Excel or Xcel or Prep-Op are all names for basically a different stream. There are 5 divisions of Xcel as opposed to 10 Levels in JO (Junior Olympics). All 5 divisions compete only Optional routines. JO levels 1-5 have compulsory routines and required music (though now, a gym can choose one of 3 music choices at each level - the difference being the main instrument). JO Levels 6-10 are Optional Levels, and they get harder as you move up the levels. The only thing above Level 10 is Elite.
In Xcel, each gymnast can have an individual routine with their own music. At the Bronze level, some gyms like to stick with just 1 or 2 music choices and everyone does the same basic routine (or a routine with a "formula"). At Silver, the skills are a little harder. Some gyms still give limited options for music and routines... but others allow the girls to pick individual music and have completely original routines. Gold is even harder - It is about the equivalent of L3 on the easy end to L7 on the hard end. Then there is Platinum. The gymnast is REQUIRED to have at least one B skill on each event, so it is roughly L5/6 on the easy end to L8 on the hard end. The final division is Diamond. It is the hardest division. IT requires 5 A skills and 2 B skills on each event. It is roughly equivalent to L7 on the easy end and L9/10 on the hard end (but a MINIMAL L10).
Xcel is considered an easier competitive option for gymnasts who want to compete, but do not want the intense training of JO.
