Adrenalin Wetsuits: Good Suits That Don't Cost a Fortune
A lot of people think you have to spend $600 on a wetsuit or put up with being cold. You don't.
Adrenalin are an Australian brand that make wetsuits for Australian conditions and price them so families can afford them. Every suit comes with a lifetime warranty, which you rarely see at this price.
We stock Adrenalin at Beachin Surf because it suits the people who come through our door. Most want a suit that works and lasts, not one with a big logo on it.
Who are Adrenalin?
Adrenalin make wetsuits, thermals, rashies, boots and stinger suits. Surf schools, families and hire operators around the country use them because the gear holds up.
Hire and school suits get a hard life. If a suit survives that, it'll survive your weekend surfs.
What you get for your money
YKK zips. Adrenalin use YKK #10 zips, which are heavy duty and don't corrode. A seized zip is one of the most common ways cheap suits fail.
Batwing back zip. Back zips can let cold water in. On the Ballistic Batwing, Adrenalin add a neoprene panel behind the zip that pushes water back out instead of down your back. You still get the easy entry of a back zip, which helps with stiff shoulders or getting a suit onto a kid at Soldiers on a cold morning.
Lifetime warranty. Adrenalin cover the original buyer for faults in manufacturing, materials or workmanship for the normal life of the suit. Wear and tear isn't covered. Most suits at this price come with 12 months.
What to wear on the Central Coast
Our water sits around 17–19°C in winter and gets into the low to mid 20s by late summer.
- Winter (Jun–Sep): 3/2 steamer at minimum. Go a 4/3 or 5/4 if you feel the cold or stay out for hours.
- Autumn and spring (Apr–May, Oct–Nov): 3/2 steamer, or a long john on warmer days.
- Summer (Dec–Mar): a 1.5mm steamer, a long john, or boardies and a thermal top.
You don't need to spend big to cover the year. A Long John 3/2mm ($99.95) and a Ballistic Batwing 3/2mm ($249.95) together cost about the same as one premium steamer.
The range
Ballistic Batwing
The warmest and toughest suits in the range. They have reinforced panels, glued and blind-stitched seams, a thermal lining and the batwing back zip.
- Ballistic Batwing 3/2mm ($249.95): a year-round suit for local water.
- Ballistic Batwing 4/3mm ($279.95): for winter if you feel the cold.
- Ballistic Batwing 5/4mm ($299.95): for divers, spearos and long winter sessions.
Radical-X
Made from full-body super-stretch neoprene with a plush lining. A good choice if older budget suits felt stiff through the shoulders.
- Radical-X 3/2mm ($189.95): back zip.
- Radical-X DuoSeal 3/2mm ($199): zip-free, with an inner seal across the neck and shoulders to cut down on flushing.
Eco Hyper Dry
The Eco Hyper Dry Yulex DuoSeal 3/2mm ($299) is a zip-free steamer made with Yulex natural rubber instead of standard neoprene. It's for surfers who want a more sustainable suit without paying premium-brand prices.
Kids
This is where Adrenalin are best value. Kids grow out of suits every season or two, so there's not much point paying premium prices.
- Kids Enduro-Flex 3/2mm ($89.95): tough, warm enough and easy on the wallet.
- Radical-X Junior 3/2mm ($129.95): super-stretch, so it has a bit more room to grow.
Also in store
- Womens Enduro-Flex 3/2mm ($99.99): Enduro has been around since 1994 and is still one of the best-value suits going.
- Super-Flex 1.5mm Steamer ($199.95): a light full suit for summer and early autumn.
- 2P Thermo Changing Poncho and 2P Thermo Hoodie: for getting warm in the carpark after a winter surf.
- 5mm Zip Dive Boots and stinger suits: for divers, rock fishers and trips up north.
Who it's not for
If you're competing and want the lightest, warmest, stretchiest suit you can get, there are better options. We stock those too.
If you surf a few times a week, take the kids down for a paddle, or just want a suit that keeps going, Adrenalin is great value.
Come in and try one on
Fit matters more than thickness. A suit that's too big lets water flush through and won't keep you warm.
Come into Beachin Surf at 262 Main Road, Toukley and try a few on. We've been fitting wetsuits on the Central Coast since 1984, and we'll tell you if one doesn't fit right. You can also call us on (02) 4396 5159.
The full Adrenalin range is online too, but if you're local and stuck between sizes, it's worth coming in.
FAQ
Are Adrenalin wetsuits any good?
Yes. For the price they're one of the best options around. They're made for Australian conditions and come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material faults. They aren't a competition suit, but for everyday surfing, diving and family use they're great value.
What thickness wetsuit do I need on the Central Coast?
A 3/2mm steamer covers most of the year. Go 4/3 or 5/4 in winter if you feel the cold. In summer, wear a 1.5mm steamer, a long john or a thermal top.
Do Adrenalin make kids wetsuits?
Yes. We stock the Kids Enduro-Flex 3/2mm and the Radical-X Junior 3/2mm, both priced so it doesn't hurt when they outgrow them.
What's the difference between a back zip and a zip-free wetsuit?
A back zip is easier to get on and off. A zip-free suit like the Radical-X DuoSeal seals better around the neck and stretches more through the shoulders, but takes a bit more effort to get into.
Where can I buy Adrenalin wetsuits on the Central Coast?
At Beachin Surf, 262 Main Road, Toukley, or online at beachinsurf.com.au.