Metal second stages have superior performance than plastic second stages, especially in cold water, thanks to the high thermal conductivity that limits the freezing effect. Additional benefits are the improved durability, the longer working life and the less dry mouth breathing.

 

All Mares second stages offer the unique patented VAD system. The air bypass tube conveys air to the mouthpiece creating a swirling vortex with a low pressure area in center that keeps the diaphragm down during inhalation, for very sensitive and easy breathing at all depths.

 

The patented mesh design of the second stage cover reduces the pressure of water fl owing onto the second stage diaphragm and minimizes free-flow. Even in strong currents it eliminates the need for a knob to ‘de-tune’ your air delivery system to stop free fl owing: Advanced Technology through basic physics.

 

Those who dive frequently and in difficult conditions need products featuring superior quality and consistent performance, time and time again. Mares has always focused on new technologies and innovative products that lead to concrete benefits: superior reliability and performance will be appreciated by the most experienced demanding divers.

 

Designing and engineering products for cold water diving requires maximum attention to performance, safety and technical details. Mares creates equipment specific for cold water and ice diving. Rigorous tests ensure top notch performance keeping you comfortable, warm and secure. Even the US Navy has conceded Mares to be the best equipment for extreme conditions.

 

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Mares is the only manufacturer in the world to offer a complete range of regulators with the second stage cases produced entirely in metal; anti-corrosion nickel and chrome-plated brass. In cold water, metal second stages have superior performance and are safer than second stages manufactured in plastic materials, thanks to the high thermal conductivity that limits the freezing effect. When inhaling, compressed air from the first stage expands inside the second stage and creates an abrupt drop in the temperature of the air, which in cold water can drop to a few degrees above freezing. This situation, along with the natural humidity inside the second stage, can cause ice crystals to form, and when on the demand lever, can result in small air leaks and then trigger free-flow. Metal is a good conductor of heat, and makes the water surrounding the second stage act as a heating element for the air inside and prevents this opportunity for free-flow. Strange as it may seem, even at temperatures very close to the freezing point, the water is still warmer than the air expanding inside the second stage. Additional benefits of "All Metal" Mares second stages are: • Improved resistance to harsh conditions, rough treatment, and abrasion • Longer working life of the product • Less dry mouth, because the humidity of exhalations condenses on the inner walls of the metal second stage and moisturizes every breath

 

All Mares second stages offer the unique, patented, VAD system (Vortex Assisted Design). This unrivaled system eases breathing at all depths. The working principal is very simple. As air comes from the hose, it passes into the second stage and is conveyed directly to the mouthpiece through the by-pass tube. A "vortex" is created in the airflow as it enters the mouthpiece. In the center of this swirling air is an area of a low-pressure. This low pressure helps keep the second stage diaphragm down during inhalation, thus increasing the regulator's sensitivity and minimizing respiratory effort. Regulators with the VAD system, offer improved performance and allow for very natural and comfortable breathing. One of the main causes of ice forming in regulators is the expansion of air inside the second stage case, which causes an abrupt drop in temperature. With the VAD system, air expands inside the by-pass tube and mouthpiece, reducing the likelihood of icing.

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