Are Xcel wetsuits any good?
The Xcel Comp+ is a mid-level wetsuit with a top-tier vibe. After a month’s worth of testing, I am stoked to say that it is holding up to the abuse with little to no degradation. If I encounter an issue, Xcel wetsuits are backed with a one-year warranty on all seams and neoprene for peace of mind. The Xcel Drylock series is the warmest and most advanced wetsuit in the Xcel lineup, specifically designed for extreme conditions.Expensive wetsuits are typically made with higher-quality materials that will last longer. They also usually have added features, such as a built-in hood or different types of closures.
How much does a wetsuit cost?
Recommended Budget for a Wetsuit This will give you several thickness options. The prices of decent fullsuits start at $100 for warm water surfing and over $300 for cold water surfing. But if you have extra money, spend it on suits that range from $200 to $350. Wetsuits are not meant to keep you dry. Despite being composed of waterproof neoprene foam, they allow a tiny layer of water to enter via the zippers, wrists, neck, legs, and ankles. The water quickly condenses into a thin layer of liquid and gets trapped between your skin and the neoprene.While wetsuits are fantastic for staying warm in the water, they aren’t designed for all-day wear. Since wetsuits fit snugly to your body, wearing one for extended periods can lead to skin irritation, particularly around areas of friction.Rinsing your suit after every use will help keep it fresh, but when it becomes stiff and smelly, it’s time to reach for the cleaner. The steps for cleaning your wetsuit are simple: Get a wetsuit cleaner and a tub of cool water; then stir in the cleaner.As you may have gathered, washing your wetsuit after using it is a must! It is essential to wash away the salty water with clean, fresh water.The car stinks, your suit stinks, and soon, when you reluctantly drag it on, you will stink too. Why do wetsuits develop an unpleasant odor? It’s due the build-up of bacteria and other microbes transferred into the suit from both the marine environment and from your own body.
How many years do wetsuits last?
Typically, a good quality wetsuit should last at least two years, but generally around five years or more, even with heavy use. How long a wetsuit lasts is largely dependent on the quality of the product and how you look after it. But a decent triathlon wetsuit from a reputable brand should last anywhere between four and 10 years depending on frequency of use. And don’t be frightened to wear it! This is one instant when use is good.The right blend makes the difference – with modern material mixes, you can find very comfortable and elastic materials that are still very durable – although this comes at a cost. Typically, a good quality wetsuit should last at least two years, but generally around five years or more, even with heavy use.Frequency and intensity of use, the type of water activity, care and maintenance practices, quality of materials, and fit all play significant roles. While some wetsuits may last only a couple of years with regular use, others, especially those of higher quality and better maintenance, can endure for a decade or more.The lifespan of a triathlon wetsuit, like any other wetsuit, depends on various factors such as frequency of use, care and maintenance, quality of materials, and the intensity of the triathlon activities. Generally, a well-maintained triathlon wetsuit can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years or more.
Where are Xcel wetsuits made?
Each of our products are designed in the US in our factory in Hawaii, where they undergo test after test to ensure the most competitive fit and performance. Shop men’s surf fullsuit wetsuits for the best warmth and performance. Find the right thickness from 3/2mm, 4/3mm, 5/4mm to 6/5mm for your next surf session. C to around 12°C, covering most of the year from April until late November.A 1-2mm neoprene top and shorts will give a good extra layer of warmth, more so than thermals and will give your core extra protection. Go for zip free options to wear under wetsuits, so you don’t get marks. Zips can get really uncomfortable when pressed close to you under the wetsuit.Fit: A wetsuit should be snug but comfortable. A too-loose fit will allow water to flood the suit, undermining its warmth, while a too-tight suit can be constricting and uncomfortable. Thickness: Wetsuit materials come in a range of finely tuned thicknesses.In colder waters, 6mm to 7mm diving wetsuits are your reliable companions. These thicker suits offer superior insulation, keeping you comfortable and warm even in chilly depths.A 3mm or 2mm shorty for summer, a 3mm fullsuit with watertight seams for dawn patrols and general later spring and early Autumn surfing. A 4mm suit for early spring and late Autumn before the winter really kicks in. A 5mm wetsuit for winter in most locations is fine, especially when couple with boots gloves and a hood.
How long do Xcel wetsuits last?
All items purchased on sale, regardless of the place of purchase or whether bought on Xcel’s Garage Site. Damage from sunlight, chlorine, improper recreational use or care, or any damage beyond the product’s natural life expectancy. A wetsuit’s natural life expectancy is 3 years. Wetsuits: 1 YEAR from original purchase date. UV, Accessories, Apparel: 3 MONTHS from original purchase date. Xcel is the only party authorized to determine warranty eligibility. Submitting a warranty claim does not guarantee repair or replacement.The Xcel Comp+ is a mid-level wetsuit with a top-tier vibe. After a month’s worth of testing, I am stoked to say that it is holding up to the abuse with little to no degradation. If I encounter an issue, Xcel wetsuits are backed with a one-year warranty on all seams and neoprene for peace of mind.
What are the disadvantages of wetsuits?
Cons of Using Wetsuits While wetsuits offer great insulation, they are bulkier and restrict mobility more compared to spring suits. The thicker neoprene material limits flexibility, making paddling and maneuvering slightly more challenging. If the water temperature drops below 65°F (18°C), wearing a wetsuit is almost essential for preventing hypothermia and keeping your muscles warm and loose. Other benefits of wearing a wetsuit include offering protection from sunburn, jellyfish stings, and other potential hazards in the water.Wet suits don’t keep you dry, but they can keep you warm. Wet suits are made of waterproof, closed-cell, foam-rubber (neoprene) which insulates even when wet. The two main things that determine how warm you will be are the thickness of the neoprene and the snugness of the wet suit.As for the question ‘Do wetsuits stretch over time? Yes, wetsuits do stretch a little over time. The neoprene material naturally adjusts to your body shape with repeated use.Material Quality and Warmth Retention Expensive wetsuits are often made from higher-quality neoprene, which offers better flexibility, warmth, and durability. High-end neoprene like Yamamoto, known for its superior warmth and stretch, is commonly found in pricier models.
Why are wetsuits so expensive?
One of the two biggest differences between an inexpensive wetsuit and one that costs more is the type and quality of neoprene used in its construction: Thinner, more flexible neoprene (that isn’t so delicate it’ll tear with daily use) is more expensive than thicker, inflexible rubber. This is a practice known as going commando. Because of the wetsuit’s tight fit, wearing anything under it can feel unpleasant at times. Wearing nothing between your wetsuit and your skin reduces the quantity of water that can enter. You’ll be warmer if you decide to go nude beneath your wetsuit.Wetsuits don’t actually loosen once you’re in the water, but they do tend to feel more comfortable. This is because the neoprene material softens slightly when wet, allowing it to mould more closely to your body over time.The water in the wetsuit then warms up to the temperature of your skin – about 91F (32. C). Contrary to popular opinion, that layer of water doesn’t warm you. But because it’s the same temperature as your skin, it doesn’t feel cold or conduct heat away from your body.You are correct in that the elasticity of a wetsuit will change. A suit that is used daily will stretch out over time, whereas in contrast, a suit that is never used will begin to harden and seem to have “shrunk” when put on.