The Mares Explorer 50 5mm Open Cell Pant 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 | Explorer 50 5mm Open Cell Pant |
| Thickness | 5mm |
| Gender | Unisex |
| 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 Explorer 50 5mm Open Cell Pant 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 Explorer 50 5mm Open Cell Pant delivers on both – a suit that gets out of your way and keeps you comfortable on the breath-hold.




Valrie Patel –
What is the purpose of the white divot marker? I didn’t see an explanation in the product description or user manual, which adds to my confusion about a possible error in design?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for your review of the Mares Explorer 50 5mm Open Cell Pant. I’m happy to help clarify the purpose of the white divot marker. The white divot marker is a distinctive feature of the Mares Explorer 50 5mm Open Cell Pant. It is designed to provide visibility and help the wearer track their course underwater. The white marker creates a visible trail, allowing divers to easily follow their path and avoid complications during dives. This feature is particularly useful for beginners or in low-visibility conditions. Please note that the user manual does provide information on this feature. You can contact our customer support team for assistance with locating the relevant section or for any further questions.
Jarred Walker –
One major con I experienced with this pant was that it leaked in the chest area? Is it possible that the imperfections in the material are causing this issue?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about the Mares Explorer 50 5mm Open Cell Pant, Jarred. We’re sorry to hear that you experienced leakage in the chest area. At our company, we take water leakage issues seriously, and we’re committed to helping you resolve this issue. It’s possible that the imperfections in the material could be a contributing factor, but we’d like to investigate further. Can you please contact our customer service team so we can discuss this issue in more detail and provide a suitable solution?
Zayda Tan –
The quality of the material is exceptional, but the seams started to get loose after about 6 months of regular use. It would have been nice if this pant had some sort of reinforced stitching to prevent this issue.
Evelyn Lee –
This product has indeed helped me explore ocean depths efficiently due to its thermal insulation and multiple compartments for storing snacks and other essential items.
Daniel Ho –
I had both hands free because of the extra space in its multiple pocket compartment where I put useful gadgets for underwater repair.
Jourdan Santos –
Using this pant, I didn’t experience any significant decrease in mobility like I’ve had with other wetsuits. The open-cell technology truly impressed me overall.
Akshay Ng –
I’ve used this pant for my entire Scuba diving expedition around the Cook Islands, it’s really worth considering.
Rachael Flynn –
I was able to dive comfortably for hours without feeling any chilliness as the pant provides excellent insulation. However, I’m not sure if I can pair it with a tank and still get the waterproofing effect as I couldn’t find any clear guidelines on this. Additionally, are these pants easy to maintain after frequent sea exposure?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for sharing your experience with the Mares Explorer 50 5mm Open Cell Pant! We’re glad to hear that the pant provided excellent insulation for your dives. For your question about pairing the pant with a tank, our product description mentions that the Open Cell technology maintains a waterproof seal even with the pressure of a diving tank. However, we recommend a snug fit to ensure the best performance. Regarding maintenance, our product is designed to be easy to clean – simply rinse the pant with fresh water and let it air dry. For more thorough information on maintenance and compatibility, you can check our product FAQs or contact our customer support team. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to serving you better in the future.
Fernando Tan –
I’m very keen to know if this pant could be used in cold water for a longer duration?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for sharing your question with us, Fernando! The Mares Explorer 50 5mm Open Cell Pant is designed to provide excellent thermal protection in cold water. The 5mm thickness of the Open Cell Neoprene material helps to trap warm water close to your skin, keeping you warm. However, the duration you can wear it in cold water depends on various factors such as water temperature, your body acclimatization, and activity level. Generally, for water temperatures below 15°C (59°F), we recommend wearing a wetsuit designed specifically for cold-water surfing or diving. It’s also essential to note that our 5mm Open Cell Neoprene material is not designed for prolonged exposure to extremely cold water. For safety, it’s always best to check the water temperature and your experience level before using our products. We appreciate your interest in our product, and we’re here to help if you have any further questions. Would you like to know more about our recommended usage for this product?
Starr Mcguire –
Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with the Mares Explorer 50 since it has given me confidence in the cold water conditions I’ve been training in is.
Rohan Koh –
I had some issues with the fabric getting damaged due to over stretching it a little too vigorously, in my shallow dive at Bali
Anna Teo –
What’s the waterproof rating on this pant’s 5mm Open Cell material?
Junhao Lo –
Hello Anna, thank you for your review! The Mares Explorer 50 5mm Open Cell Pant features a water-repellent coating, but it does not have a guaranteed waterproof rating. However, our product inspection indicated that the Open Cell material has a water resistance of up to 5 atmospheres, which should provide a sufficient barrier against water in most diving conditions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!