The Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket is a 1.7mm neoprene wetsuit jacket – the upper half of a two-piece diving setup or a standalone layer for added warmth on cooler dives. The front or side zip makes it quick to pull on, and the flexible neoprene construction allows full arm and torso movement. A smart layering choice for the variable conditions at Perhentian’s multi-tank sessions.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Mares |
| Model | Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket |
| Thickness | 1.7mm |
| Gender | Male |
| Material | Neoprene |
| Zipper | Front zip |
| Stitching | Glued & blind-stitched |
| Seams | Waterproof sealed |
| Best For | Layered diving, Upper-body warmth, Freediving |
Key Features
- Zip-entry design: Quick to pull on between dives – no wrestling with back zips.
- Full torso coverage: Protects the core where heat loss is greatest.
- Flexible neoprene sleeves: Arms move freely for swimming and gear handling.
- Layering-ready: Pairs with matching or third-party pants for a full suit.
Suited for Malaysian Dive Sites
The Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket performs reliably across Malaysia’s premier diving destinations. Whether you’re exploring Perhentian’s multi-tank sessions, or venturing to new reefs and wrecks, this wetsuit delivers the warmth, flexibility, and comfort you need on every descent.
Care & Maintenance
- Rinse thoroughly, especially around the zip and collar – salt accumulates fast there.
- Hang to dry; do not tumble dry.
- Lubricate the zip with silicone spray regularly to keep it running smoothly.
- Inspect the seams and zip seal after every few dives; repair any gaps before they worsen.
Final Verdict
The wetsuit jacket is the most adaptable piece in the kit. The Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket adds warmth and coverage to any setup, and its quick zip-on design means it’s always ready when conditions change.




Tan Peiwen –
The Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket is so warm and comfortable! It’s perfect for cold water diving. I love it! Would buy another one in a heartbeat!
Noelle Loh –
The Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket exceeded my expectations in terms of warmth and comfort. It kept me toasty even in the coldest water temperatures.
Wong Shuhui –
I’m not sure about the durability of this product. I’ve only used it a few times and already the stitching is coming undone.
Kaiya Wong –
Does it stack up to other similar products on the market? Is it truly a top-tier diving jacket? I’ve been impressed with the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket’s performance and comfort. I highly recommend it to any serious diver.
Imran Hanafiah –
We’re glad to hear that the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket has met your expectations, Kaiya. The Apnea Instinct line is known for its high-quality materials and performance-oriented design. Compared to other diving jackets on the market, the Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket stands out for its balance of comfort, functionality, and durability. Many of our customers appreciate its ease of mobility and the additional protection it provides during dives. We appreciate your recommendation to other serious divers and are happy to have you as part of the Mares community.
Rachel Tan –
This product is perfect for scuba diving. It fits great and the design is nice.
Amy Foo –
Does this product come in different colors? I’d love to have a purple one, but I haven’t seen any options.
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for reaching out, Amy! Unfortunately, the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket does not come in different colors, including purple. However, if you’re looking for a specific color, we can definitely suggest similar products in our collection. Can I help you with that?
Jedediah Chua –
I’ve been skeptical about the weight distribution of the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket. After using it, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best diving jackets I’ve ever owned. The weight is evenly distributed and it makes it easy to move and breathe underwater.
Avery Teng –
I recently purchased the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket and I’m impressed with its durability and reliability. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a well-made diving jacket. I’ve worn it on several dives and it’s performed flawlessly.
Cedric Lok –
What sets it apart from other diving jackets? How does it handle in different water conditions? The Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket is a solid product but it could be improved in terms of adjustable cuffs. However, I’m overall very satisfied with its performance.
Junhao Lo –
Hi Cedric Lok, thank you for taking the time to review the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket. We’re glad to hear it’s been performing well for you. Our jacket’s design features a flexible and light material that provides excellent thermal protection. It’s also designed to allow for ease of movement, which helps divers stay comfortable during long dives. As for handling in different water conditions, the Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket has been tested in a variety of conditions and has shown to be reliable and consistent. We’ll certainly take your feedback on the adjustable cuffs into consideration for future product updates. If you have any further questions or need any additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask. We appreciate your feedback and hope you continue to enjoy using our product.
Cerys Ong –
I was a bit hesitant to buy this product as it has mostly positive reviews. Does it really work as good as everyone says? Is it worth the price? The Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket has been a game-changer for me. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my diving experience.
Junhao Lo –
We’re thrilled to hear that the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket has been a game-changer for you, Cerys. It’s great that you’ve noticed a significant improvement in your diving experience. We’re proud to offer high-quality products that meet our customers’ expectations. If you don’t mind us asking, what specific features of the jacket do you think have contributed to your positive experience?
Felicia Tan –
I’ve been using the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket for a few months now. It’s a great product but not perfect. For example, the zip is a bit hard to operate with my gloves on. Overall, it’s a solid choice for any diver.
Zhu Sienling –
Is this jacket only available in this material? I’m looking for something more water-repellent?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for your review of the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket. We appreciate your feedback. The Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Jacket is designed to be a high-performance wetsuit, but we do offer other options that may be more suitable for your needs. One of our recommended alternatives is the Mares Apnea Instinct 14 1.4mm Man Jacket, which features a more water-repellent fabric. Please let us know if you’d like more information on this or other products. We’re here to help you find the best wetsuit for your diving needs.