Billabong Absolute Natural Upcycler Wetsuit Review
For the 24/25 season, Billabong released a complete revamp of their wetsuit lineup, including the Absolute, Revolution, and Furnace models. All models, thicknesses, and variations are now constructed with the Natural Upcycler technology, a big step forward for Billabong. With Billabong's trusted reliability and new construction, everyone at Cleanline is frothing over these suits.
Over the years, the Absolute wetsuit has been one of the best-selling, high-performing entry-level wetsuits. Now, the new Absolute Natural and Natural+ are curated with additional tech, offering high-quality, sustainable material at a reasonable price. Billabong wetsuits consist of 85% Natural Hevea Rubber, 15% Bolder Black, and Soy Bean Oil. This eco-friendly tech has been tested to the fullest extent and is just as good, if not better, than the original smart foam neoprene material.
"The bottom line: this is one of the best suits in its price range. The mindblowing new tech, eco-friendly materials, and warm Graphene liner are all reasons why this trusty suit should be your next.”
Models Available
- Billabong Absolute Natural Upcycler 3/2 Chest Zip - $259.95
- Billabong Absolute+ Natural Upcycler 3/2 Chest Zip - $279.95
- Billabong Absolute Natural Upcycler 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $279.95
- Billabong Absolute Natural+ Upcycler 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit - $299.95
- Billabong Cleanline Absolute Natural Upcycler 5/4 Back Zip Wetsuit - $239.95
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Billabong Absolute Natural+ Upcycler 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $339.95
Pros
- Graphene liner gives premium warmth
- Sustainably sourced neoprene-free Natural Rubber
- Durable internal Superflex Neo Tape
- Wide S-Zip Entry
Cons
- Limited availability
- Zipper isn't pre-fed
- Comfortable, but not as much as high end models
Below, we'll take an in-depth look at how the Absolute Natural wetsuit is made, the different options offered, and its overall performance.
Billabong Absolute Natural Upcycler Wetsuit
What’s the difference between the Absolute Natural and Absolute Natural+?
The Absolute Natural is made in two different models: Absolute Natural and Absolute Natural+. The Absolute Natural+ includes a new YKK extended S zip system with a wider ergonomic chest zip opening for easy entry and exit. This unique design is a huge draw for surfers with limited shoulder mobility. The other benefit of the Absolute+ is that the zipper is pre-fed, so there's no wasted time fumbling around connecting the zipper threads.
You’ll also notice the rubbery-looking smooth skin panels on the chest and back. These panels act as wind blockers and absorb the sun's solar rays for extra warmth. Smooth skin panels can also provide extra cushioning for your chest.
Finally, the Absolute Natural+ features exterior liquid weld seams. If you prefer a slightly warmer suit or need more protection from the wind, I recommend the Absolute Natural+. The standard Absolute Natural has fewer features but still includes the key aspects and components needed for a good time in the water. Cleanline’s entire rental fleet includes the Cleanline Absolute Natural wetsuit, which works great for renters. Read more about the wave of innovation here!
Neoprene and Liners
All new for 24/25, the Absolute Natural wetsuit line is made with neoprene-free natural rubber. The combination of natural rubber and a Graphene liner makes this wetsuit one of the best eco-friendly wetsuits on the market. As previously stated, the natural rubber consists of 85% Natural Heva Rubber, 15% Bolder Black, and Soy Bean Oil. Billabong does its best to use recycled materials to reduce its carbon footprint.
The men’s wetsuit is lined with graphene panels, a form of carbon. This groundbreaking material is thin and extremely strong. As a conductor of heat, graphene outperforms competitor tech in terms of warmth. The purple graphene liner is placed in critical locations (core and upper leg) to retain heat where it matters most. Because the liner isn’t in the shoulders and arms, the suit offers maximum mobility. The wetsuit also includes Upcycler Pro Stretch, an exterior jersey that lines the neoprene for added flexibility and durability.
Seams and Stitching
The seams and stitching applied to the Absolute Natural maximize the overall performance of the Men’s wetsuit. There are strategically placed GBS exterior seams and Super-flex Neo Tape internal seams to maximize comfort, durability, and performance.
GBS, short for glued and blind stitched seams, is a process where glue is applied, followed by a blind stitch. This process may seem odd because you would think that stitching would happen first. However, blind stitching does not completely penetrate the neoprene, so gluing is applied before the stitching takes place. In addition, the Aqua Alpha glue is water-based and non-toxic.
The internal machine-applied Superflex Neo Tape offers super-flex and water-tight warmth. Superflex is known for its ultimate stretch while still maintaining durability in the seams.
Fit and Cut
Billabong wetsuits are true to size, but the neoprene is cut slightly wider. This is a good fit for individuals with slightly bigger shoulders, chests, or legs. When looking at the size chart, if you run on the slender side, consider sizing down if you are between sizes. Like most suits, the Absolute Natural will fit tight initially but eventually conform to your body with time in the water.
It’s worth mentioning the cuffs on the wrists and ankles aren’t tapered. This makes the Absolute easy to get on and off, but it can be more prone to flushing if you get worked.
Entry and Zipper
The Billabong Absolute Natural is offered as a chest zip in 3/2, 4/3, and 5/4. The back zip option is only available in 5/4. It helps to ask yourself, what will you be using the suit for? Do you have a difficult time putting on wetsuits in general? Answering these questions can help you determine which model is best for you.
Because of the larger entry, the back zip option is easier to put on and take off. The chest zip zipper goes from left to right, and for the Absolute Natural model, you must feed the zipper together each time before closing it. Attaching the chest zipper can be a learning process for newer surfers, but with time and practice, it becomes the norm. As I mentioned above, the Absolute Natural+ model features a zipper that is already connected for easier entry and exit.
Performance
Wetsuit functionality has come a long way over the years, and Billabong has been at the forefront of technology. In terms of performance, the flexibility and warmth of the Billabong Absolute Natural help cold water surfers of all skill levels have a more comfortable experience while catching turns. Most notably, the graphene liner works miracles by creating warmth faster with movement and retaining heat longer. Graphene also is stronger than steel but can bend and flex like string cheese. Besides warmth, one of my favorite things about the graphene liner is its smooth feel on the skin.
Each Absolute Natural wetsuit is rated for different water temperatures depending on its thickness. The 5/4 is rated for water temperatures in the 50-55 F range, the 4/3 is rated for 55-60 F, and the 3/2 is rated for 60-65 F.
Value and Durability
Starting around $259.95 for the 3/2 model, the Billabong Absolute Natural Upcycler is well worth the price for what you get. Very few entry-level wetsuits include GBS seams and full internal taping. I often point out newer surfers or surfers looking for a reliable backup option to Absolute Natural. In my opinion, it’s the best bang for your buck. If you’re interested in a wetsuit that you can rely on session after session, look no further than the updated 2025 Absolute Natural and Absolute Natural+.
Customer Feedback
Overall suit seems very comfortable warm and made with good materials. Only worn it a few times, but I was surprised of how flexible it was compared to the O'Neill Hyperflex that I usually wear. Suit is bit heavier than the O'Neill, but I think it will last longer than the 2021 Hyperflex. It sucked and is falling a part after only 6 months."
Comfortable SuitI have a 5/4 and 3/2. Easy to put on, take off, and keeps you warm and flexible."
MohitAlso Featured In
- Best Affordable Wetsuits Under $350 for 2024
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- Best Affordable 4/3 Wetsuits of 2024
- The Best Wetsuits for Bigger Surfers
Final Thoughts
In the 1970s, an Australian surfer established Billabong by making boardshorts. Since then, the company has expanded significantly, making superior eco-friendly wetsuits. The bottom line: this is one of the best suits in its price range. The GBS seams, internal taping, and warm Graphene liner help you perform at your highest level. Is it the most high-end wetsuit out there? Not necessarily, as Billabong offers more lightweight and higher-performing wetsuits such as the Furnace Natural, but it comes with a more expensive price tag.
With an added focus on sustainability, you can’t go wrong supporting Billabong’s eco-friendly practices. Looking for a dependable workhorse suit with the latest technology? The Absolute Natural and Natural+ are great options.
If you have any questions about the men's Absolute, leave a comment below, call us at 1-888-546-6176 or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com. See’ya in the water.
