Given the choice, I normally use Ilfortec DD-X to develop films. Currently using ID-11 as I'm now based over in Germany, but have yet to find anywhere local which can supply the stuff. Never actually used Xtol, so it'll be worth a go (if I can find any).
Having a look at the scans last night, they have come through extremely well on scan, but the actual infra-red effects are poor. This is no doubt because I'm using a #25 red filter, rather than an #87. A throw-back to using HIE - where you could get away with a 3-stop filter and still get the effect.
Like everything else in photography, I'm still trying to find the balance between getting the shot but not overloading myself with equipment. Unfortunately it's not a balance I've balanced yet since loosing the darkroom. I tend to shoot mainly iso400 film, which is proving pretty ropey for scanning, but needs must when most of the shots are taken in the UK or northern europe, mainly in winter!
I spent a weekend in Budapest last January. Bronica SQA hung round my kneck, FM3 on the shoulder and digi SLR plus lenses for all in the backpack, walking for miles in temperates averaging -17degC. That was my limit - I'll be damned if I'm carrying a tripod too!!!
Mat