How Billabong Wetsuits Work

We went straight to the designer of Billabong Wetsuits to learn more about how they work. Scott Boot, Billabong’s wetsuit design director, is here to explain how Billabong wetsuits work. This interview with Billabong reveals more about Scott Boot and his fantastic career. Here’s Scott’s opinion on Billabong wetsuits.

Okay, how do Billabong’s wetsuits work?

SB: A wetsuit is an insulation barrier between your body and the elements. Billabong will go to great lengths to source the latest neoprene and laminates for various sponges to achieve maximum thermal retention, stretch, and comfort. Billabong offers a variety of wetsuits, starting with the Absolute wetsuit series. This is a budget-friendly, durable and functional wetsuit perfect for everyday surfers. The Revolution is priced higher. This wetsuit is more about style and versatility and has many technical features and materials. The Furnace Carbon range is next, which features premium materials like a Furnace Carbon fiber liner that is warmest.

Please briefly describe the most recent wetsuit technology for Billabong wetsuits.

SB: Carbon Fiber Lining, Drymax Entry System, and many other exclusive details

Who or what inspired Billabong’s wetsuits every season?

We strive to make the Furnace Carbon Ultra the most comfortable and warmest wetsuit possible.

How does Billabong’s insulation differ from other brands?

SB: Our suits are made from unique materials sourced from only a few vendors. Two Billabong factories are located in China and Thailand. Although there is much noise about one supplier making all the major brands of wetsuits, it may need to be more accurate. However, all wetsuits are unique regarding the materials used and sourced.

Is the focus on warmth driving the design of wetsuits? Performance? Long-lasting?

SB: It depends on the climate in which the suit is intended. They are all made for performance, first and foremost. There are three distinct styles to choose from in the Furnace Carbon Series: the Comp, X, and Ultra. The Comp is a lightweight, flexible suit that can be used in cool to mild cold waters. The X is for freezing water. The Ultra is for warmth and flexibility in cold water. Each suit has unique features that keep you warm in cold waters, but they are available at different prices. The Comp starts at $300 and the X at 400, while the Ultra is the most expensive at $500. Below is a breakdown for your reference:

What are the main features and ideas behind a Billabong suit?

SB: It’s been our Carbon Fiber Lining in Furnace Series lately. It’s a unique carbon yarn that’s knitted into the jersey. Carbon Fiber is highly efficient at holding and trapping thermal heat. Furnace Carbon Ultra uses a Japanese carbon fiber material with 60% carbon fiber yarns. It’s light, warm, and expensive, so you can only get it in the Ultra. To make the X and Comp suits more effective at trapping heat and flexible, 30% Carbon Fiber yarns are included in the jersey. It’s also double-knit, so it drains water quickly and is dry in no time.

Can you share any additional information about Billabong’s wetsuits and the brand in general?

SB: Billabong has used many tag lines over its long history, but the one we all use internally is “Progression Is Our Obsession.” Billabong has been a pioneering brand in surfing, from its elite roster of athletes to its first zipper-less wetsuit in the 1970s to its first stretch boardshorts. The Absolute was the first to have a chest zip and was the first big wave inflatable wetsuit. It also has the Shane Dorian V1, the first and only carbon fiber lining wetsuit.

Here’s an insider’s look at how Billabong wetsuits function. Scott, thank you for this interview. Have a Billabong favorite suit? We’d love to hear about your favorite Billabong suit in the comments.