Billabong Women's Synergy Natural Upcycler Wetsuit Review

Looking back at Cleanline’s top-selling women’s coldwater wetsuits of the past few years, the Billabong Synergy is continually at the top. Given its affordable price tag, eco-friendly materials, and quality features, we're not surprised at its surge in popularity.

Here we are in Fall 2024, and the Synergy has undergone a major revamp with significant sustainable rubber and liner updates. Now called the Synergy Natural Upcyler (which we’ll get to the why below), it’s already making a spectacular first impression while we take it through the wringer here in the cold Oregon surf.

Ladies who are looking for a wetsuit that can handle a wicked Nor’Easter or a gnarly winter PNW swell can rest assured they’ll have a comfortably warm session when paddling out in the all-new Synergy Natural Upcycler.

The Synergy Natural Upcycler is an exceptional value and performance option for cold-water surfing. Its competitive price point means you can get a sustainable neoprene-free wetsuit and other great features without emptying your wallet.

Models Available and Cost:

• Billabong Women’s Synergy Natural Upcycler 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $249.95
• Billabong Women’s Synergy Natural Upcycler 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $269.95
• Billabong Women’s Cleanline Synergy Natural Upcycler 5/4 Back Zip Wetsuit - $239.95
• Billabong Women’s Synergy Natural Upcycler 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $299.95

Billabong Women’s Synergy Natural Upcycler 

Neoprene and Liners

Why the name “Natural”? Well, among the impressive updates to the Synergy Natural Upcycler, the most notable is Billabong swapping out the eco-friendly Superlight Foam neoprene for a 100% neoprene-free natural rubber. This specific rubber is exclusive to Billabong and made from a proprietary formula of 85% rubber sourced from FSC-certified forests, soybean oil, and recycled carbon black. Billabong has been producing natural rubber for a few years already, and this is by far their lightest and most flexible iteration thus far. 

Next, we’ll examine another new upgrade for the exterior layer that protects the Natural rubber. It’s called Upcycler Pro Stretch. It is made from 100% post-consumer recycled textiles and creates an incredibly flexible and durable lining. 

Aside from the exterior upgrades, another key feature of Synergy Natural Upcycler is the graphene internal liner, which has a funky purple honeycomb appearance. This Nobel-prize-winning material contains some mind-boggling technology: Graphene is 200 times stronger than steel but remains flexible and is an excellent conductor of heat. Once in motion, the graphene liner warms up quicker than other liners and continues producing heat even when you're waiting for the next wave.

The Graphene liner is located where it matters most: in the chest, back, and hood. The strategic placement provides optimal warmth while still maintaining flex in the shoulders and arms for easier paddling. Billabong doesn’t boast about this, but from experience, we’ve found that the graphene liner dries quicker than other liners in competitor suits.

In the areas of the suit that don’t feature the graphene liner, you'll find a silicone stretch jersey. I can attest to the fact that this liner is crazy comfortable against the skin. In addition, the jersey is made from partially recycled fibers, which adds to the list of eco-friendly features found in this suit.

Seams and Stitching

The seams' makeup and stitching are vital components of quality wetsuit design. Billabong incorporates its climate-friendly mentality with the use of a water-based adhesive. The seams are glued and blind stitched, which is commonly found in mid-range wetsuits.

The Synergy Natural Upcycler has strategically placed Superflex Neo Tape on the inside of the wetsuit in high-stress areas for added durability and quality. The tape is on the chest, back, inner thighs, and knees.

Fit and Cut

The general fit of Billabong wetties runs true to size, with a slightly wider cut to the neoprene panels. This results in a good fit for ladies with a few curves or a more athletic build. If you have a very slender build, consider sizing down in some cases. At 5’3 "and 120 lbs., the size 4/S was a perfect fit aside from a little extra room in the chest, which I’ll get to next. 

An interesting update that Billabong incorporated into this suit is a more pronounced chest area—meaning for us smaller-chested ladies, the chest seems a bit extra peaky. I’ve never experienced this type of cut in the chest panel on my older Billabong suits of the same size. That said, I haven’t had any flushing issues due to the extra space. 

The Synergy Natural Upcycler is available in a wide range of sizes from XS to XXL, with a little bit of flair in the design. You may have noticed that Billabong switched from numerical sizing to letter sizing, so let me help you understand the equivalent sizes: 2=XS, 4=S, 6=M, 8=L, 10=XL, and 12=XXL.

Because of the warmer summer weather, I haven’t thoroughly tested the hood very much. However, in the moments I’ve used it, the fit is forgiving and comfortable. There is even a little bit of extra rubber that you can pull up and over your chin for complete coverage when the ocean is cold and rowdy.

Entry and Zipper

At the moment, the new Synergy Natural Upcycler is only available in the chest zip entry. The smaller chest zip entry helps to reduce water infiltration, allowing you to stay drier for longer. Additionally, the tighter seal minimizes water flushing. Moreover, because a smaller opening requires less material, it also allows for better stretch capability throughout the suit as well as greater flexibility while surfing. So far, it’s been super easy to connect the two zipper teeth together to zip the suit closed. 

However, you may have noticed a Cleanline Surf and Billabong collaboration model that’s produced in a back zip. This suit is unique to Cleanline Surf and is only made in a 5/4 thickness for our cold Oregon ocean temperatures. The large back entry makes it an ideal choice for beginners, as it offers ease when putting on and taking off. An extra panel of neoprene is layered between the zipper and your body. This design feature helps flush out any water quickly without making direct contact with the skin. The water simply flushes back out through two small drain holes along the lower back.

After a month of using the 5/4 hooded chest zip model, I’m still surprised at how incredibly easy it is to get on/off compared to other 5/4 hooded suits I’ve worn over the years. In fact, the lightweight 5/4 Natural Rubber feels more like a 4/3 in terms of weight and bulkiness. It definitely fits looser (in a good way) than my standard neoprene suits.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Synergy Natural Upcycler wetsuit is designed to keep you warm and comfortable in the water. The graphene-lined interior traps heat and offers superior insulation, so you stay warm for longer. The seams are also internally taped for extra comfort, with no irritation or chafing. In areas that don’t feature the Graphene liner, the silicone stretch jersey is soft against the skin and gentle on the environment. It flexes easily with your movement, providing an unrestricted range of motion in the water. 

I was super curious about how the neoprene-free rubber would perform in the water. I’m blown away! This suit is super flexible, holds its shape, and is extra comfortable. I can’t believe how light and buttery it feels, especially when you consider the affordable price tag. Purely personal opinion on this one: I’m not stoked about the arm logos, but I care more about the suit’s performance than looks. 

Once you experience the suit in person, you’ll also notice a slight coconut scent. Any surfer knows how smelly suits can get over time, so Billabong purposely added a mild coconut scent to the Natural rubber. With its unique combination of features, the Billabong Synergy Natural Upcycler has undergone a tremendous upgrade and is ready for anything.

Value and Durability

Historically speaking, when wetsuit manufacturers launch impressive eco-friendly updates, the cost of the suit typically increases. Not with the Syngery Natural Upcycler. To our surprise, the price stayed identical to what it was before the upgrades. As the cost of quality gear increases, the Synergy Natural Upcycler still remains an affordable option. Topping out at $300 for the 5/4 hooded model, it’s tough to find a comparable neoprene-free option that isn’t upwards of $550 or more.

With proper care and treatment, the Synergy Natural Upcycler has proven to hold up well against salty ocean water. Our warranty guru can attest that it’s very rare to see Billabong suits come back for warranty issues.

Final Thoughts

The Billabong Women's Synergy Natural Upcycler is the ants’ pants! It’s an exceptional value and performance option for your cold-water surfing needs. The taped internal seams and glued and blindstitched seams help ensure you have a comfortable and reliable fit. Plus, it's important to note that this wetsuit has 100% recycled fibers both inside and outside, making it an eco-friendly choice for any conscientious adventurer. Its competitive price point means you get all these great features without emptying your wallet. So if you're in the market for a quality wetsuit, give the Synergy Natural a try.

If you’re looking for something with a touch more warmth, check out the premium Furance Natural Upcycler suit. It’s got even more of the Graphene liner throughout the suit for the ultimate option for warmth.

Head on over to our website to learn more, or reach out to us directly with any questions. Give us a call at 1-888-546-6176, leave a comment below, or shoot an email to support@cleanlinesurf.com. Enjoy the water!

Genevieve

After traveling the world to surf and work as a wildland firefighter, Genevieve eventually made the Oregon coast her home. Whether she's prepping shipments, receiving inventory, or keeping gear meticulously organized, Genevieve brings a blend of enthusiasm and practicality to everything she does. Outside of work, she most enjoys adventuring with her two dogs.