XCEL Believes They’ve Made The Most Comfortable Wetsuit In The World - Stab Mag

Now Playing... Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode 4

456 Views

XCEL Believes They’ve Made The Most Comfortable Wetsuit In The World

We’ll be the judge of that.

hardware // Nov 9, 2024
Words by Garrett James
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Made in partnership with XCEL

Let me start this article by saying that I haven’t done a massive amount of wetsuit testing and I am not claiming to be a certified wetsuit tester. But, I have worn a lot of wetsuits over the years, possess zero brand loyalty, and can tell you what I think makes a wetsuit worth wearing. To me, it comes down to the following attributes, in this particular order:

  1. Comfort
  2. Flexibility
  3. Warmth

This may seem like a strange order, as warmth is generally the reason for strapping on neoprene. But for me, discomfort and inflexibility are my session killers. Constricted shoulders and pit rash can fuck off. I also live in Southern California. So there’s that. 

Unbeknownst to me, XCEL sent a Men’s Large of their new Comp+ performance wetsuit to Stab’s California HQ for a staffer to test, their marketing verbiage serendipitously claiming “high stretch and superior comfort.”

We believe it is the most comfortable wetsuit in the world,” reads the label. 

Assuming my new role of one-off wetsuit tester — I’ll be the judge of that.

Having just touched down from a tropical swell hunt, and having not worn a full suit the past six months, I returned to my local with vulnerable skin and XCEL’s 3/2 Comp+ in hand. The water had dipped to the mid 60s, the air hung around the same, and a disheartening coastal eddy plagued the sky. I tossed myself into the ring.

If a wetsuit can keep a Hawaiian warm on a cold, foggy beach, you know it’s a good wetsuit. Also, this isn’t me. This is Zeke Lau.

The Review:

The first thing I notice is how easy it is to slip into this wetsuit. There are no contortionist tricks, jumps, wiggles, or bends. This is not always the case with front-zip wetsuits. Additionally, the inner workings of this suit feel silky smooth as it slides up and over my shoulders. I’ve never heard of Nanoprene lite japanese limestone neoprene, but I do know that this is how you want a wetsuit to feel against your skin. Upon entry into the water, that nice, soft feeling remains, and there are no noticeable seams throughout. This must be an illusion created by the “triple-glued and blind stitched seams” or the “dope-dye yarn and water-based glue.” Or maybe it’s the “reinforced fusion x tape.” Fancy terms and technical jargon aside, XCEL wasn’t lying about the comfort. This is easily one of the most comfortable wetsuits I’ve worn.

That brings me to my next important variable: Flexibility. The application of XCEL’s Comp+ matches their claim – very lightweight, very high stretch. The suit doesn’t feel clunky or heavy, regardless of being wet or dry, and it’s as flexible as any wettie that I’ve worn. I’m not a yogi, but I’d imagine one could easily move through their practice with this thing on. Down dog, up dog, chattanooga, whatever. 

No frills, no extra seams, no bullshit. The front-zip closure on this wetsuit is straight to the point. I respect and appreciate that.

Another issue that I tend to find with front-zip wetsuits is that they can constrict the movement of your chest and shoulders. You may have felt this before. And when you burn out your shoulders, you burn out your session. I was pleasantly surprised to find that XCEL’s Comp+ had zero constriction in the upper body. In fact, I could not find a single focus point where inflexibility is a factor whatsoever. I’m chalking this up as a win/win for the next marathon session. 

Unfortunately, when it comes to warmth, I can’t really make a crazy judgment call. I can tell you that in the mid-60sºF (18ºC) of Southern California’s fall season, XCEL’s Comp+ is as warm as I could have wanted – no leaks, no chills, no fear of getting cold. Based on the attention to detail with the rest of the wetsuit, I’d imagine the warmth is held to a similar, high standard. But I’ll have to get back to you once the water drops another 10ºF and that “new wetsuit feel” wears off. 

The downsides of XCEL’s Comp+ are hardly distinguishable. These are the only that I could find: The crotch could have a bit more room to breathe, the ankles could seal a tad tighter, and the neck could sit a smidgeon higher. These “downsides” may be more body-related rather than wetsuit-related, but this is a review and I must try to find the negatives.

That striped yellow material is what XCEL calls Thermo Dry Infrared, but I’d probably rename it Hot Toddy Next To A Crackling Fire. It’s that comfortable.

All in all, I’d say XCEL’s Comp+ receives the Stab Recommends stamp of approval and is worthy of your hard-earned dollars. That’s $349.99 USD for a 3/2mm. If you want ease of entry, this suit is for you. If you want unrestricted body movement, this suit is for you. If you want to grind out a heat or take on a 6-hour session, this suit is for you. Is this “the most comfortable wetsuit in the world?” I’m having a difficult time arguing against that. 


For a look at XCEL’s entire line of wetsuits, click here.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Short Kings (And Queens) Dominate In Abu Dhabi, While Localized Sandstorm Forces Contentious Re-Surf

Italo Ferreira and Caity Simmers emerge victorious in the UAE, will wear yellow into Portugal.

Feb 16, 2025

The Unlikely Origins of Rob Machado’s Shaping Career

How a stolen board and a wildcard snub may have sparked a revolution in alternative…

Feb 15, 2025

Rookies Rise As Former Winners Are Culled From The Conveyor Belt Of Effort

Day 2 Abu Dhabi recap.

Feb 15, 2025

Filipe Toledo Busts Fins On A WSL Photographer’s Camera Lens — Does Not Get The Shot

Thiago Diz narrowly escapes capital punishment in the UAE.

Feb 15, 2025

We Collaborated With The Winner Of “Best Wetsuits 2025”

Introducing the "432" — a Stab x FERAL Wetsuits lovechild.

Feb 14, 2025

Formal Request To CT Surfers: Stop Trying To Get Tubed

Dissecting pro surfing's first 192 waves in Abu Dhabi.

Feb 14, 2025

Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode Four

Nude tubes, barehand fishing, biscuits, porn, Grave Digger, and one team's elimination.

Feb 14, 2025

First Class Lounge Lizard Ryan Miller Picks The Abu Dhabi Pro Winners

“Conditions: exactly six foot at one minute intervals”

Feb 13, 2025

The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Preview

Contrary to popular opinion: oil and water do mix.

Feb 13, 2025

One Cold, Unforgettable Winter At Uncle Robbie’s

Reflecting on four months spent living with 1988 Pipe Master Robbie Page.

Feb 11, 2025

Channel 51: Pipe Pro Post-Show

Coco Ho, Dooma and Josiah Amico discuss the juiciest storylines from the opening CT.

Feb 11, 2025

Did the Australian Surf Industry Walk So The Cycling Industry Could… Run?

With former Globe head-of-design turned MAAP co-founder, Ollie Cousins.

Feb 10, 2025

Microdose: Lungi Slabb

Australia's most instinctive young barrel rider leaves some notes for the forthcoming CT. 

Feb 9, 2025

Lexus Pipe Pro: Tyler Wright Triumphs, Barron Mamiya + Leo Fioravanti Deadlock For Men’s Crown

Victory goes to the Hawaiian, thanks to having the highest single scoring ride.

Feb 9, 2025

Watch: Channel 51 — A Lexus Pipe Pro Finals Day AltCast 

Live on Red Bull TV, featuring Coco Ho, Damien Fahrenfort, Josiah Amico, Hughie Vaughan, and…

Feb 8, 2025

Pipeline Erupts, Perfect 10s Drop, Slater Feasts On The Blood Of The Youth

Jack Robinson, John John Florence both eliminated despite posting 10s*.

Feb 8, 2025

Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode 3

Outer Banks secret sessions, Waffle House meltdowns, and the worst way to try an air…

Feb 7, 2025

“When I Stand Up, I Want To Kill – Fucking Redlining Like I Want To Ruin The Wave”

Triple Crown winner Finn McGill blends vintage Pancho Sullivan power with a Stab High-worthy air…

Feb 7, 2025
Advertisement