Xcel Infiniti 4/3mm Wetsuit Review: Warm and Eco-Friendly

The Xcel Infiniti 4/3mm wetsuit is a strong pick for cold-water surfing thanks to its Radiant Rebound core warmth, Ultra Flex lower body stretch, and Nexskin wrist and ankle seals that prevent flushing, all built from Xcel's limestone-based eco-friendly neoprene.

Wetsuits are an essential part of any surfer's gear, but finding the perfect one that caters to both performance and comfort can be a challenge. That’s where Xcel’s Infinity Wetsuit comes into play. This wetsuit isn't just another piece of surfwear; it's a finely-tuned instrument engineered for the modern surfer who refuses to compromise on flexibility, warmth, and eco-conscious living.

Join me as I share my experience with the game-changing wetsuit and explore why it might just be your next go-to choice for hitting the waves.

Note that I reviewed the women's model. The Infiniti is also available for men.

Behind the Brand: Xcel Wetsuits

Founded in 1982 by Ed D’Ascoli, Xcel has evolved from a bedroom startup into an award-winning global brand. Their relentless focus on innovation has set new standards in wetsuit design. With accolades like 3 x Sima Wetsuit of the Year under their belt, you know you're investing in quality.

About the Infiniti 4/3 mm

Okay, I admit it—I'm a sucker for a sleek design, and this wetsuit didn't disappoint. The clean lines and subtle branding let the features do the talking. It's like that effortlessly cool person at the party who doesn't need flashy attire to be noticed; they just are. If wetsuits were cars, the Infiniti is a Tesla Model 3. It looks good and does good (for you and our planet).

Warmth and Stretch

Wetsuits can be a bit like hugs from our grandmas—sometimes a bit too tight and sometimes too loose, but we love them nonetheless. The Infiniti 4/3mm offers that perfect grandma hug; it’s warm but not suffocating. The Radiant Rebound core locks out the cold, while the ThermoLite IR in the lower interior adds that extra layer of warmth. And let's talk about stretch for a second—thanks to the Ultra Flex Lower Body, I had all the mobility I needed to paddle into waves and carve—or cross-step—to my heart’s content.

Surfing in New Zealand winter can be a drag. Sometimes, you don't even want to get out of the car, never mind into the ocean. When you have the right gear, the dilemma shrinks. I usually put my Infiniti on at home and drive to the beach, getting somewhat sweaty and red-faced along the way. By the time I'm parked up, I'm frothing at the thought of an ice water dunking.

After action, the Infiniti brings satisfaction. Despite its warmth, this wetsuit is surprisingly easy to step out of.

Lightweight Yet Sturdy

It’s often a trade-off between material strength and weight, but Xcel nailed it with this one. It's lightweight without feeling flimsy—exactly what you want when you're tackling those challenging sets.

Nexskin Wrist & Ankle Seals

While Xcel's Infinity wetsuit boasts several noteworthy features such as its limestone neoprene construction and quick-drying capabilities, one of its standout elements is the Nexskin Wrist & Ankle Seals. These specialized seals act as a second skin, trapping a thin layer of water to prevent flushing, thereby keeping you warmer for longer. Imagine surfing without constantly getting flushed or having seepage in your suit; that's the power of Nexskin.

Front Zip & Quick Dry

Let's face it; no one wants to do a complex car park dance just to get in and out of their wetsuit. The front zip design and all-round flex made that part a breeze. I LOVE the front zip, you can feel it is pure quality and it won't rust like some competitor wetsuits made with metal zips.

And post-surf? This baby dries quicker than most, thanks to its advanced material. If you want to dry your suit even faster, get a wetsuit dryer.

Specs & Features

• Channel Flex Upper: Offers upper body mobility
• Ultra Flex Lower Body: For that unhindered lower body movement
• Radiant Rebound Chest Panels: Traps heat for core warmth
• Plush Thermo Lite IR Lower Body: Adds an extra layer of warmth
• Front Zip: For easy entry and exit
• Semi Dry Zipper System: Minimizes water seepage
• Fusion X Seam Tape: Provides that sealed-in warmth

Xcel's Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Now, what really sets the Infiniti 4/3mm Front Zip Full Wetsuit apart from the crowd is Xcel’s commitment to sustainability. In a world that's finally waking up to the impact we have on our oceans and Earth, Xcel is leading the change. Let’s break down some of the eco-friendly aspects of this wetsuit:

Limestone Neoprene

Xcel uses earth-mined limestone to replace processed petrochemicals in their neoprene. What does that mean for us surfers? Less dependence on petroleum and a significant cutback on the harmful practices involved in processing it.

Eco Carbon Black

The wetsuit also features Eco Carbon Black, an essential ingredient in neoprene. Want to know how it works? Well, carbon black is pyrolyzed from scrap rubber tires, reducing CO2 emissions by 200g per wetsuit. It’s a win-win—good for us and good for Mother Earth.

Water-Based Glue

One aspect that often goes unnoticed is the glue used in wetsuits. Xcel has switched from solvent-based laminating glue to water-based glue, which eliminates harmful volatile organic compounds. That’s a move we can all get behind.

Dope-Dyed Yarn

The dope-dying process infuses dye pigments into molten plastic to create colored yarns, saving tons of water while reducing both energy consumption and water pollution. The wetsuit looks good, and you can feel good wearing it.

Neoprene Recycling Process

In an effort to minimize waste, Xcel recycles as much neoprene production waste as possible. The recycled material is then turned into qualified production, significantly reducing the waste that ends up in landfills.

Recycled Polyester

Many of Xcel's fabrics, including those in the Infiniti wetsuit, are knitted with polyester yarn made from recycled plastic bottles. Not only does this help reduce waste, but it also minimizes new material consumption.

PAHs Minimized Formula

Lastly, Xcel uses neoprene rubber foam that is specially formulated to eliminate nearly all of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon substances, making it safer for both users and the environment.

Conclusion

The Infiniti 4/3mm Front Zip Full Wetsuit by Xcel doesn’t just perform; it also protects. It protects us from the cold, it offers the stretch we need, and it protects the planet we love so much. It’s a reminder that as surfers, we're not just consumers but also stewards of the sea. By supporting brands that invest in sustainable initiatives, we’re investing in the future of our oceans.

So there you have it—warmth, stretch, quick dry, lightweight, and sustainable. The Women's Infiniti 4/3mm Front Zip Full Wetsuit by Xcel ticks all the boxes. Until next time, surf well, and catch you out there.