Cressi Bahia Flex Wetsuit Review

By
Ami Everett
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
As a marine scientist, Ami specializes in studying the marine life found on the most unlikely of reef habitats - offshore oil & gas platforms. Her...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

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?

This wetsuit comes equipped with a front zipper, which makes us wonder why all wetsuits aren’t designed this way. The front zipper also allows the wearer to keep the zipper down while waiting to jump in the water—a huge plus for divers who are prone to seasickness or who do not like the constricting feeling of most back-zip wetsuits.

Available as a 3/2mm, the Cressi Bahia Flex fits much like a second skin, and it’s ideal for warm-water divers or those who don’t chill easily. The cut and design allow this wetsuit to be flexible as well, moving with your body as you dive.

Let’s dive into our review of the Cressi Bahia Flex.

About this review

To help you find a Wetsuit that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of Wetsuits

Recommended in: Wetsuit

Things we like:

  • Front zipper makes it easy to cool down while waiting to jump in the water
  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Does not feel suffocating around the neck
  • Flexible neoprene makes it very comfortable
  • Made in anatomical cuts for both men and women
  • True to size

Things we don't like:

  • Not as warm as back-zip wetsuits that fit more snugly around the neck
  • Some piling occurred inside the wetsuit after a week of use
  • Only comes in 3/2 mm thickness and one color option

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

The Cressi Bahia Flex is a front-zip wetsuit, which is an excellent choice for divers who do not like the tightness around the neck of a typical back-zip wetsuit.
The Cressi Bahia Flex is a front-zip wetsuit, which is an excellent choice for divers who do not like the tightness around the neck of a typical back-zip wetsuit.

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 comfortable in and out of the water as the design allows for freedom of movement.
The Cressi Bahia Flex is comfortable in and out of the water as the design allows for freedom of movement.

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

The Cressi Bahia Flex is best for warm water diving. The front zip design is comfortable, but does not provide as secure of a seal as back zip wetsuits.
The Cressi Bahia Flex is best for warm water diving. The front zip design is comfortable, but does not provide as secure of a seal as back zip wetsuits.

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
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