Xcel or Pinnacle???

[Miller_Time]

I'm looking to buy my first wetsuit and I'm looking at the Xcel 3/2 mm full suit, that the LDS tells me is the new strechier material and its going to cost $189. I also see that Leisure Pro has Pinnacle suits that look really nice and the basic 3mm Pinnacle Breaker suit is only $149. I've tried on the Xcel and really liked it, and needed a XL but I have not tried on the Pinnacle. I've heard great things about the pinnacle and not a lot about Xcel. What would yall recommend? I'm leaning towards the Xcel as I know it fits and also the LDS was very helpful and I wouldnt mind supporting them. I just wanna make sure I get the best of the 2 suits. Thanks for the help.

 

[RJP]

I have an Xcel vortex (3-4-5) and love it. Chose it over the comparable Pinnacle for several reasons:

- fit: the Xcel just fit better
- features; the Pinnacle had TOO many, padded this, padded that, extra shoulder thingies, etc, etc

I think the Xcel cost more, but it just seemed to be a superior product.

 

[BKP]

My local LDS carries both Pinnacle and Henderson, so I had a chance to try both. What I liked about the Pinnacle was a very thick lumbar pad, and great design (color/graphics). It also seemed to have thought out the joints very well, and added additional flexibility there. However, it seemed a bit more difficult to get into, and I felt a little constricted with the high neck piece (which folds up like a turtleneck -- I'm not crazy about anything that high up and tight around my throat).
Now, to be fair, I was comparing it to the Henderson Gold (which slides on like greased ice). I ultimately decided on the Henderson because of it's thermal and slick skin properties. However, if the Henderson wasn't available, I may have very well gone with the Pinnacle (the neckpiece is somewhat 'adjustable').

 

[ThatsSomeBadHatHarry]

i am very pro pinnacle

phits phenomenally
is really warm and comfortable.

 

[MilitantMedic]

I live a few minutes from Xcel's outlet (Xcel is from hawaii) and they do make very good quality suits and the outlet prices rock. That being said I have a pinnacle 5mm which I love.

 

[diveprof]

I have the 4/3 xcel and love it!! It is my warm water suit.

 

[Miller_Time]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm thinking I'm gonna pick up the Xcel, I was a little weary about the high neck line on the Pinnacle and Xcel fit almost perfectly. I just wasnt sure of the quality. But sounds like its a nice piece.

 

[cowjazz]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm thinking I'm gonna pick up the Xcel, I was a little weary about the high neck line on the Pinnacle and Xcel fit almost perfectly. I just wasnt sure of the quality. But sounds like its a nice piece.

You hit the nail on the head. The Xcel has a perfect fit for you, then I think you're making the right choice. With that said, I bought a Xcel hydrospan 3mm earlier this year, and I have no complaints. Xcel was great in helping me find a correct size. The had my LDS send in my measurements, suggested a size, and shipped the suit to my LDS in less than a week. It fit perfectly. That left me with a good feeling about their customer service if I ever have a problem with the suit.

 

[diveprof]

You hit the nail on the head. The Xcel has a perfect fit for you, then I think you're making the right choice. With that said, I bought a Xcel hydrospan 3mm earlier this year, and I have no complaints. Xcel was great in helping me find a correct size. The had my LDS send in my measurements, suggested a size, and shipped the suit to my LDS in less than a week. It fit perfectly. That left me with a good feeling about their customer service if I ever have a problem with the suit.

The quality of the fit is everybit as important as the quality of the material. Sounds like you are making a good choice. I do not think you will be disappointed in the suit.

 

[Miller_Time]

The quality of the fit is everybit as important as the quality of the material. Sounds like you are making a good choice. I do not think you will be disappointed in the suit.

Yeah, I like how well it fits, I was just curious about the quality but it sounds like its pretty good. I'm gonna go pick it up tomorrow I think. Thanks again for the advice.