The Cressi Bahia Flex women’s wetsuit may just be this DIVEIN reviewer’s new go-to suit. Comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and cute—need we say more?
Cressi Bahia Flex Fit and Style
The Cressi Bahia Flex fits true to the sizing chart, however it may be best for those with a shorter stature, as the legs and arms are prone to riding up. Additionally, the cut of the wetsuit may not be as flattering compared to some back-zip or slip-on wetsuits, like the Fourth Element Surface wetsuit.
Despite this, the wetsuit’s comfort is worth the slightly lumpy zipper look in the front and this is a great option for women with a larger chest.
Front-Zip for the Win
As a diver prone to seasickness, there is nothing worse than waiting to jump in the water fully suited-up and sweaty, with a wetsuit collar snug around your neck. Cressi solved that issue with the extremely comfortable Bahia Flex front-zip wetsuit.
The front zipper makes this wetsuit easy to put on and take off and—the best part—it makes sitting in your gear manageable. It’s so easy to relax with the Cressi Bahia Flex unzipped and gathered around your torso while you wait to jump in, and just as quick and easy to slip your arms into the sleeves and jump in when it’s time to dive.
There are a few trade-offs, however, when comparing a front-zip to a back-zip suit. No collar means some water will leak into the neckline, but this is typically not an issue when you’re diving in warm water.
Also, front-zip suits can sometimes be a bit tricky to take off after getting wet, as it’s hard to maneuver your shoulders out of the suit. The best remedy for this is to fully free one arm before the other—or just enlist your dive buddy to peel you out.
Flex and Comfort
The Cressi Bahia Flex is a 3/2 mm wetsuit designed for warm-water diving. This model was redesigned from the previous model to allow total freedom of movement. There is a difference (3 mm vs. 2 mm) between the thickness found on the body of the wetsuit compared to the legs and arms to allow greater range of motion.
The wetsuit is also double-lined and has reinforced knees to increase its durability. However, this suit did have minor piles and wear on it after just a few dives, so it may not hold up as long as higher-end wetsuits.
A Multi-Purpose Wetsuit
While designed for diving, the Cressi Bahia Flex is also perfect for a variety of water sports including snorkeling, swimming, and more. Our reviewer solely tested this suit for diving, but will be using this wetsuit for all warm-water activities from now on.
Price/Quality Ratio
The Cressi Bahia Flex wetsuit is very reasonably priced compared to other 3/2 mm wetsuits, such as the Akona 3 mm Back Zip Classic Line. For those who spend a lot of time diving from a boat, or are prone to seasickness while putting on/taking off gear, this is the wetsuit for you.
If you’re still not sure about the Cressi Bahia Flex, check out our women’s wetsuit guide for comparisons and further recommendations on the right wetsuit for you, along with any other dive gear you may need.
Do we recommend the Cressi Bahia Flex?
Yes, we wholeheartedly recommend the Cressi Bahia Flex wetsuit for all divers, especially those who are sensitive to tightness around the neck. This wetsuit is comfortable, easy to take on and off, and flexible. And it’s cute too, so it’s a win-win!
Specs & Features
| Material | Double-lined neoprene |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 3/2 mm |
| Zip | Front-zip full wetsuit |
| Seams | Sewn |
| Sizes | Available in XS–2XL |
