The Mares Squadra 35 3.5mm Open Cell Jacket is an open-cell neoprene open cell built specifically for freedivers and spearfishers. The 3.5mm open-cell inner surface moulds to the body like a second skin, trapping a micro-layer of warm water that insulates effectively even during long, static breath-hold dives. Supple and unrestricted, it’s the kind of gear that disappears on your body at Perhentian’s reef flats.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Mares |
| Model | Squadra 35 3.5mm Open Cell Jacket |
| Thickness | 3.5mm |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Material | Open-cell neoprene (inner) |
| Zipper | Side zip / no zip |
| Stitching | Glued seams |
| Seams | Open-cell sealed |
| Best For | Freediving, Spearfishing, Apnea diving |
Key Features
- Open-cell inner surface: Moulds to the body like a second skin for maximum insulation during static apnea dives.
- Supple neoprene: Minimal resistance to movement – essential for breath-hold efficiency.
- Glued seams: Keeps the suit tight and warm without the stiffness of stitched construction.
- Freediving-specific cut: Panels are shaped to allow the chest expansion needed during deep breath-holds.
Suited for Malaysian Dive Sites
The Mares Squadra 35 3.5mm Open Cell Jacket performs reliably across Malaysia’s premier diving destinations. Whether you’re exploring Perhentian’s reef flats, or venturing to new reefs and wrecks, this wetsuit delivers the warmth, flexibility, and comfort you need on every descent.
Care & Maintenance
- Rinse in fresh water immediately – open-cell neoprene absorbs salt water and degrades if left.
- Never tumble dry; hang flat or lay on a towel to dry slowly.
- Store away from direct sunlight – UV destroys open-cell neoprene faster than closed-cell.
- Do not use fabric softener or conditioner – it clogs the open-cell pores and reduces insulation.
Final Verdict
Freedivers and spearfishers know that every gram of drag and every degree of warmth matters. The Mares Squadra 35 3.5mm Open Cell Jacket delivers on both – a suit that gets out of your way and keeps you comfortable on the breath-hold.




Isabel Koh –
Does Mares Squadra 35 come in different sizes? Would recommend a size up if you’re between sizes?
Junhao Lo –
Hello Isabel, thank you for your question about the Mares Squadra 35 3.5mm Open Cell Jacket. We do offer various sizes to fit different body types. According to our size chart, this product comes in a wide range of sizes, including Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, and even plus sizes. We would recommend checking the size chart to ensure the best fit for you. If you’re still unsure, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you further.
Kaitlyn Ow –
What sparked my interest in purchasing the Mares Squadra? The competitive pricing. Would it have been worth the extra expense if it was more durable?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the Mares Squadra 35 3.5mm Open Cell Jacket, Kaitlyn. We’re glad you found our competitive pricing appealing. As for durability, we strive to provide high-quality products, but often the value for money is a balance between price and performance. If you’re looking for more durable options, I’d be happy to recommend alternative products from our collection. Please let me know if you’d like some suggestions.
Rachel Tan –
Can Mares Squadra 35 be paired with a wetsuit or would it not be suitable?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for reaching out to us, Rachel! The Mares Squadra 35 3.5mm Open Cell Jacket is a high-performance, open-cell wetsuit intended for wetsuit use only, and pairing it with a traditional wetsuit is not recommended. Its unique open-cell structure provides ultimate flexibility, durability, and keeps you comfortable in the water, but substituting it with a regular wetsuit would not be the best option as it can cause discomfort and compromise its performance. If you’re looking for a layering solution within the Mares Squadra lineup, you can consider pairing it with one of their complementary products, but between the Mares Squadra 35 Open Cell and another wetsuit, I wouldn’t recommend it. Feel free to ask me if you have any other questions!
Evelyn Tan –
I couldn’t find information on what can cause water to enter the Mares Squadra or if the material is resistant to water degradation.
Nicole Wong –
Will the neoprene used be resistant to saltwater corrosion and how long can it maintain its thermal performance?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for your interest in the Mares Squadra 35 3.5mm Open Cell Jacket! The neoprene used in this product is designed to be resistant to saltwater corrosion, but it’s essential for you to follow proper care instructions for optimal performance. Regularly rinse the garment with fresh water after each use, and avoid exposing it to chlorine or other harsh chemicals. As for thermal performance, our customer reviews have shown that this jacket maintains its insulation properties well in temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F). We also recommend drying your jacket over a wide surface when it’s not in use to prevent any potential degradation.
Evelyn Lim –
This jacket exceeded my expectations! It provided excellent warmth and was incredibly easy to put on/off. I highly recommend it to fellow divers!
Amanda Tan –
I’m quite impressed with Mares Squadra 35’s flexibility and comfort during dives. However, I wish it had a better zipper system for easy entry/exits. Overall, a fantastic product worth the investment!
Sophia Leong –
I’ve been using Mares Squadra 35 during my dives and it’s been a game-changer! Great insulation and mobility, my only gripe is with the durability of the seams.
Raymond Ng –
I haven’t received my Mares Squadra yet, however, I am interested in knowing if the Mares Squadra would be okay for a six hour deep-sea diving expedition?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for reaching out to us, Raymond! Sorry to hear that you haven’t received your Mares Squadra 35 3.5mm Open Cell Jacket yet, but we’d be happy to help with your question. The Mares Squadra 35 3.5mm Open Cell Jacket is a high-quality, flexible and stretchy wetsuit. While it’s perfect for various water activities, it may not be the best choice for a deep-sea diving expedition. This is because the jacket’s warmth and flexibility may not provide the necessary insulation for colder, deeper waters, and it may not be designed to handle the extreme pressure of deep-sea diving. For a six-hour deep-sea diving expedition, you may want to consider a wetsuit with a thicker material or additional layers for insulation. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to ask. We’d be happy to help you choose a wetsuit that suits your needs.
Maisie Wong –
I recently went on a diving trip and this Mares Squadra 35 3.5mm Open Cell Jacket helped prevent any water entry into the diving suit.
Cedric Soares –
I enjoy scuba diving, and this Mares Squadra has been my go-to jacket. The flexibility and buoyancy are perfect for a day of diving. I’ve tried other similar products, but this one stands out. Great purchase!
Elianna Vong –
I recently purchased the Mares Squadra and it has been a game-changer for me. The materials used are top-notch and the delivery was fast. However, I was expecting the S-M-L sizing chart, which wasn’t clearly stated on the website.