Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler Wetsuit Review

For the past decade, wetsuit companies have been racing to create the ultimate eco-friendly suit - usually at the expense of flexibility, comfort, or affordability. But those trade-offs may finally be a thing of the past. With the new Furnace Natural Upcycler Wetsuit, Billabong has seemingly achieved the impossible: a wetsuit that’s warm, ultra-flexible, and durable, all while being environmentally friendly and priced very competitively with similar high-performance traditional neoprene options. As the latest addition to Billabong’s Furnace Natural Series, the Upcycler sets a new standard, outperforming its natural rubber predecessors in every category, including sustainability, without completely breaking the bank.

Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler Wetsuit

Neoprene and Liners

The Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler sets a new standard for eco-friendly wetsuit materials, replacing traditional neoprene with a proprietary natural rubber sourced from an FSC-certified plantation in Guatemala. Unlike neoprene derived from fossil fuels or limestone, this 85% Hevea rubber blend - combined with 15% Bolder Black & Soy Bean Oil - meets stringent environmental standards, including PAHs, RoHS, and REACH compliance. The result? A wetsuit that’s not only 100% neoprene-free and USDA bio-based certified but also lighter, stretchier, and just as comfortable as high-end neoprene suits. 

The Upcycler Airlite 4D exterior is a game-changer, offering a 10% weight reduction and over 20% more stretch, all while being made from 100% recycled materials. Inside, the suit features a soft and very comfortable lofted Graphene Recycler+ liner that extends to the ankles, delivering exceptional warmth without compromising mobility. Simply put, this is Billabong’s cleanest, lightest, and most flexible combination of wetsuit materials to date, and proves that sustainability and high performance can go hand in hand.

Seams and Stitching

The Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler is engineered with a meticulously designed seam construction that enhances both durability and flexibility. A combination of Liquid Welded Power Seams and GBS (glued and blind stitched) sealed seams offer a watertight, long-lasting seal, minimizing water entry while maintaining stretch. Inside, machine-applied Superflex tape runs from head to toe, providing an extra layer of reinforcement without chafing or restricting movement. 

The suit is strategically cut with as few seams as possible, reducing stress points and maximizing overall flexibility. A seamless back panel further enhances comfort and mobility, allowing for a completely uninhibited range of motion. Additionally, Billabong uses Aqua Alpha non-toxic, water-based glues, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability without compromising performance.

Fit and Cut

The Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler fits snug but never restrictive, striking a good balance between comfort and performance. The sizing feels similar to O’Neill wetsuits, with a little extra room in the shoulders and hips, which makes paddling effortless. I tested the medium 4/3 hooded chest zip at 6’0" and 170 pounds, and it fit me perfectly: form-fitting without being too tight. 

The shoulder design allowed for a full range of motion, so I never felt restricted while paddling, even during long sessions. The neckline has plenty of room, preventing any uncomfortable squeezing, and the hood is well-cut, easy to adjust, and stays in place, even in heavy conditions. Overall, this suit moves with me, not against me, and is one of the more comfortable and flexible wetsuits I’ve worn while still being easy to get on and off.

Entry and Zipper

The DryMax chest zip system on the Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler absolutely lives up to its name - it stays dry, snug, and secure throughout a session. The cinch cords feel solid and well-built, with durable high-impact plastic locks that hold tight without slipping. I also appreciated the hidden spare key loop tucked just below the entry inside the zipper, a nice touch to keep a key close.

The zipper runs smoothly without snags, making getting in and out of the suit that much easier. At first glance, the entry looks small, but thanks to the super-stretchy and buttery Upcycler Airlite 4D material and smooth Graphene Recycler+ internal liner, getting in and out was surprisingly effortless—even with my broad shoulders. That said, if you struggle with shoulder flexibility or prefer a wider chest entry, this might not be the best option for you.

Performance

The Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler truly sets the standard for flexibility and warmth at this price point, whether compared to eco-friendly wetsuits or traditional neoprene options. Right out of the gate, I noticed how easy it was to get on and off, thanks to the super-stretchy materials. Once in the water, the suit felt lightweight and dry, even after long sessions, and the warmth through the legs and core was especially impressive. 

I did feel a bit of flushing at the ankles and wrists, but after the first 10 minutes, it became a non-issue. Paddling felt effortless, with plenty of flexibility in the shoulders, and the high level of comfort made it easy to stay out for extended sessions. The hood stayed put and performed well, providing extra warmth without feeling restrictive. Dry time was on par with other suits in this price range, and overall, the Furnace Natural Upcycler delivered top-tier performance in comfort, warmth, and mobility.

Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler Suggested Wetsuit Thickness 

Value and Durability

The Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler delivers everything you’d expect and more when it comes to value and durability for a wetsuit in the $400+ range. Taped and reinforced seams offer long-term durability while maintaining stretch and comfort in all the right places, and the overall construction feels solid. The Supratex 3D-shaped knee pads are a great feature, which adds extra protection at the knees without sacrificing flexibility. That said, a bit more reinforcement at the ankle and wrist openings would have been a nice touch for added longevity. For warranty coverage, Billabong includes a 2-year warranty on stitching and a 12-month warranty on materials, workmanship, and liquid welded seams.

Final Thoughts

The Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler isn’t just another eco-friendly wetsuit—it’s a game-changer. Billabong has finally delivered a suit that proves sustainability doesn’t have to come at the cost of warmth, flexibility, or durability. With top-tier performance, a comfortable fit, and an environmentally responsible design, this wetsuit sets a new industry standard. For surfers who refuse to compromise between performance and planet-friendly materials, the Billabong Furnace Natural Upcycler is an undeniable win-win.

If you’re looking for the same industry-leading sustainable materials in a thicker back-zip option, Cleanline and Billabong have you covered with the Billabong Cleanline Absolute Natural Upcycler 5/4 Back Zip Wetsuit. For those looking for a similarly sustainable suit at a lower price point, check out Billabong’s Absolute Natural Upcycler series. 

If you have any questions about the men’s or women’s Furnace Natural, leave a comment below, call us at 1-888-546-6176 or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com. See’ya in the water.

Nate

A Pacific Northwest native, Nate has traveled the world since learning to kiteboard as a teenager during the early days of the sport in 2001. Rider, coach, photographer, and filmmaker, Nate has over 20 years of experience in and around the surf industry. When he's not helping customers dial in their next perfect surfboard or wetsuit, he enjoys surfing and sailing near his home on Willapa Bay.