XCEL WINS 2008 WETSUIT OF THE YEAR
Second Win in a Row as Infiniti Drylock Waterproof System is Honored
HALEIWA, OAHU, HAWAII - MAY 19, 2008 - Xcel proudly announces its win as "Wetsuit of the Year" for the revolutionary Infiniti Drylock waterproof system.
"Wetsuit of the Year" is a prestigious industry award for the wetsuit retailed in 2007 that featured the most exciting design, appeal, or innovation. The title was given by SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturer's Association) at its annual industry conference and Image Awards program in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The Infiniti Drylock system, the most watertight, flexible wetsuit on the market today, features a 100% waterproof Drylock zipper as part of Xcel's X-ZIP 2 entry system. It is the next evolution of the Infiniti Series wetsuits that won Xcel these same honors last year.
This year's award cements Xcel's clean sweep of SIMA's "Wetsuit of the Year" title in the only two years it has been a category in SIMA's Image Awards program.
"This is a true honor to have the Infiniti Drylock system recognized by our industry for the first year it hit retail," says Xcel president and founder Ed D'Ascoli. "Achieving this award two years in a row is an exciting example of Xcel's unwavering commitment to delivering the best possible product, as we keep evolving our core products to the next levels of performance, flexibility, and warmth. I'm especially proud of Xcel's great team of staff and retailers whose support and dedication keep making it happen."
Xcel's Infiniti Drylock system was chosen over fellow "Wetsuit of the Year" nominees such as Body Glove, Rip Curl, and O'Neill.
The SIMA Image Awards identifies the surf industry's most influential companies, recognizing them for their efforts to advance and to grow the industry. It is the only awards program that gives the surf industry the opportunity to recognize fellow companies for their outstanding contributions to the industry. Nominees are selected by a panel of industry experts, followed by a formal vote by SIMA members and specialty retailers who determine the ultimate winners.
"We've been seeing the Infiniti Drylock system consistently deliver in all aspects of performance," adds Greg Wade, Xcel vice president of sales and marketing. "Its performance in the water, at retail, and now at SIMA's award program, are all testaments to Xcel's position as a leader in wetsuit design and innovation, and an inspiration to us to keep pushing that leading position even farther. I'm especially excited about the expanded Infiniti Drylock line that we'll be introducing later this year!"
Xcel first introduced the X-ZIP front horizontal zipper system in 1997, a wetsuit entry system that would become the foundation of Xcel's Infiniti Series wetsuits, and the beginning of multiple innovations that would come together to define the complete Infiniti system. The Infiniti Drylock system expands upon the X-ZIP2 front angled zipper to create a whole new maximum-performance waterproof entry system.
All Infiniti Series and Infiniti Drylock system wetsuits feature Xcel's exclusive Fusion Seams for maximum stretch and durability, and ultra-flexible, ultra-light neoprene for an ideal balance of warmth and comfort.
About Xcel
Founded in 1982, Xcel International, Inc. (Xcel) is a global wetsuit brand distributed throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Rim. Headquartered on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Xcel's core wetsuit business focuses on the cutting edge of material and design development. Xcel's primary markets include surf, dive, wakeboard, paddle, and sun (UV Performance Gear).
In addition to its North Shore office, Xcel has retail stores on Oahu and a warehouse/repair facility in California. To learn more about Xcel, please visit www.xcelwetsuits.com.
