getting 4 of their suites half price during their big sales. Unreal suites in 2/2 FS SS, 3/2 and 4/3. Never tried their 5/3 and don't need it since my XCEL is la bomba.

Grommet, pay for your own suite and don't make your entitling parents purchase you yet another token of their obsession with you.

 

air temps. also factor into what thickness is right , here in jersey it's been unusually warm this month , and with the water temp around 52 a 4/3 has been fine .. but today it's cold , so in that same 4/3 you would be cold. I've owned Xcels and they are good suits but 3 years is about what I get out of one . For me O'neils seem to last forever so I've switched back . You should be fine in a 4/3 in Santa Cruz

 

If you're still growing you may only get one season out of it so you might want to go cheap. Quiksilver Syncro GBS is the best cheap suit I've ever owned.

https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/SA436MG.html#.VnawlPkrLcs

 

I think you gotta really go with what suite fits your body as they are all cut a little different.

Try some on at a local surfe shop

I have had pretty much all brands suite except oneil

Ripcurl- I really like the fit- but they seemed to wear out quicker then others, specially the fabric would delaminate on the inside.

Xcel- got my first last year. So far so good. It's a drylock. Super warm and has the fuzzy/fleece lining which is extra warm. Seems to be holding up well- still feels new.

Quicksilver- my favorite as far as durability but anything the 5/4 and 6/5 is not as flexible and heavy. The 4/3 was sweet- I had it for years and still going strong! Cypher model. I just switched from my quicksilver 4/3 to xcel 4/3 a week ago since the quicksilver started to get a little cold- but the thing is probably 4 yrs old and heavy used

I also heard Costco surfe shop started carrying their own line of wetsuites. They are called suite-storms

 

Also- seriously check out this site- seshday.com

I always get my suites there- just ordered a new xcel Infiniti from there. Cheapest around and great customer service

 

xcels suck in my opinon. I ordered a 4/3 hawaiin infiinty drylock from whisky militia 2 years ago, Didn't even make it 2 months withouth the tape coming off the seems. Company was a buncha dirtbags and said cause i bought it on a resale site they couldn't honor the warrenty. Everyone else seems to like em tho. In there defense i am a total gutter rat and dirt ratted my suit peeing on it like the entire session and leaving it in a hot car to bake everyday and stuff. id steer clear and buy a quality suit if i were you man, xcels are like the Tie fighters and ripcurls are like the X wings. Depends if u prefer quality or quantity.

 

Xcels are cheap in comparison. And Xcels are like Jeeps---- you either get a great one or a lemon. Ive had one that worked out great, and I've had one where the threading started to give and I got a pin hole somewhere in the back/butt seam.

Best suite I have ever owned was a Rip Curl. 5.5/4.5 are amazing.

those 5/4/3 suites are probably ideal for RI? Just a guess.

^^^^ This verbatim.

 

Everyone else is right about fit. Expect a brand new suite to stretch about 5% after you've worn it a few times, so you want to get one off the rack that's a tad snug. Beyond that, I have to agree with u2b about xcels and jeeps. I've had drylocks that I've taken good care of and have leaked right away, and another infiniti that held up for years. Were I 15 yo again, I would get an xcel off of whiskey militia, seshday, sierra trading post, etc., and not worry about it too much cause those sites are dirt cheap and you're probably gonna outgrow it in a year or two.

 

i have an xcel drylock 5/4 that is about 6-7 years old (handed down to me) and it's still going strong.

if you like xcel, only get the DRYLOCK or REVOLT if you want durability. don't waste your time or money on the infinity or axis.