st surf images

Long sleeve wetsuit vests. They keep in you in your boardies downstairs much longer. Two Xcel jackets have been under the microscope this month at ST surf images and we have liked what their new models have had to offer.

the xcel smooth skin jacket

First off the rank is their smooth skin model the “L/S Xcelerator:Smooth skin 2/1″ I’ve surfed in this thing right through the cold currents we had a few weeks back when plenty of crew were still in their full length steamers. I am normally the last to slip out of the steamer, but this thing had me covered on the cool mornings and when the sun came out it sucked in the heat rays like no other rubber I have worn before. Perfect for when there is a chilly wind blowing or to warn off those nasty cold water currents that we so often get through December, if you have one of these smooth skins you can pretty much jump from your steamer into a pair of boardies and this vest. Zero leakage so far (had about 12 surfs since new) and its super comfortable. I reckon you could wear this right up till June on the mid north coast before swapping to a steamer.

Want all the specs?? CLICK HERE to go straight to the XCEL website to read about the smooth skin jacket

This thing is so warm…. will have you covered on the mid north coast through late spring and all through autumn. Far too warm for Jan – Feb, especially if the sun is out

L/S Xcelerator : 1/0.5

Up until a few days ago we have had mostly cool water temps, so I have surfed more with the smooth skin model, but I did get into this one on the weekend. The cut is perfect, it fits like a glove and felt super lightweight when paddling, it didn’t have the same barrier as the smooth skin and didn’t suck in the warmth of the sun like the smooth skin, but that was just as well because I was super warm as it was. If you don’t feel the cold much, then I would go for this one over the smooth skin.

Check the specs at the Xcel website HERE

The lightweight performance model… check em out at coopers stores

These things are so much more stretchy and warmer than models that were made just a few years ago.

Xcel products are in stock now at Cooper surf centers, try either the Jetty or Plaza stores for the best range.

RRP for the smoothie is $159.99 and for the lightweight job is $149.99