Founded in 1973
Gold Coast, Australia
Gordon Merchant
“At first, Gordon designed and created board shorts at his home and then sold them to local surf shops. Surfers soon realized the durability of Merchant’s shorts that was the result of his triple-stitching technique.”
Billabong is a surf company, primarily a clothing retailer that also produces accessories like watches, backpacks, and skateboard/snowboard products as well under other brands they own.
Today, Billabong owns many other board-sport brands like:
- Von Zipper
- Element
- Honolua Surf Company
- Kustom
- Palmers Surf
- Xcel
- Tigerlily
- Sector 9
- RVCA.
What does the “Billabong” mean anyway? The name “Billabong” is derived from the Wiradjuri word “bilabaŋ” which refers to a “creek that runs only during the rainy season.”
Related: Billabong Furnace Complete Overview
Billabong – PRO-SERIES
The forefront of flexibility
Made for ultimate performance and restriction-free surfing. Billabong claims the Pro Series jacket to be the most flexible jacket they’ve ever made. As the name says, it is designed for only the best, the pros – who take no expectations on quality. This is a perfect choice for any surfer who’d like to get to know what it’s like to be treated like a pro! Also available in black.
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
- Thickness: 1mm
- Type: Long sleeve wetsuit jacket
- Materials: Airlite Stretch Neoprene
3D panel shaping, minimal seams, B-Lock Superflex stitch that is the most flexible non-sealed stitch available, awesome prints at chest and sleeve area. Airlite Stretch Neoprene is an exclusive combination of two jacquard jerseys, laminated to smart foam. An ultralight and flexible neoprene with 3D panel shaping and minimal seam design. Creating the most anatomic form-fitting stretch neo jacket Billabong has ever created!
Billabong – ABSOLUTE
The Absolute series is designed for fit and function with premium performance
Great choice when surfing in ideal weather conditions. The model Absolute is a 2mm thick wetsuit that not only keeps your chest against the rash but will also maintain and provide body warmth when surfing on chilly evenings or early mornings. With open arms, there are plenty of areas to keep your hands cooling down the body as well! This jacket looks very neat and sporty, an excellent essential surf product by Billabong!
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-large, XX-large
- Thickness: 2mm
- Type: Back-zip short sleeve wetsuit jacket
- Materials: Premium Superflex 250 neoprene
- Wind resistant mesh chest and back
- Strategically placed seams for maximum performance and a chafe-free surf
- Construction: flatlock stitched seams
- Poly-elastane arm opening
- Contour collar
- Back zip on the bottom rear part of the jacket
Billabong – ABSOLUTE
The Absolute series brings quality neoprene that ensures flexibility and the ability to maintain high performing turns and remain moving effortlessly
Keep the warmth and enjoy unrestricted movement in the water. The long-sleeve wetsuit will protect your upper body and arms against UV rays as well. The 2mm thick jacket is ideal for chilly mornings and evenings. This wetsuit jacket feels just as sporty as it looks! Available in different colors.
- Sizes: Medium, Large
- Thickness: 2mm
- Type: Back zip Long sleeve wetsuit jacket
- Materials: AX2 premium lightweight, super flex neoprene
Flat Lock-stitched seams, wind-resistant mesh check, and back, easy back zip entry. High-End materials and advanced construction techniques.
Billabong – ABSOLUTE COMP
The Absolute Comp Springsuit is made to maximize performance
The Absolute series is designed for the best fitting wetsuits possible. Plenty of features hidden in this overlooked wetsuit. This is a max performer wetsuit ideal on any wave conditions and skill levels. An extremely comfortable and durable wetsuit that’s designed for the needy surfer!
Wind resistant mesh chest and back, strategically placed flatlock stitched seams, high-end materials, and advanced construction techniques. Back-Zip entry
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large
- Thickness: 2mm
- Type: Back-Zip Short, Short sleeve short leg spring suit
- Materials: AX2 Superflex neoprene
Billabong – FOIL
A great-priced full suit with plenty of sizes to choose from
Foil is a discontinued model by now, but we all know that some of the updates might not be as good as what has been left behind. The foil is an excellent wetsuit by Billabong, that has all the essentials to be way over the average wetsuit on the market. Plenty of sizes to fit most body types out there.
- Sizes: XL Small, Large Small, Medium Small, Small, Medium, Medium-tall, Large, Large Tall, X-Large, XX-Large
- Thickness: 2mm
- Type: Back-Zip Short sleeve, long leg spring suit, shorty
- Materials: AX2 Superflux neoprene
AX2 Superflux neoprene for great 4-way stretch and function, GBS: Glued and Blind Stitched seams for added comfort and warmth. Strategically placed seams for some serious flexibility and movement in the water. A new water-resistant zipper, combined with internal zip flaps and sealed seams helps keep the cold water from flushing the suit. Also features a chafe-resistant collar, adjustable neck, inner key loop, and durable kneepads.
Billabong – FOIL
The Foil series is designed to make the best fitting wetsuits possible with plenty of sizes to choose from
Another great product by Billabong – The Foil series wetsuits features a wide variety of sizes, plenty of features at a reasonable price. More than needed for a regular surfer!
- Sizes: X-large small, Large Small, Medium Small, Small, Medium, Medium Tall, Large, Large-tall, X-large, XX-large
- Thickness: 3/2
- Type: Back-Zip full suit
- Materials: AX2 Superflux neoprene
AX2 Superflux neoprene that’s for great 4-way stretch and function, GBS: Glued and Blind Stitched seams for added comfort and warmth, Back Zip Flat Stitch Seam. Strategically placed seams with high-end materials and advanced construction techniques. Internal Hollow Fiber Thermal lining with Chest and Back paneling for added warmth and less weight while being quick dry. Wind-resistant mesh chest and back paneling.
Billabong – FURNACE REVOLUTION
Heritage lines are reborn, backed by modern wetsuit technology
Something for a needy everyday surfer. The Furnace Revolution is a way to go if you are looking for the best-performing technical garment in the surf!
- Sizes: X-Large small, Medium, Medium-small, Medium-tall, Large, Large-tall, X-large, XX-large
- Thickness: 3/2
- Type: Chest-Zip Fullsuit
- Materials: 280% stretch Superlight Foam, 13% spandex
Revolution is backed by Furnace Quick Dry Lining: Large front and back seamless panels of a new double knit Furnace jersey create pockets of air trapping body heat, as well as allowing it to drain and dry ultra fast. Superlight Foam: made from upcycled car tires, the lightweight high-foam core offers excellent thermal retention. The throwback exterior features Superflex 280 Jersey, a Hook, and Loop-resistant, high stretch jersey with high stretch and low water absorption.
Billabong – FURNACE ABSOLUTE
A Superlight Foam core provides 250% stretch with excellent thermal retention
Premium wetsuit that’s exceptionally flexible and has plenty of features to be one of the most comfortable and technologically advanced wetsuits for that price range!
- Sizes: Small, Large-small, Extra-large small, Medium, Medium-small, Medium-tall, Large, Large-tall, X-large, XX-large
- Thickness: 4/3, Also available in 3/2 – Check Price at Amazon.com
- Type: Back-Zip Fullsuit Steamer, Also available in Check Price at Amazon.com
- Materials:
Lightweight, premium heat, and innovative technology. Lined with ultra warm Furnace quick dry, the double knit jersey creates air pockets that trap heat and allow for optimal drainage. A Superlight Foam core provides 250% stretch with excellent thermal retention, and a Superflex 250 Jersey tops it off for added insulation and low water absorption.
Billabong – FURNACE REVOLUTION
Heritage lines are reborn, backed by modern wetsuit technology
Maintaining the core lines, the Revolution Series wetsuits utilize premium wetsuit innovations and materials, creating a suit that delivers both performance and signature style. It’s a unique wetsuit inside-out, ready for the performance-orientated surfers.
- Sizes: Small, medium, large, x-large
- Thickness: 4/3
- Type: Chest-Zip full suit
- Materials: 100% neoprene
Superlight Foam: made from upcycled car tires, the lightweight, high-foam core offers excellent thermal retention, external seams: twin needle stretch blind-stitch, Internal seams: machine-applied Superflex neo tape. Heritage wetsuit design elements. Furnace Quick Dry Lining: large front and back seamless panels of a new double knit Furnace jersey creating pockets of air trapping body heat, as well as allowing it to drain and dry ultra fast. Chest entry system with internal GBS zip barrier.
Billabong – ABSOLUTE BIBBED HOOD
Includes a free size-small bibbed hood
Great deal for cold-water surf warriors. Includes a bibbed hood size small, which unfortunately can not be changed to other sizes. The Absolute series by Billabong is something you can not go wrong with when ripping hard on those blasting waves in the winter!
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Medium Tall, Large, Large short, Large tall, X-large, X-large short, X-large tall, XX-large, XXX-large
- Thickness: 5/4
- Type: Back-Zip full suit steamer
- Materials: 100% Premium AX2 Superflex super stretch neoprene
Includes a free small 3mm bibbed hood. A new water-resistant zipper, combined with sealed seams helps keep the cold water from flushing the suit. The chest is lined with a quick-drying and lightweight thermal poly fleece lining that wicks moisture from the skin while adding some extra insulation. Also features chafe resistant collar, adjustable neck, an internal key loop, durable kneepads.
Wetsuit Care
Please be sure to rinse your suit with fresh water and hang out to dry out of direct sunlight. As always, try to avoid contact with sharp and/or abrasive objects. Billabong wetsuits come with a limited 12-month warranty on materials and quality, but if you want to max out what the material is initially built for, read our post about it from HERE.
Billabong Men’s Wetsuit Size Chart
Choosing the right type and size wetsuit for surfing is a crucial step towards your comfort.
- You should always choose a wetsuit that fits snugly. Otherwise, you’ll end up having an uncomfortable time in the water.
A properly chosen and maintained wetsuit will not get out of shape over time unless you gain or lose a ton of weight.
- A wetsuit that’s too small is uncomfortable by limiting your performance big time. Not to mention that it will start to tear between your legs and under armpits.
Too thin wetsuit for the season makes your body lose energy fast, which will end up in hypothermia. - A wetsuit that’s too large on the other hand will flush water inside the suit.
Too thick wetsuit on warm waters can make your body overheat!
Which type of wetsuit to choose for the season?
Springsuit – Warm water surfing
Steamer – Coldwater surfing
- Full suit – A wetsuit that covers the entire/whole body. Great for cold water surfing. Surfing in the winter months also requires the use of wetsuit hoods, gloves, and boots to maintain moderate body temperatures.
- Shorty – Good choice when surfing on warm waters. Shorty wetsuits vary in:
– Long sleeve, short leg
– Short sleeve, long leg
– Sleeveless, long legs
– Sleeveless, short legs - Rashguard/Top – Ideal when surfing in ideal summer conditions. Rashie generally prevents the chest from rubbing against the wax of the board that creates the rash.
Read next
19 Best Surf-Specific Wetsuit Brands
Different Types of Surf Wetsuits
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I created Nulltuul to share my experience, research and analysis with other surf enthusiasts out there. If I'm not surfing on my travels - I like to photograph waves, surfers, and the surf lifestyle in general.