Photo: Cleanline Surf Xcel Comp X 4/3 listing

Xcel

Xcel · Wetsuit

Xcel Comp X 4/3 Review

9.0/ 10 Estimated score

9.0

Estimated from 3 independent sources (no numeric scores published)

Average price$301Range $300.97–$300.97 across 1 retailersSee sources

The Comp X is the light, stretchy end of the Xcel line: Nanoprene Lite limestone neoprene, a Thermo Dry Celliant infrared lining and a chest-zip entry. It targets surfers who want cold-water warmth without the bulk of a full winter suit, and it has been a Stab Recommends pick more than once.

View at Cleanline Surf

Quick specs

Thickness: 4/3 mm
Entry: Chest zip
Neoprene: Nanoprene Lite Japanese limestone
Lining: Thermo Dry Celliant (TDC) infrared
Exterior: Channel Flex outer for stretch
Seams: Glued, blind stitched and sealed

Xcel built the Comp X around two ideas: keep the neoprene light so paddling does not feel like work, and get the warmth back through the lining rather than through thickness. Nanoprene Lite handles the first part, and Thermo Dry Celliant handles the second by converting body heat into reflected infrared energy. That is why a 4/3 Comp X feels closer to a 3/2 on the arms while still being rated for cold water.

Stab has recommended the Comp X fullsuit in its hardware coverage, and their earlier wetsuit test group singled out the 4/3 for standing above the rest of the field. If you are cross-shopping cold-water suits, the wetsuit index on Surfex lists every model currently covered, and the thickness guide explains where a 4/3 stops being enough.

Pros & cons

Nanoprene Lite is one of the lightest and stretchiest neoprenes Xcel produces
Thermo Dry Celliant lining reflects body heat back as infrared energy
Chest-zip entry with sealed seams keeps flush to a minimum
Discounted retail pricing regularly puts it well under premium winter suits

Light, high-stretch neoprene is not the most abrasion resistant choice
Not as warm as a hooded or 5/4 suit in genuinely cold winter water
Full RRP sits above $400 USD before retailer discounting

How it surfs

Price is the sleeper detail. Xcel's own listing sits around $404.96 USD, but Cleanline Surf has stocked the same MN43C2C2 chest zip from $300.97 USD. At that number it competes directly with mid-tier suits while using Xcel's better neoprene, which is most of the reason it keeps appearing in recommendation lists.

The trade-off is what light neoprene always costs you: abrasion resistance. High-stretch panels take more care around board rails, zips and rough tailgates than a heavier winter suit. Rinse in fresh water and dry inside out and away from sun, which is covered in the wetsuit washing guide on Surfex.

Volume & sizing chart

Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.

Size	Volume	Rider weight	Best for
MS	Short torso	63–72 kg	All
M	Standard	70–79 kg	All
MT	Tall	72–81 kg	All
LS	Short torso	79–86 kg	All
L	Standard	81–90 kg	All
XL	Standard	88–99 kg	All

How it compares

Board	Best at	Wave range	Aggregate score
Xcel Drylock 4/3	Warmer, more sealed winter suit	Cold winter water	9.1
Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion 4/3	Fastest drying lining	Cold water	9.2
O'Neill Psycho Tech 4/3	TechnoButter warmth-to-stretch	Cold water	9.0

Verdict

The Comp X 4/3 is the flexibility-first pick in Xcel's cold-water line. Light limestone neoprene, an infrared lining and a chest zip make it feel far less bulky than the thickness suggests, and discounted pricing near $300 USD makes it strong value.

Estimated score: 9.0 / 10

Estimated from 3 independent sources — see full list below.

What reviewers around the web are saying

Surfex does not test gear directly. Below are independent retailer and editorial sources. When a source publishes a numeric score, it is normalized to a five-point scale; otherwise the source is listed without a score.

Estimated score

9.0/ 10

9.0

3 sources, none scored

Source	Score	Summary
Stab Magazine — Stab Recommends: Xcel Comp X Fullsuit	No numeric score	"Stab's hardware team lists the Comp X fullsuit among the suits it recommends, citing the light Nanoprene Lite build and the infrared TDC lining."
Surfd — Xcel Comp X wetsuit review	No numeric score	"Surfd's review covers the Comp X on warmth, stretch and sustainability credentials against other limestone-neoprene suits."
Cleanline Surf — Comp X 4/3 chest zip listing	No numeric score	"Retailer listing confirms the Nanoprene Lite Japanese limestone construction, Thermo Dry Celliant interior and Channel Flex exterior at $300.97 USD."

Where to buy & average price

Listed prices come from verified retailer pages. The average price below is an unweighted mean of verified retailer prices — converted to USD (≈) when retailers list in different currencies. Click any retailer to verify the native-currency price.

Average price

$301

$300.97–$300.97 · 1 retailers

Retailer	Price	vs. average
Cleanline Surf	$300.97	-$0.03	Visit

Frequently asked questions

How warm is the Xcel Comp X 4/3?+

It is a cold-water 4/3 rated for roughly 8–14 °C. The Thermo Dry Celliant lining reflects body heat back as infrared energy, which is where most of the warmth comes from rather than thickness.

What is Nanoprene Lite?+

Xcel's light Japanese limestone-based neoprene. It is the lightest and stretchiest foam in the range, which is why the Comp X paddles more like a 3/2 than a typical 4/3.

How much does the Comp X 4/3 cost?+

Full retail sits around $404.96 USD. Cleanline Surf has stocked the MN43C2C2 chest zip from $300.97 USD.

Comp X or Drylock — which should I buy?+

The Drylock is the warmer, more sealed winter suit with drain holes and a stiffer build. The Comp X is lighter and stretchier and better for surfers who want flexibility first.

Is the Comp X durable?+

Light high-stretch neoprene is less abrasion resistant than heavier winter foam. Rinse in fresh water after every session and dry inside out in shade to get a full season or more out of it.

Does the Comp X have sealed seams?+

Yes. Xcel builds it glued, blind stitched and sealed, with a chest-zip entry to limit flush.