A multi-season ally for adventuring underwater, the Cressi Otterflex 5 mm wetsuit is a comfortable option that offers snug protection from the elements in the ways that count: warmth and water-tight seals.
Cressi Otterflex: At Home in the Water
Being as comfortable in the water as an otter is a high bar, but Cressi’s Otterflex has made a valiant effort in offering a wetsuit that will help you move fluidly underwater and resist the chill with an excellent design for keeping cold water out.
The Otterflex features what Cressi calls the “water-stop system,” which includes additional snug layers at the wrists, ankles, and neck to keep water movement in and out of the suit at a minimum, as well as a water-resistant neck closure with a longer velcro clasp.
These added features felt like they hugged the body—tight when putting on the suit but not uncomfortable—and they really made a noticeable difference in feeling protected from those chilly intrusions and in maintaining only the thinnest layer of water against your skin during a dive.
As an added bonus, it seemed like the suit didn’t hold extra water once our tester had taken it off either, making for quick drying times in between dives, even on a humid liveaboard.
Comfort and Fit
Wearing this wetsuit was a comfortable experience, both above and below the water, with no rubbing or problem points. Cressi boasts an ergonomic cut and “flex” areas on the arms and legs, and it did feel like the Otterflex gave a reasonable degree of mobility, though maybe not fully otter-like.
This wetsuit comes in a standard range of sizes from XS to XXL, which doesn’t give full tailored options. Our tester found the cut was too long for her size and stature, making material bunch at the forearms and calves. This didn’t prove to be uncomfortable, but it wasn’t the trim and streamlined fit you want from a wetsuit for both water seepage and style.
The Cressi Otterflex is suitable for water temperatures around from 60 to 70 F (16 to 21 C), depending on how cold you get underwater, and it comes in basic black.
Price/Quality
With a market price of $250, the Cressi Otterflex is an affordable 5 mm wetsuit with solid performance on warmth and great water seals, which matches Cressi’s decades-long reputation for quality.
The Otterflex has added durability features, like reinforced shoulders and knee pads using anti-abrasion neoprene (called “Tatex”), and a metal YKK zipper. Features like these help ensure that you can get years of use from the Otterflex. This wetsuit meets all the basic needs of a diver who needs little extra warmth, but it lacks a few premium features and doesn’t claim any sustainable production standards.
If you’re still unsure about the Cressi Otterflex, check out our full 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 Otterflex?
The Cressi Otterflex gets our recommendation as a solid, affordable wetsuit that keeps water exchange to a minimum and keeps you nice and warm. If you’re looking for a multi-season wetsuit on a budget with quality performance, the Otterflex might be just what you need.
Specs & Features
| Material | Double-lined neoprene |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 5 mm |
| Zip | Back-zip |
| Seams | Glued and sewn |
| Sizes | XS to XXL |
