Billabong Absolute Ultra Wetsuit Review

Below, we'll take an in-depth look at how the Absolute Ultra wetsuit is made, the different options offered, and its overall performance.

Billabong Absolute Ultra Wetsuit

What’s the difference between the Absolute Ultra and the previous model?

The Absolute Ultra features 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 Ultra is that the zipper is pre-fed, so there's no wasted time fumbling around connecting the zipper threads.

The Absolute Ultra doesn't include smooth skin like the previous model. Smooth skin is the rubber panels on the chest and back of the wetsuit. No smooth-skin panels mean more flexibility and durability, but less wind resistance. For an affordable wetsuit, I believe this was a smart move by Billabong. The smooth skin panels aren't necessary, and the suit's overall stretch is better now. 

Finally, the Absolute Ultra features exterior liquid weld seams. These seams provide a watertight, durable, high-stress-resistant. The previous Absolute Natural has fewer features, and the new Ultra model is better overall. Cleanline’s entire rental fleet used to include the Cleanline Absolute Natural wetsuit, which works great for renters.

Neoprene and Liners

All new for the fall of 26, the Absolute Ultra wetsuit line is made with neoprene-free Ocean Natural Rubber. The combination of Ocean natural rubber and a Graphene liner makes this wetsuit one of the best eco-friendly wetsuits on the market. The rubber consists of 50% nylon, 44% polyester, and 6% spandex. Billabong does its best to use recycled materials to reduce its carbon footprint. 

The men’s wetsuit is lined with graphene ultra panels, a form of carbon. This groundbreaking material is thin and extremely strong. As a heat conductor, graphene outperforms competing technologies in terms of thermal performance. 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 on the Absolute Ultra maximize the wetsuit's overall performance. The complete Welded + GBS seams maximize comfort, durability, and performance.

GBS, short for glued and blind-stitched seams, is a process in which 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 fully penetrate the neoprene, so glue is applied before stitching. In addition, the Aqua Alpha glue is water-based and non-toxic.

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 Ultra will fit tight initially but eventually conform to your body with time in the water.

It’s worth mentioning that 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 Ultra is offered as a chest zip in 3/2, 4/3, and 5/4. The back zip option is only available the women's Core version.  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 zipper version is best for you.

Because of the larger entry, the back zip option is easier to put on and take off. The chest zip goes from right to left and has a full S-Zip. Meaning the zipper is twice as long as the previous model, making a lot wider opening. A wider opening is very helpful if you have limited upper-body mobility, only surf occasionally, or are getting to an age where struggling to get into a wetsuit before surfing is not worth the hassle. 

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 Ultra help cold-water surfers of all skill levels enjoy a more comfortable experience while catching turns. Most notably, the graphene liner works wonders by generating heat faster with movement and retaining heat longer. Graphene Ultra+ is also incredibly strong, 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 Ultra 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 $299.95 for the 3/2 model, the Billabong Absolute Ultra is well worth the price for what you get. Very few entry-level wetsuits include GBS seams and outer glued seams. I often point out newer surfers or surfers looking for a reliable backup option to Absolute Ultra. 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 26/27 Absolute Ultra.

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." - (Previous model)

Comfortable Suit

I have a 5/4 and 3/2. Easy to put on, take off, and keeps you warm and flexible." - (Previous model)

Mohit