Is Oneil Heat, Oneil Reactor, ExcelSLX better for the money?

[drewbabich]

Is it worth the $78 to upgrade to an oneil O'Neill Heat 3Q Zip 4/3 ($178) over a O'Neill Reactor GBS 4/3MM Wetsuit, or should I go with an excel slx 4/3 for ($125) ?

Specs:

The O'Neill Heat 3Q Zip 4/3MM FSW Wetsuit is the ultimate bang for your buck when it comes to cold water wetsuits, with tons of high-end features for a price that's right. The body is made up of O'Neill's UltraFlex DS (40%) and FluidFlex (60%) for amazing freedom of movement, while the chest and back have a Smoothskin Ultraflex Firewall, along with Krypto knee pads and a Glideskin neck face for comfort. the "FSW" in O'Neill Heat 3Q Zip 4/3MM FSW Wetsuit stands for "Fluid Seam Weld," which keeps water out, prevents chaffing, and keeps your Heat 4/3 to last for years and years.


O'Neill Reactor GBS 4/3MM Wetsuit! The price point is in EVERYONE'S range, and the materials and design are top-notch! The O'Neill Reactor GBS 4/3 Fullsuit includes 100% Fluidflex neoprene, kevlar knee pads with D-foam, fully glued and blindstitched seams for excellent durability, an extermal key pocket, and a wind resistant glideskin chest and back panel! You'll never find another wetsuit that's this packed with features for a price like this!

The 4/3mm Men's XCEL SLX Fullsuit is a budget friendly suit for any watersport. The entire suit is made of 100% superstretch neoprene for flexibility, and the seams are sealed to keep cold water out. Also features wind resistant panels on chest and back, durable kneepads, adjustable collar, and wrist and ankle seals to reduce flushing.

[billie_morini]

Drew,
I'd get either O'Neil over the Xcel. I've got 3 suits; one of which is Xcel 4/3 flex. The Xcel is functional & durable, but it's not so stretchy because there are more panels then other suits claiming to have few panels. Yeah, it's good, but many are better. Think of Xcel as Sear's quality (above average, but not the best). And dont forget the one you identified is aimed at budget-minded shoppers.

Of the O'Neil suits, get the chest zip suit. Most of ius learn how superior chest zips are by progressing from lower level suits to higher level suits. Chest zips really keep the water out & you remain warmer (than most back zips). Skip the learning step and get the chest zip. So yes, there is a difference and you should "upgrade."

[tony g]

If you want the extra durability of a fully taped wetsuit then go with the O'Neill. If you can't afford the extra money then the Xcel 4/3 SLX still has sealed seams and will work. Remember FSW, or taped seams help keep your wetsuit seams sealed and durable. What is the water temp where you surf?