Xcel Drylock Review

What does Xcel Wetsuits says about the Drylock suits?

“””Xcel’s new “Channel Flex” through upper body providing weightless unrestrictive movement along with Ultra Flex material throughout lower body. Semi Dry Zipper with magnetic closure. Features Drylock wrist seals and Nexskin ankle seals. It has triple-glued and blind-stitched seams with FusionX tape technology throughout interior, with eco-friendly Limestone based neoprene with Aqua glue process.”

Features of the Xcel Drylock 

• MATERIALS – Featuring Xcel’s all-new Channel Flex Exterior for a weightless feel and unrestricted warmth. Celliant Black High Pile with Hollow Fibers, in the interior from chest to knee, is the next generation TDC with enhanced heat-retaining minerals to maintain the warmth generated through the Infrared Process, with brushed hollow fibers enhancing the air particles trapped between your body and suit. High pile Celliant Black Jacquard, in the sleeves and lower legs, is also the next-generation TDC with enhanced heat-retaining minerals to maintain the warmth generated through the Infrared Process. Eco-friendly Nanoprene Lite Japanese Limestone neoprene is limestone-based with unrivaled memory and rebound that is lighter, warmer, and softer than the average neoprene. A durable glide skin collar creates a watertight seal to prevent flushing.
• DESIGN – Engineered fit system of Xcel wetsuits fits like a second skin. An easy entry system with a balanced shoulder design. A 100% waterproof zipper with magnetic closure and Drylock wrist seals that lock water out and back knee flex grooves that prevent bunching.
• CONSTRUCTION – Stitch free power seams of Xcel wetsuits use a water-tight, stitch-free seam sealing technology that provides lightweight, flexible, and durable warmth. FusionX taped seams that use the next generation of precision tape technology, applied by a machined heat-pressure process that bonds tape directly to suit ensuring maximum seam durability while eliminating the need for excess glue that causes irritation. Triple glued and blind-stitched seams are a water-tight seam construction where foam edges are glued multiple times before being slammed together creating air/water-tight seal, then stitched a quarter way through the foam to give it the strength needed. Eco-friendly water-based glue provides the premium durability of Xcel wetsuits that bonds while being environmentally conscious. Nexskin ankle seals that minimize flushing. 

Drylock vs Drylock X

What is the difference between the Xcel Drylock and the Drylock X?

Both are lined with Celliant Black although the Drylock X has more of a high pile Celliant Black lining which runs from the chest to the knees where the Drylock is mostly low pile except the high pile chest panel. This gives the Drylock X greater warmth. 

• The Drylock has triple glued and blindstitched seams while the Drylock X has a stitch-free power seam, which basically means more warmth but slightly less stretch. 
• The Drylock has a semi-dry zipper which is the same as the other premium suits in the Xcel range while the Drylock X has a 100% water-resistant zipper that locks water out.
• The Drylock has Channel Flex on the upper body only while the Drylock X has a full Channel Flex exterior.

Will’s Xcel Drylock Review: What do you think are the key features?

“The seams of Xcel wetsuits are sown and double glued, which enables the wetsuit to last longer. The zero zip allows for greater comfort.”

What do you like about the Xcel 4/3 Drylock?

It’s really comfortable, warm, and allows plenty of range of motion for a 4/3 wetsuit.

What don’t you like about it?

I have found the Xcel sizes can be tight sometimes, so you need to be careful to get the size right. 

How has it held up over time (and how long have you used it)

I have had the wetsuit for a few seasons now and never had a ripped seam or hole in the wetsuit. Unfortunately, I have put some weight on a need to get a bigger one! However, when I slim down I’ll be back into my XCEL wetsuit straight away.

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What do you think of the Comfort? Flexibility?

Very comfortable and plenty of range of motion

What do you think of the sizing and fit? (and your height / weight?)?

I have a medium, I’m 182cm and 85kg’s, I have put on some weight and its quite a tight fit.

Thoughts on the price and value?

I must admit the Drylock model is very expensive. However, the wetsuit will last for many years without any problems.

What others are saying about the Xcel Drylock

“This thing is great! Super super warm and great flexibility! Xcel has been my go to for years and they never disappoint! In my opinion its the best wetsuit on the market hands down!”

“I didn’t realize how thick the red liner was or how much water it would absorb, but it weighs a ton and makes it hard to keep up with the people in lighter wetsuits. The build is good though, it’s super warm. But I just use my old leaky one and deal with the chill. If you live someplace ultra cold this may be your suit.”

“Awesome!”

“High quality item”

“My husband usually is really negative about anything he buys but he loved this!!”

We hope you got some value from this Xcel Drylock Review. If you’ve got a Drylock or any other wetsuit from Xcel yourself and have any comments to add we’d love you to hear your feedback below!

We recently chose the Xcel Drylock and Drylock X in our picks for best 3/2 wetsuits read more HERE.