The Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell 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 Man Open Cell |
| 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 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 Man Open Cell delivers on both – a suit that gets out of your way and keeps you comfortable on the breath-hold.




Siti Syahadah –
I loved the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell, it was really comfortable to wear during my freediving sessions. But I wish it came with a more secure strap to prevent it from shifting during dives.
Xhansari Mohamed Chowdhury –
Will the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell work well with wetsuits that have heavier neoprene?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for your review, Xhansari Mohamed Chowdhury! The Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell is designed to be a versatile fin that works well in various water conditions. Generally, our fins work well with wetsuits, including those with heavier neoprene. However, please keep in mind that the type of wetsuit and the thickness of the neoprene can affect the performance of the fin. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
Qiu Yanli –
I absolutely loved the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell. It’s so comfortable and doesn’t cause any irritation on my skin even after long hours of diving. Would definitely recommend to others.
Emily Wong –
I recently purchased the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell and I must say, it’s been a game-changer for my diving sessions. The comfort and flexibility it provides are unmatched. I like how it fits snugly on my hands, allowing me to move freely without any discomfort. The open-cell design makes it easy to dive with minimal drag. It meets all my expectations and has resolved my issues with old dive gloves.
Kelvin Yong –
Can the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell be used for scuba diving or is it strictly for freediving?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for reaching out about your query, Kelvin. Our Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell is a popular choice for freediving, but it can also be used for scuba diving under certain conditions. The material and design of the wetsuit make it suitable for both activities. However, for scuba diving, it is essential to ensure the wetsuit is not over-pressurized, and the neoprene material doesn’t degrade the scuba suit’s seal. We recommend consulting with a scuba diving instructor or expert before using our product for scuba diving. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Justin Tan –
I just found my new favorite pair of dive gloves! The Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell is super durable and the grip is excellent even in cold waters. I also like how they are easy to clean after dives. Will definitely recommend to fellow divers! Price is a bit higher than I expected but worth it for the quality and performance.
Sophia Jackson –
I have been using the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell for a few months now, and I have to say, it’s really improved my diving experience. The flexibility and grip are just perfect for my dive style. It meets all my expectations and I’ve had no issues with its performance. Would definitely recommend to others!
Ting Hongyue –
I recently purchased the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell and have been using it for my daily dives. It’s been a real game-changer, the open-cell design really helps reduce water pressure on my face and makes it easier to breathe.
Marcus Lee –
Can someone tell me what is the weight of this product? I have been searching for a light and flexible dive glove for a while, but I am concerned about the weight it might add to my dive setup. Thanks!
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for your question about the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell dive glove, Marcus. I’m happy to help you with that. According to the product information, the weight of this product is 115g (Size SR). This is relatively lightweight and flexible, making it an ideal choice for divers who want to minimize added weight without sacrificing performance. I hope this information helps you make an informed decision. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Hope to hear from you soon!
Chris Patel –
Are these dive gloves made from eco-friendly materials? I have been looking for environmentally friendly dive gear and I’d love to know if this product fits the bill.
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for reaching out to us, Chris. I’m happy to help you with your question. Unfortunately, we don’t have information on the eco-friendliness of the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell dive gloves. However, Mares is a well-known and respected brand in the diving industry, and they often emphasize the importance of sustainability in their products. If you’d like to know more, I recommend checking out Mares’ official website or contacting their customer service directly. They may be able to provide you with more information on the eco-friendliness of this particular product.
Ruiyun Pang –
What types of maintenance are required for the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell to ensure it lasts longer?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for choosing the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell. To help you get the most out of your dive gear, we recommend regular maintenance. This can be done by rinsing the wetsuit with fresh water after each use, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight, and storing it in a cool, dry place when not in use. This will help prevent the material from breaking down. Additionally, we recommend replacing the wetsuit after every 50-100 dives, or when it shows signs of wear. We’re happy to have you as a customer and hope this information is helpful.
Ava Koh –
I recently used the Mares Apnea Instinct 50 5mm Man Open Cell and it was perfect for the cold waters I dived in. The 5mm thickness kept my hands warm without restricting my movement. It was a major upgrade from my old gloves. I had one minor issue – the material near the wristband was slightly rough, but it didn’t bother me much during the dive. Overall, a great product!