Jack's Surfboards carries Xcel wetsuits for men, women and kids, from the flagship Comp X to the warm Drylock, the comfortable Comp+ and the budget-friendly Axis and IconX. You'll also find Xcel springsuits, wetsuit tops, gloves, booties and changing towels. Xcel was founded in 1982 on Hawaii's North Shore, and it's the biggest wetsuit brand in our shop. Kids fullsuits are the most affordable, and adult fullsuits cost more as warmth and stretch go up.
Which Xcel wetsuit should I buy?
| Line |
Best for |
What makes it different |
| Drylock |
Coldest water |
Xcel's warmest, most technical suit, with a Thermo Dry Inferno interior from chest to knee |
| Comp X |
Serious surfers |
Xcel's flagship, with a plush lining and Thermo Dry Celliant infrared tech |
| Comp+ |
Comfort and stretch |
Made from Ocena, a neoprene-free bio-based foam, with a Thermo Dry Infrared interior |
| Comp |
Everyday performance |
Channel Flex stretch with a Thermo Dry IR interior |
| Axis |
Value and kids |
Ocena foam with an infrared chest panel; kids versions come with ankle zips |
| IconX |
Durability on a budget |
Glued and blind stitched seams and Duraflex knee pads |
Where are Xcel wetsuits from?
Ed D'Ascoli started Xcel in 1982 out of the bedroom of his house at Sunset Beach, on Oahu's North Shore. He grew up surfing the cold Atlantic in New Jersey, then built suits for some of the most demanding waves in the world. Xcel moved its headquarters to Haleiwa in 1990 and later opened a warehouse in California.
More from Xcel
Beyond fullsuits, we carry Xcel's Comp+ springsuits, the Insulate-XR layering top for extra warmth under your suit, neoprene paddle shorts, 2mm and 4mm five-finger gloves, dive boots and a hooded changing towel. For sizing, see our men's, women's and youth Xcel size guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Xcel wetsuits any good?
Yes. Xcel builds every level of suit, from affordable Axis and IconX suits to the Drylock, which it calls its warmest, most technical wetsuit. It's the wetsuit brand we carry the most of, for men, women and kids.
How long do Xcel wetsuits last?
It depends on how often you surf and how you care for it. Rinse your suit in fresh water after every session, let it dry in the shade, and give it a wetsuit shampoo every few uses. A well-cared-for suit lasts much longer than one left in a hot car.
Is Xcel an American company?
Yes. Xcel was founded in 1982 at Sunset Beach on Oahu's North Shore and is headquartered in Haleiwa, Hawaii, with a warehouse in California.
How do Xcel wetsuits fit?
Snug, like every good wetsuit. Xcel offers short and tall sizes in many suits, like MS, MT, LS and LT, so you can match your height as well as your build. Check our Xcel size guides for exact height, weight and chest ranges before you order.
Does Xcel make kids wetsuits?
Yes. We carry Xcel kids suits in sizes 4 to 16, including the Axis with ankle zips that make it much easier to get little feet through, the IconX 5/4 for winter, and a 1mm toddler springsuit.
Should I get an Xcel 3/2 or 4/3?
It depends on your water. A 3/2 is the go-to for warmer months, and a 4/3 is the usual pick for winter in Southern California. If you surf colder water or get cold easily, step up to a hooded 5/4 Drylock or Comp X. Our wetsuit guide has the full water temperature chart.
Are Xcel wetsuits ever on sale?
Sometimes. Past-season Xcel suits show up in our wetsuit sale when a model is updated or we're down to the last sizes, so check there first.
Do you wear underwear under a wetsuit?
Most surfers wear nothing, or a swimsuit or boardshorts for easy changing. Skip cotton underwear, since it stays wet and cold. For extra warmth, Xcel's Insulate-XR layering top is made to go under a suit.
