Xcel Drylock Wetsuit Review

Xcel Drylock Wetsuit

Neoprene and Liners

This year’s Drylock features Xcel’s Thermal Dry Infrared (TDI) liner through the core of the suit. It’s like an extension of your skin, making this suit feel natural through all the complex movements that surfing requires. The black material with the yellow fire logos is placed on the chest, back, and down to the knee, ensuring that your core body stays warm and comfortable.

Where the suit doesn’t feature the TDI liner, Xcel has integrated a yellow Ultra Stretch IR interior liner through the shoulders, arms, and legs, which is warmer and more flexible than standard jerseys.

On the exterior of the Drylock, the Channel Flex 2.0 jersey is hydrophobic, meaning it wicks away water, keeping the suit dryer for longer and enhancing the lightweight feeling. In addition, the high-quality Nanoprene Lite neoprene has a buttery soft feel and is very stretchy, which means a better range of motion and less paddle fatigue. It’s also denser than competitor neoprenes, so it provides better insulation for the thickness.

The Drylock comes with industry-standard features like smooth skin panels on the chest, back, and hood, keeping wind chill as an afterthought. Although these panels add extra bulk and weight, they are definitely appreciated on those cold and windy sessions.

Seams and Stitching

The Drylock suit is premium grade from the ground up. Everything about this surfing suit is custom to the model. The Xcel Drylock features glued and blind stitched (GBS) seams for strong, watertight connections.

When inspecting the internal seams, you will find Xcel’s Fusion X seam tape lining the entirety of the suit, sealing it off from the elements. Taping helps seal the seams more effectively than stitching alone. Even if a wetsuit is glued and blind-stitched (GBS), some water can still seep through micro-holes left by the needle. Taping covers these seams from the inside, further preventing cold water from entering, which keeps you warmer.

These seams help block cold water while allowing the suit to move naturally with your body. Combined with its thermal lining and high-quality neoprene, the Drylock is built for warmth, comfort, and long-lasting performance in cold conditions. As a bonus, the Drylock wrist seals feel like a premium feature that most suits don’t offer.

Fit and Cut

Beyond the construction of the seams, a well-crafted suit must also be comfortable. I have tested many high-end wetsuits in harsh conditions, and this year's Drylock is the most form-fitting suit I have surfed in. The engineered fitted panels, when pieced together, create a suit that perfectly matches the complex movements required from surfing.

At 6’2” and weighing about 175 lbs, I wear a size medium tall (MT) across brands, and I find this suit fits very true to size. It doesn’t run tall or short compared to other brands, which is a good thing for ease of fit with as many surfers as possible. Thanks to the form fit and wrist and ankle seals, this suit feels flush-proof throughout, so there are no more “cold plunge refreshers” after taking a wave on the head.

Entry and Zipper

The chest zip entry on this year’s Drylock has undergone significant improvement with a new snap closure compared to last year’s magnetic closure. Xcel refers to this zip system as a “semi-dry” zipper, but from my experience, it has been watertight.

The zip entry does its job well for keeping water out. That said, it is a narrow entry, which makes exiting the suit a little more tiresome. Broader-shouldered surfers should keep in mind that getting into and out of this suit requires a little patience.

One standout feature of the Drylock, especially helpful for cold-water surfers dealing with numb fingers, is its pre-fed zipper. This design makes getting in and out of the suit much easier since you don’t have to line up and feed the zipper like a traditional jacket. It also creates a better seal to keep water out, reduces stress on the zipper, and adds to the suit’s overall warmth, durability, and convenience.

Xcel also added their key attachment to the chest zip entry, which is just between the zipper and the chest panel. I find this to be a convenient spot for your keys, given that you will be running your hand across the zipper anyway to get out of the suit.

Performance

Performance is important for any suit in this price range, and the Drylock excels in the warmth-to-performance ratio. When combined, the true-to-size fit, premium and comfortable materials, and high-end construction create a suit that feels ready for anything from dead-of-winter New England sessions to brisk spring days here in the PNW.

As far as everyday conditions go, I tend to stay super warm through the whole session. I've also worn the Xcel Drylock 5/4 in 45°F water (25°F air temp) and 30 mph offshore wind during a cold spell here in the PNW, and this suit kept me plenty warm. Given that those are not everyday conditions where I surf, it is a secure feeling knowing I can stay warm and comfortable in harsh conditions with the Drylock.

Xcel Drylock Suggested Wetsuit Thickness

Value and Durability

When buying a suit in this price range, you would expect to be able to use it for many seasons. The Drylock is no exception. At $519.95 for the 5/4 thickness, it’s very competitive for its class, featuring many aspects you would otherwise need to spend $20 - $50 more to get. So far, after putting it through the wringer, I have spotted no rips, tears, or delaminating in the interior and felt no sneaky leaks in the seams or entry area. The Channel Flex 2.0 exterior jersey is super flexible and, so far, holding up very well for a performance jersey. There are no signs this suit won’t stay warm through the many seasons to come.

Sustainability

From an eco-friendly standpoint, the Xcel Drylock is sprinkled with numerous sustainable practices. Instead of using petroleum-based neoprene, Xcel uses limestone-based neoprene, which is more eco-friendly and lighter. In addition, during neoprene production, Xcel uses oyster shell processing as part of its sustainability efforts. This innovative approach involves using oyster shells as a natural filler in the neoprene, which helps reduce the environmental impact of traditional neoprene manufacturing.

Many of Xcel's wetsuits, including the Drylock, incorporate recycled materials in the linings and other components. For example, the Thermo Dry Inferno lining is made with recycled polyester. The company also constructs suits using water-based glues, which are less harmful to the environment than traditional solvent-based adhesives. Lastly, Xcel has also moved toward using recyclable and compostable packaging for their wetsuits, reducing waste during shipping and storage.

Feedback on the Women's Xcel Drylock

"Being warm is essential when surfing in the PNW. I run cold but have never worn anything thicker than a 5/4. After a cold session, the last thing I want is to feel glued in a thick suit with cold jello fingers. Well, this fear changed rather quickly after my experience with the Drylock 6/5.

Initially, as I tried on the Women’s Xcel Drylock 6/5, I thought to myself, “I’ll be stuck in this suit forever!” The suit felt stiff all around and hard to get on at the shoulders, but it was nothing you wouldn’t expect from a 6/5. Once on, the fit was really nice and felt flattering: not that that is what makes a surfer, but the overall comfort and design were undeniable. Yet, I held the fear that it would be a hassle to get out of.

Well, was I surprised! Just after the second time wearing it, the suit went on like a glove! In the water, I have had no flushing, and the wrists and ankles stay sealed. The suit is surprisingly super flexible and never feels heavy or “water-logged.” I even got out of the suit with ease - considering it's 6mm of rubber!

I don’t wear hoods often, but when needed, this one is warm and comfortable. It fits well on my small head and neck, and I like how the chin sits. My only gripe is the nylon cinch cord - I prefer elastic for better face molding. The larger zipper makes getting out easier with frozen fingers. Also, Xcel replaced the flimsy magnetic closure with a snap button on the 5/4 and 6/5 suits, which is a big improvement.

I will have to check in with the long-term durability of this suit, but for now, I’m stoked about the positive experience with trying a 6/5mm. I stay in the water as long as I can, and this suit adds extra time to my sessions. The wind can cut cold in this part of the world, and the Women’s Drylock has definitely exceeded my expectations with its overall comfort, ultimate stretch, and warmth. This has been a game changer, and I’m sure it will continue to enhance the duration and performance of my sessions!

Side note to compare: I have the Rip Curl Flashbomb 5/4, which has been my go-to in the winter and on colder days. The Drylock provides more range of motion and more flex all around. Getting out of the Xcel has been easier than getting out of the Flashbomb. When it comes to heat, the thicker 6mm rubber Drylock makes it my warmest suit and my new go-to winter wetsuit.” Genevieve

Customer Feedback

This is, by far, the warmest wetsuit I've ever worn. I have been surfing NorCal (San Fran up to Mendo) for the past 30 years and this things feels like I'm surfing inside a toaster oven. It's unreal. I'm 5'10" 175 and it fits perfectly. I don't even feel water touch my skin for several minutes. When I took it off, my son was grabbing the arms of the wetsuit (on the inside) once it was off my body, and they remained warm for awhile! Well done Xcel!”

Mark

We live in Northern California water temp is usually in the low 50s. Wetsuit is warm best brand yet!”

Matt

Final Thoughts

Xcel has really pieced together a premium suit with this year’s Drylock. When exploring options in this price range, nothing really comes close to the features this suit offers in its class. The excellent fit combined with the TDI liner makes the suit really live up to the Drylock name. When looking at the bones of this suit, the jersey, seam construction, and wrist seals lock this suit in for the “best in class” award. Other higher-end suits in this class offer similar liners and neoprene jerseys but tend to cost another $20-$50 more for the same features, not to mention this is one of the best-fitting suits I have worn.

If you look at other offerings from Xcel, the Drylock has borrowed a couple of popular aspects of the Comp X and the Infinity to create the ultimate premium feel. If the stretchy Channel Flex 2.0 interests you without wanting to spend the big bucks, this season's Infinity is super warm and a more flexible option with enough savings to pay for a pair of gloves, a Cleanline T-shirt, or whatever you fancy! Luckily, Xcel has great options for every surfer, no matter the budget.

If you have any questions about the Xcel suits or need sizing help, feel free to leave a comment, call us at 1-888-546-6176, or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com. Enjoy the water!