Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John
RM184.00
The Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John is an open-cell neoprene open cell built specifically for freedivers and spearfishers. The 5.5mm 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 Perhentian’s reef flats.
The Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John is an open-cell neoprene open cell built specifically for freedivers and spearfishers. The 5.5mm 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 Perhentian’s reef flats.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand | Mares |
| Model | Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John |
| Thickness | 5.5mm |
| 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 Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John performs reliably across Malaysia’s premier diving destinations. Whether you’re exploring Perhentian’s reef flats, 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 Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John delivers on both – a suit that gets out of your way and keeps you comfortable on the breath-hold.
| Size | S |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Wetsuit |
| Material | Neoprene |
| Skill Level | Advanced |
| Water Type | Saltwater, Freshwater |
Elaine Fang –
I only gave it 3.5 stars because the seam quality could be better, but overall, it’s a solid choice for a long john.
Siti Nuramal –
I love how this long john fits me perfectly, it’s so comfortable. However, I wish it came in more design options.
Jamal Akram –
Does it provide enough warmth in cold water?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for sharing your experience, Jamal. The Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John is designed to provide thermal protection in cold water. It features a 5.5mm thickness of neoprene, which is suitable for scuba diving in temperate waters. However, warmth retention can vary depending on factors such as water temperature, dive duration, and individual tolerance. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask. This thread is also open for others to share their experiences with this product.
Rafael Rajkumar –
I’m not really sure how it performs in the water, does it make me float better?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for your review of the Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John. The primary function of this wetsuit is to provide thermal insulation and flexibility, not primarily to enhance buoyancy. However, the 5.5mm thickness may offer some additional buoyancy compared to a thinner wetsuit, but it’s not designed to be a dedicated flotation aid. If you’re looking for improved buoyancy, you might consider a wetsuit specifically designed for freediving or a specialized flotation device. We’d love to hear more about your experience with the Mares Squadra 55 and any feedback you might have on its performance.
Muhammad Hazim –
The material seems really durable, but does it dry quickly after a dive?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on our Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John! We’re glad you think the material is durable. The suit’s dry suit technology is designed to help it dry quickly after a dive, but the drying time can vary depending on several factors, such as the temperature and humidity of the air, as well as the method of drying (air dry or using a drying machine). Generally, our customers have reported that the suit dries relatively quickly, usually within 1-3 hours.
Rachel Tan –
This 5.5mm Open Cell long john is my go-to diving gear! It’s lightweight, compact, and keeps me warm during longer dives. Highly recommended!
Jason Lee –
I’ve been using the Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell long john for a few months now, and I’m really happy with its performance. It’s kept me warm even in colder waters.
Jane Wong –
Does the Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell long john provide adequate insulation in colder waters?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for sharing your question about the Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John. This wetsuit is designed to provide thermal protection in a wide range of water temperatures, thanks to its 5.5mm thickness and Open Cell construction. While we can’t provide a definitive answer without knowing the specific water temperature, our wetsuits are generally suitable for use in temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C). If you’re planning to dive in colder waters, you may want to consider additional warmth or a wetsuit with even thicker material. Would you like more information on our wetsuits or have any other questions?
Sophia Teo –
I recently went on a diving trip and loved how this long john kept me warm, it’s a must-have for any avid diver. Would I buy it again? Absolutely!
Imran Hanafiah –
Wow, thank you so much for your amazing review, Sophia Teo! We’re thrilled to hear that our Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John kept you warm during your diving trip. We completely agree, it’s a must-have for any avid diver. Our products are designed to provide the best possible experience, and it’s great to know that we’ve exceeded your expectations. Your loyalty means the world to us, and we can’t wait to have you dive with us again!
John Lee –
I’m looking for a long john that’s both warm and comfortable. What features make the Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell stand out?
Imran Hanafiah –
Thank you for your question, John. The Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John is designed with warmth and comfort in mind. Its 5.5mm thickness provides excellent insulation to keep you warm in cooler water temperatures. The open-cell structure also helps to reduce drag and improve mobility, making it a great choice for divers who need a flexible and comfortable wetsuit. Additionally, the long john design provides extra warmth for your lower body, perfect for colder water conditions. We hope this helps, and happy diving!
Michael Lai –
I recently purchased the Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell long john, but I’m not entirely happy with it. The material could be more durable. It’s a good product, but I’d give it 3.5 stars.
Lisa Tan –
The Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell long john is a great choice for cold-water diving! What’s your experience with this product?
Junhao Lo –
Thank you for sharing your experience with the Mares Squadra 55 5.5mm Open Cell Long John! We’re glad to hear it’s a great choice for cold-water diving. Our team has received great feedback about this product’s warmth and flexibility. We’ve had divers report that it performs well in water temperatures as low as 50°F. Are you planning to use this suit for any upcoming dives?