2019 test: Xcel Infinity Ltd. 4/3 wetsuit
The US neoprene manufacturer XCEL has recently started equipping its wetsuits with a new type of insulating layer. Under the marketing term "Radiant Rebound", a thin aluminium layer is now incorporated between the actual neoprene and the soft inner lining, which - similar to spacesuits or survival foils - is intended to reflect body heat.
In practice - we tried it out in the Infinity Ltd 4/3 model - this does not detract from the flexibility of the Neos in any case. Thanks to its soft neoprene and cosy inner lining, the test Neo hugged the contours of the body perfectly as usual. If you stretch the neoprene, you can see the aforementioned insulating layer - whether this is the reason for the Neo's excellent thermal insulation remains to be seen. Even in the test version with the long back zip, water ingress is kept to a minimum; the seams are ideally protected against water ingress anyway as they are taped on the inside.
surf conclusion:
Stretchy and cosy, the new Infinity Ltd is warmer than average for a 4/3. Info under www.xcelwetsuits.com
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
