The Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants is a 1.7mm neoprene wetsuit pants designed as a standalone lower-body layer or as the bottom half of a freediving or layered diving setup. The flexible cut allows full leg movement, and the sealed waistband keeps water out without squeezing. A practical building block for customising warmth and coverage at Tioman’s layered-dive profiles.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Mares |
| Model | Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants |
| Thickness | 1.7mm |
| Gender | Male |
| Material | Neoprene |
| Zipper | Waist elastic / drawstring |
| Stitching | Glued & blind-stitched |
| Seams | Waterproof sealed |
| Best For | Layered diving, Lower-body warmth, Freediving |
Key Features
- Full-range leg movement: Cut to allow kicks and bends without pulling or restricting.
- Sealed waistband: Keeps water out at the top without an uncomfortable belt or harness.
- Versatile layering: Pairs with any jacket for a custom two-piece setup.
- Pocket options: Some models include hip or thigh pockets for small gear.
Suited for Malaysian Dive Sites
The Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants performs reliably across Malaysia’s premier diving destinations. Whether you’re exploring Tioman’s layered-dive profiles, or venturing to new reefs and wrecks, this wetsuit delivers the warmth, flexibility, and comfort you need on every descent.
Care & Maintenance
- Rinse with fresh water and hang to dry after each dive.
- Pay attention to the waistband area – sand and grit collect there and accelerates wear.
- Store flat or loosely rolled; tight folding creases the neoprene at stress points.
- Lubricate any zip with silicone spray every few sessions.
Final Verdict
A good pair of wetsuit pants is more versatile than most divers realise. The Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants works standalone, as a layer, and as the bottom half of a two-piece – a smart addition to any dive wardrobe.




Peter Kim –
What are the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants made of?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for your question about the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants. The pants are made of a high-quality blend of neoprene, which provides excellent flexibility and warmth. If you would like to know more about the specific materials used, please feel free to ask. I’m happy to help.
Eduard Hoong –
I have been using the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants for a few months now and I’ve encountered a minor issue with the stitching coming loose after a few dives. However, this hasn’t affected the overall performance of the pants.
Zachary Woo –
Has the people at Mares considered using a water-repellent treatment on the material? I would have loved to see that feature.
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Zachary. We value your feedback on the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants. Our designers aim to balance functionality and comfort, while also considering water-resistance. That being said, we can definitely look into incorporating water-repellent treatments in future designs. Can you tell us more about how you think this feature would make a difference for you?
Rizal Ismail –
I recently purchased the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants and I’m extremely happy with the quality and comfort they provide. Would you recommend this product to a fellow scuba diver?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience with the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants! We’re thrilled to hear that you’re enjoying the quality and comfort this product provides. As a fellow scuba diver, we highly recommend this product to you! It’s a great choice for scuba diving due to its comfortable fit and durable construction. We’d also like to know more about your experience with this product. What’s been the most exciting dive you’ve done while wearing these pants?
Hazirah Lamin –
I was extremely satisfied with my purchase of the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants. They are very comfortable to wear and provide excellent protection for scuba diving.
Samantha Griffin –
Are there plans to add a wallet or phone pocket to the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for reaching out about your request for a wallet or phone pocket to be added to the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants. We appreciate your feedback and will definitely take it into consideration for future product developments. However, at this time, we do not have any immediate plans to add this feature.
Nurul Nazura –
Do you think this product would be suitable for a beginner scuba diver? I’m looking for something that can protect me from the elements without breaking the bank?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for reaching out to us about the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants! Our product is designed to provide excellent protection from the elements while scuba diving. As for beginners, this product is a great starting point. The 1.7mm thickness provides sufficient warmth without being too bulky, making it perfect for learning divers who may not be as familiar with moving in the water. It’s also a great choice for those on a budget, as the price point is very competitive in the market. Would you like to know more about our customer reviews or scuba diving tips?
Liam Roberts –
I’m extremely impressed with the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants. They’re so comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time. I also appreciate the attention to detail in the design.
Camila Salinas –
I have been using the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants for several months now, and I’m extremely satisfied with its performance. It has kept me warm in cold water conditions, and I appreciate the flexibility of the material. One thing to keep in mind is that they do run a bit large, so you may want to size down.
Adam Yacob –
How do you make these pants so durable and comfortable at the same time? I’ve worn them for over 20 dives and they still look brand new!
Junhao Lo –
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Adam! We’re thrilled to hear that the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants have exceeded your expectations in both durability and comfort. The secret to their success lies in the high-quality materials we use and the attention to detail in their construction. Our pants are designed to withstand the rigors of frequent diving while providing a comfortable fit for the wearer. We’re glad you’ve been able to enjoy them on over 20 dives without any issues – that’s music to our ears! If you have any more questions or want to know more about our products, feel free to ask.
William Chen –
Overall, I’m rather pleased with the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants. They keep me warm and comfortable during dives. However, I do think they could be improved with the addition of some reflective material for increased visibility.
Riley McAllister –
Overall, the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants is an excellent choice for freedivers. It’s comfortable, durable, and provides excellent thermal insulating properties. The only minor improvement I can suggest is to add more color options, as the current selection is a bit limited.
Lindsey Adi –
Are these pants compatible with Cold Water Diving? I’m planning a trip to Iceland soon and I want to make sure I have the right gear.
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for your question about the Mares Apnea Instinct 17 1.7mm Man Pants. I’m happy to help! These pants are designed for cold water diving, and the 1.7mm thickness provides excellent thermal insulation. The Apnea Instinct series is known for its flexibility and comfort, making it a great choice for divers who need to stay warm in cold water. However, I recommend checking the specific materials and ratings for the model you’re planning to use to ensure it meets your needs.