Gear News
Equipment Review: Cressi Free women’s 3.5mm two-piece wetsuit
Another quality suit has hit the Freediving market – the Cressi Free Freediving suit. We look at the female version of the 3.5mm thickness suit in this review. It is another positive step to addressing the need for quality Freediving equipment and especially that which fits the female form. Previously, and only as long ago as a few years ago, suits especially were being sold as ‘gender neutral’ but now the manufacturers can see the benefits of catering for an increasing number of females in the sport of Freediving.
The Cressi Free Two-Piece 3.5mm Wetsuit is a smooth freediving wetsuit. It is very warm for its relative thickness and reduces drag to a minimum. It has an integrated hood which helps you glide effortlessly through the water and stop the cold from water flushing.
It is a two-piece suit. The jacket with integrated hood and beaver tail hugs close to the body covering your head, arms and torso. It has a double Velcro clasp to adjust fit and keep it from moving up or down the body. High waisted trousers give twice the insulation coverage around the waist and the opportunity for easier ‘comfort breaks’ during a day’s diving. The cuff and ankle seals are ideal fit to avoid flushing and not too tight to hinder circulation.
It has a single-piece underarm section to improve flexibility during arm extension making it a versatile and comfortable suit. It is made from a ‘second skin smooth neoprene’ which is hydrodynamic on the outside and the ‘X-thermic material lining’ is warm on the inside. Cressi have aimed this quality suit at the premium market, and indeed have named their neoprene ‘Premium ultrastretch’ It is a case of sometimes you pay for what you get, this isn’t a cheap suit, but is worth the money.
The suit is seamless and blind stitched to avoid flush. It is soft, flexible and comfortable against the skin. It is warm in temperate waters, it was tested in the UK in Summer and fared well. The 3.5mm would be too thin for UK winter diving, but for maybe 3-4 months of the UK season and is an ideal companion for temperate water trips and when you spend long times in pool sessions when safetying or teaching.
Anita Jasso said: “This is an ideal off the peg suit for the recreational diver on holiday, but is also is the most comfortable suit that I have used for static apnea. The suit thickness, although is perhaps too bulky and buoyant for traditional pool use for DYN. The Cressi Free is the perfect combination of flexibility and warmth for the static discipline. The fit of the suit enables the top to be worn with the hood pulled down comfortably without restriction of the neck and throat – even more so than my current custom fit suit, and the flexibility of the neoprene allows free movement of the thoracic cage without the restriction of a thicker suit, therefore enabling a comfortable breathe-up.”
The feel of the suit itself has a quality edge to it – all seams are blind stitched and glued, but whilst there is no finesse to the arm and leg cuffs with regards to design finish or extra adhesion to the limbs – there is no feeling of flushing and it fits extremely well. The neoprene elasticity and softness are exceptional and provide the feeling of a second skin with the soft nylon ultraspan lining.
Overall:
- Performance – 5/5
- Comfort – 5/5
- Looks – 5/5
- Value – 4/5
For an off the peg suit this is an exceptional and desirable addition to any freedivers arsenal for both temperate depth diving, pool teaching and static disciplines that is both quality and budget friendly.
For more information, please visit www.cressi.com.
Photo credits: Open Water – Natasha Brooks and Pool – Steve Millard.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Maximum freedom of movement and outstanding comfort
The SP series neoprene suits deliver incredible diving comfort to even the most demanding divers. Fabulous style included. Designed and engineered in Germany.
The smart 3D cut and the pre-shaped arms and legs not only ensure flexibility and a perfect fit, but also help you slip into the suit with ease. Cuffs on the arms and legs guarantee perfect sealing, which is further enhanced by the flap on the back zipper.
Zippers at the wrists and ankles provide additional comfort and ensure easy donning and doffing. The small neck zipper adds another layer of comfort.
The neoprene ribs in the back of the knees and crook of the arms are unique. The clever concept ensures optimum comfort when bending the arms or legs.
Shoulder and knee protectors protect the suit in high-wear areas. The small computer safety strap holds the device in place. The SP suit series is available for men and women in 5 & 7mm and offers a wide range of sizes including numerous intermediate sizes.
Every day, DYNAMICNORD works to keep its environmental impact as low as possible. Only the best available neoprene is used for the SP series of neoprene suits. It goes without saying that the neoprene is made from limestone. It is sourced from nature and has less negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, Carbon Black, one of the main components of neoprene, is pyrolysed from used tires. This reduces energy consumption and cuts CO₂ emissions by 200 grams per neoprene suit. Innovative dyeing machines reduce water and energy consumption during production by 60%.
DYNAMICNORD’s R&D department is constantly testing recycled materials and other next-generation sustainable components to become even more eco-friendly in all areas.
The different models in the SP series are now available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
SRPs incl. VAT:
SP suit 7mm: £504.00
SP suit 5mm: £440.00
Sizes:
Women: XS-2XL, ST, MT, LT, M+, L+, XL+, 2XL+
Men: S-3XL, MT, MLS, ML, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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