The Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man 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 Sipadan’s spearfishing grounds.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Mares |
| Model | Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell Jacket |
| Thickness | 5mm |
| Gender | Male |
| 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 Man Open Cell Jacket performs reliably across Malaysia’s premier diving destinations. Whether you’re exploring Sipadan’s spearfishing grounds, 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 Man Open Cell Jacket delivers on both – a suit that gets out of your way and keeps you comfortable on the breath-hold.




Terra Lim –
What is the comfort level of jacket when diving deeper into the ocean?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for sharing your experience with the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell Jacket. The comfort level of this jacket is designed to provide a relaxed fit and flexibility, allowing for ease of movement while diving. The open-cell jacket provides excellent insulation and flexibility, making it perfect for deeper dives. However, comfort can be subjective, and we recommend trying it out for yourself to experience the comfort level. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Gracia Wong –
I have had a few problems with water pressure getting in. The outer layer of the suit is amazing, though. However, the seal around the zipper needs some work. Perhaps resealing the area with neoprene might help keep the cold out.
Jolina Reyes –
This ‘Mares’ jacket has completely solved my problem of easy put off scuba diving by having a bad cold. I love the Mares Apnea Instinct jacket which helped keep me warm. Nothing was overlooked from the materials used, construction, and even the colors. It is a perfect combination of durability and style!
Jayden Foo –
Mares’ focus on comfort and durability is evident in every stitch of this ‘Apnea Instinct’ jacket. An incredibly useful diving gear, well worth the cost!
Gail Tan –
Did Mares update the color palette since last season?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for your question, Gail. Unfortunately, we don’t have information about the current season’s color palette updates for the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell Jacket. However, we recommend checking the official Mares website or contacting their customer service directly for the most up-to-date information. We appreciate your feedback and hope this helps.
Maxine Koh –
The Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm jacket looks great and is really flexible! Would I have liked to see a cheaper version for regular consumers?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on our Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell Jacket, Maxine. We’re thrilled to hear that you find the jacket great and really flexible! We do offer regular price options for this product, and the price might vary based on the region and retailer. If you have any specific questions about pricing or availability, we’d be happy to help. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to serving you better in the future.