below_sea_level
Guest
What do you guys know about Xcel wetsuits? Why do some cost so much more than others when they are the same thickness?:boom:
Xcel
- Thread starter below_sea_level
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
Not exactly sure whay they seem to be more expensive than the others. I can tell you that they are pretty tough and are built to be all business. I have been using a 6.5 polar shield which includes the integrated hood since mid 2000. So far I've put about 125 dives on it and its still going strong. Not that others wouldn't but Xcel's seem like they are tougher than most others. They are also on par with the latest tech as far as streth and slick skin is concerned. I also love the horizontal across the chest zipper which is also built like a truck. Hopes this helps a little if you're interested in buying one.
I have a Xcel wetsuit I have been using in Thailand now for almost 2 years. It is 1.5, 1.0. & .5 mm thick. It has served me well as I have done about 200 dives on it. It is just now starting to wear. I also like the front entry zipper. I would reccomend them highly.
kg
kg
Guys,
The divemaster at our shop wears an xcel and raves about it. HE wears an 8-5-3 setup and said the flexibility was the selling point. He also liked the pads on the knees and butt area. He has over 200 dives in his and it looks brand new.
My only question is fit. I looked at the specs for the 4x and it seems long enough, but I don't have a 44 inch waist. The divemaster is built like a fire plug so he doesn't know what I have to go through to get fitted. I am 6'6'' 250 lbs with long arms and legs, but a narrow waist.
Let me know if you guys have another brand in particular that fits geeks like me or if xcel can handle it.
Thanks,
Bird=-)
The divemaster at our shop wears an xcel and raves about it. HE wears an 8-5-3 setup and said the flexibility was the selling point. He also liked the pads on the knees and butt area. He has over 200 dives in his and it looks brand new.
My only question is fit. I looked at the specs for the 4x and it seems long enough, but I don't have a 44 inch waist. The divemaster is built like a fire plug so he doesn't know what I have to go through to get fitted. I am 6'6'' 250 lbs with long arms and legs, but a narrow waist.
Let me know if you guys have another brand in particular that fits geeks like me or if xcel can handle it.
Thanks,
Bird=-)
notabob
Contributor
I have an Xcel XF3.2 (3/2mm) full suit. I only use it for warm water (so it doesn't get that much use), but it seems to be a nice suit. The fit off the rack was excellent, and it's fairly easy to don/doff. The only issue I had with it had to do with the stitching on the seams & surrounding nylon getting ruffled up by some loose velcro. The seams are still holding strong, though. Price-wise the suit was very reasonable. About average as far as 3mm suits go ($150 for a full suit at LDS).
-Roman.
-Roman.
Hey BigBird....what is a fire plug?
Also wanted to add that my suit is not made of the new stretch material but has still been a great suit. Yes the knee and butt pads are pretty nice too. They call it tire nylon and its pretty durable. I also have 2 different pairs of their gloves. The 3.2 "3mm and 2mm" non glideskin version and the 3.2 glideskin version. Still using both.
Also wanted to add that my suit is not made of the new stretch material but has still been a great suit. Yes the knee and butt pads are pretty nice too. They call it tire nylon and its pretty durable. I also have 2 different pairs of their gloves. The 3.2 "3mm and 2mm" non glideskin version and the 3.2 glideskin version. Still using both.
HK,
A fire plug is another name for a fire hydrant. But I didn't know if I could spell hydrant and plug is a four letter word I remember. Technically they should be called fire faucets, but that's a tough word to spell also.
It must be nice to do the 3.5 suits. It wouldn't work on the west coast, it is typically 45-55 degrees at depth, and being cold sucks, so we stay with the 7.5 stuff. It makes you feel like a stuffed penguin until you get in the water.
Later=-)
A fire plug is another name for a fire hydrant. But I didn't know if I could spell hydrant and plug is a four letter word I remember. Technically they should be called fire faucets, but that's a tough word to spell also.
It must be nice to do the 3.5 suits. It wouldn't work on the west coast, it is typically 45-55 degrees at depth, and being cold sucks, so we stay with the 7.5 stuff. It makes you feel like a stuffed penguin until you get in the water.
Later=-)
Ohh Fire Hydrant...okay.
I'll second your views on the cold water in California. The Xcel has been great but...my buddy and I just ordered Custom DUI CLX-450's after over two years of waiting. I should be down there in San Diego waters in October...Lois Ann perhaps.
I'll second your views on the cold water in California. The Xcel has been great but...my buddy and I just ordered Custom DUI CLX-450's after over two years of waiting. I should be down there in San Diego waters in October...Lois Ann perhaps.
Similar threads
