Xcel Quad Density 8/7/6/5 versus Bare Volcity 7/6

[tfh]

I couldn't see anything recent on either of these two suits. Looking for semi-dry, integrated hood, chest zip. These two qualify...just a couple of comments/experiences would be nice.

Customer service? Durability? Warmth?

Mostly winter, southern California, <50ft dives, 75-80 min bottom time...I'm a skinny guy and do get cold.

I'm not looking for a dry suit. I want to be able to put a weight belt on with it and free dive for bugs too!

Thanks!

 

[Ouvea]

Sorry... Completely mistook the suit you were inquiring. Deleted reply.

Claude

 

[tfh]

No problem....no one seems to know anything!

 

[kyjellyfish]

I own an Xcel SCS 976 wetsuit, bought it used but still had lots of life in it. In May I dove it in La Jolla and it was fine, although I didn't go very deep (about 30 ft). I then took it to Redondo the next day and went down to 80 feet - brrr, things got cold. I would suggest getting a vest-like liner to supplement this suit. It does a fair job of minimizing the flushing but I get cold easily too so any water that gets in there doesn't help. I've since gone dry and wouldn't mind selling it cheap

 

[tfh]

Thanks for the response. Was, by chance, a LT? I just ordered one and got a pretty good deal (a friends was able to order one at cost for me).

Hopefully it keeps me warm enough here in San Diego!

 

[kyjellyfish]

It's a ML suit - good luck!

 

[cmburch]

We use both 8/7/6/5 and 9/7/6 up here in NorCal so you should be plenty warm. I have the SCS 9/7/6. I have torn the arms a few times from the inside. I think my speargun nicked it once in the back of my truck and twice with my fingernails when removing. I repaired them with neoprene glue. I now use a wetsuit lube on the arms (1 part hair conditioner/4 parts water in a small spray bottle). And have not had anymore problems.

A wetsuit purchase is dependent on fit and comfort.

I have some problems getting the chest unzipped sometimes if no one is around to assist. Very easy to get into though.

 

[Paco II]

Ugh, my first wetsuit was an Xcel quad density suit. HATED it! It was such a struggle to get out of. Even when fully unzipped, getting the upper portion up and over my head was almost impossible without buddy assistance. I HIGHLY recommend trying on any front zip, hood integrated full-suit. Make SURE it feels comfortable and is easy to get out of.