Alder Wetsuits FW 2024 Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits FW24 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Alder
Interviewee: John Westlake – rubber man
What is your confidence level regarding FW24 orders/preorders? Did retailers manage to clear their shelves of the former collections?
The confidence level at Alder is good, trade may be slow but the retailers are doing the right thing by reducing their stock levels of the former collections.
Winter wetsuits are the second most expensive pieces of the surfer’s kit after the board itself: are high price points a challenge in an inflationary context or are the surfers willing to pay for quality?
Yes, price points are a challenge and yet our high end suits have sold really well. We are introducing a new top end women suit but the rest are carry-overs.
Neoprene foams can be both sustainable and high-performance nowadays. What rubber compound will you use in FW24?
Most of our suits will be limestone based but we also use Oyster shell for our top end suits.
What technologies/constructions are your outer/inner linings made of?
“FX” continues to be our preferred outer nylon, it has superb stretch and memory. We have a couple of inner nylons including “Fire line” for the mid-range suits and “Fast-dry-lining” for top end styles.
What are the latest updates/innovations among your women wetsuit collection?
We are adding a “Torch FX” hooded women in 5/4 to the range.
Key Products:
TORCH FX HOODED MEN 5-4:
Simplicity is the “USP” for the Torch. Tried and tested FX neoprene on the arms and shoulders, along with a Surflex neoprene lower body, is combined with fully taped interior seams to create the perfect balance of durability and stretch. To add to this, we use Fireline plush lining on the torso and back keeping the core warm. The addition of Waterlock cuffs help to prevent water entry through the wrists and ankles and as with all GBS Alder wetsuits, we use Aqua-alpha water-based glue. Materials: FX neoprene arms/shoulders, Surflex neoprene lower body, Fireline torso and back interior, Features: Waterlock cuffs and ankles, Double lined neoprene throughout, Hidden key loop
TORCH_FX_MEN_-BLACK-BLUE-NIGHTS-FX
REVO WOMEN 5-4:
The 5:4 Revo is super flexible, with an easy access chest zip, making those cold winter car park changes that little bit quicker. It is double lined throughout, made from 5mm Floflex neoprene on the body and 4mm Floflex on the arms, to keep all that heat in but not limit your paddle power. Great suit for any surfer wanting to keep going this winter. Materials: Floflex neoprene throughout, Fireline torso interior, Features: Double lined neoprene throughout, Duratch knee pads
REVO_WOMEN_SLATE_BLACK-LEAF-PRINT
Future 6mm Boot
Future 6mm split toe Boot with generous thickness for warmth, high ankle for a good seal and practical arch support. The seams are taped inside ensuring a longer life free from leaks. 6mm blindstitched available as a split toe or round toe foot arch support
ALDER_FUTURE_BOOT_6mm_SPLIT_TOE
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