THE SUIT
Billabong have without a doubt cemented themselves as one of the leading players in top-tier wetsuits over the last decade. Their consistency and quality are about as good as it gets, sitting comfortably alongside the likes of Rip Curl and O’Neill.
For this test, we got our hands on the Billabong 3/2mm Revolution Pro Chest Zip. As the brand’s bestselling, top-end suit, it carries some heavy expectations. Here is how it held up in the water. Your Billabong Furnace Revolution Pro review.
Levitation Light Rubber
A premium, featherlight foam core designed for maximum stretch.
Upcycler Airlite 4D
Eco-conscious exterior stretch fabric combined with Pro Stretch.
Graphene
Recycler + Graphene panels for extra warmth
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR
This is a premium dependable workhorse. The Revolution Pro is for the surfer who wants the absolute best and isn’t afraid to throw down decent coin to get it. If you want a suit that treads the perfect line between high-end flex and core-warming insulation, this is right in the crosshairs. It’s not for the bargain hunters, but if you’re looking to surf freer and comfier, this is top-tier rubber.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
FIT & COMFORT
This thing fits like a horn-warmer on a unicorn. Just magical. Everything is dialled in straight off the rack without any weird flappy bits, excess rubber, or bunching in the armpits and behind the knees. It just feels right immediately. The chest zip entry is no nonsense too, easy enough to slide on and off without any hassle. Many thumbs up.
9.5 out of 10
PERFORMANCE
Performance-wise, the Furnace Revolution wetsuit is amazing, especially considering it features fully liquid-taped seams. Often, brands will use a chubby option for their liquid tape that drastically restricts flex. Billabong have dialled the perfect formula here by using a thinner liquid tape profile. There are zero leaks, but still lets you move like a UFC fighter swinging haymakers.
9 out of 10
WARMTH
Also excellent. The Graphene lining inside does exactly what it promises on the marketing tin. It keeps you extra warm without overdoing the heavy, restrictive fuzz that some cold-water suits suffer from. I’ve noticed the Revolution pro does take a bit longer to dry though compared to some other wetsuits, so if that’s a consideration for you take note. Or, get this dreamy wetsuit drier. That aside, this one will keep you toastier than a cat in a microwave.
9 out of 10
VALUE
This kind of depends on your idea of ‘value’. At $750 AUD for a 3/2mm, this is definitely getting up there with the more expensive suits on the market. You absolutely get what you pay for with an incredible balance of warmth, flex, and quality finishing, but it ain’t for the budget-conscious (unless you can snipe it on special). Top quality, top price and comes with a strong warranty reputation. Makes sense, but the tight arse in me still wants special treatment.
7.5 out of 10
VERDICT
It’s hard to think of another suit out there that treads the perfect line of flex and warmth, in something that fits this well. The suit just looks great too, with subtle printing over the shoulders and arms, plus sharp logos. All of that said, you’re paying for the privilege. For those who just want the best, it’s worth it though. This is my personal pick of this season’s rubber I’ve worn so far. The Billabong Revolution Pro chest zip is about as dependable as Ethan Ewing’s forehand carve and just as impressive too. Well worth a look.
Overall Rating
- UFC level flex
- Graphene warmth
- Incredible fit
- That $750 tag can sting a bit
WHERE TO BUY
If you’ve got $750 Australian spare and we’ve convinced to get an Billabong Revolution Pro, then hit the below links and spend up. Like we said, this is our favourite suit for the season. It ticks all the boxes we should be looking for and more. Buy a Billabong Revolution Pro from :
⋅ Billabong Australia
⋅ Billabong Stockists
Alternatively, we’ve pulled together a Winter Wetsuit Buyers Guides if you’re still a little undecided on what to buy, which you can read here
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