The Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket is an open-cell neoprene open cell built specifically for freedivers and spearfishers. The 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 Mabul’s sandy hunting zones.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Mares |
| Model | Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket |
| Thickness | 5mm |
| Gender | Female |
| 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 Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket performs reliably across Malaysia’s premier diving destinations. Whether you’re exploring Mabul’s sandy hunting zones, 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 Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket delivers on both – a suit that gets out of your way and keeps you comfortable on the breath-hold.





Astrid Tan –
Worth every penny!
Jacqueline Tan –
This jacket is amazing! The material is super comfortable and the design is really stylish. However, the quality could be improved a bit.
Rosalyn Wong –
I have used this jacket for several months now and it has been a joy to wear. The durability and comfort levels are exceptionally high.
Nicole Kho –
Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket is quite a great piece of equipment! However, I’ve noticed that it takes a bit longer to get used to compared to traditional wetsuits.
Audrey Ong –
Goodbye to cold water! I love this jacket so much!
Karen Kamaruddin –
Has anyone noticed any significant differences in performance between the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket and other similar products?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for taking the time to share your question, Karen! We’ve had many customers compare our Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket with other similar products, and the consensus is that it offers excellent thermal protection while maintaining excellent flexibility. The jacket’s open-cell design allows for smooth movement and provides better insulation than other products in its class. However, if you’re interested in more specific comparisons, we’d be happy to point you in the direction of some detailed reviews from our community!
Fiona Kim –
I love this new Mares Apnea Gear – it helps me get comfourtably snug, whatever depth I go down to! Helps ease the mind while freediving.
Emily Wong –
Does the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket work well under cold water conditions?
Imran Hanafiah –
Hello Emily, thank you for your question about the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket! This jacket is designed to be worn in cold water conditions. The 5mm thickness provides excellent insulation and warmth. Additionally, the Open Cell technology allows for a high thermal exchange rate, making it an excellent choice for divers who need to conserve heat in cold water. However, we recommend wearing a wetsuit under it for optimal performance in extremely cold conditions. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. -Best regards, Customer Service.
Yanna Heng –
Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket, designed for female freedivers. The comfort level is higher than expected with a unique woman-friendly cut to not constrict any movement. The jacket is really functional with the bungee adjustment but has minor scratches. The color is sleek, it looks good. Love it!
Soo Min Yap –
Minimal bulk, yet all necessary components present in this gorgeous Mares gear. Not the most resilient but exceptional for occasional freedivers like me.
Yeoh Wai Lian –
What is the open cell structure made for in the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 Jacket?
Imran Hanafiah –
The Open Cell structure in the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 Jacket is designed to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. This technology allows for a full range of motion while maintaining warmth and providing excellent buoyancy in the water.
Rachel Lim –
What sets this jacket apart from other wetsuits on the market?
Junhao Lo –
The Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket stands out from other wetsuits with its innovative open-cell design. This unique construction allows for better flexibility, mobility, and thermal comfort. Additionally, the Lady version is specifically tailored to provide a more streamlined fit for women, enhancing their overall diving experience.
Elaine Leong –
What is the best thickness of the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 model for women for the ideal flexibility? Will it be sufficient for long-duration freediving?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for your review, Elaine. The Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm model is designed to provide flexibility and support for women freedivers. The thickness of 5mm is generally considered a good balance between flexibility and insulation for most freediving applications. However, the ideal thickness for flexibility ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific freediving conditions. The 5mm model should be sufficient for long-duration freediving, but we recommend trying out the product to ensure it meets your specific needs. Have you tried our other freediving products? Other customers have had success with the Mares Flexa Freediving Fins and the Mares Avanti Super Elite Mask.
Sharon Tan –
The Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Lady Open Cell Jacket is the perfect companion on all my freedives, thanks to its gorgeous sleek design. Durability is on point. I’m impressed by Mares.