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5.1 FirstStages
StandardPiston
Standard piston rst stages are the simplest mechanism with minimum moving parts to
control the pressure drop from a tank to feed the second stage. This translates to high
reliability and durability, combined with minimal maintenance requirements.
BalancedPiston
First stages with air balanced pistons deliver signicantly more air to the second stage than any
other rst stage, while their performance is totally unaffected by the changing tank pressure.
A balanced system allows the use of lighter and more sensitive components, resulting in ultra
fast breathing response, instant delivery of air on demand and extra high air ow.
Balanceddiaphragm
The inner mechanism in a diaphragm rst stage is isolated from the surrounding water. This
feature makes it especially suitable for diving in cold water conditions or murky water. In
this system the air ows through a seat & pin assembly, controlled by a loaded diaphragm.
The seat receives equal interstage pressure from both sides, making it react independently
of tank pressure. Balanced diaphragm systems deliver a slightly lower ow than piston
regulators, due to the smaller diameter air passageways. However, these differences in
performance are only detectable at great depth.
AF(patented)
This is a rst stage device that uses a series of ns whose surface acts as an heat dissipater.
By increasing the thermal exchange with the surrounding water, it is possible to use the
regulator in colder waters, surpassing EN norms.
XTIS(patented)
The XTIS system (Extended Thermal Insulating System) thermally insulates the regulator’s
mechanism against the extreme cold generated inside the rst stage expansion area. The
system works to prevent ice from forming around the moving parts, allowing them to operate
correctly under all conditions.
Drybalancechamber
The dry chamber ensures the best performance in especially cold waters by preventing the
entry of water inside the water balancing chamber. In extremely cold water conditions the
formation of ice crystals around the main spring is thus eliminated.
Rotating swivel
With this feature, all inter-stage pressure hoses attached with the swivel have the ability
to rotate in the best possible position to optimize hose distribution and lessen jaw fatigue.
High pressure ports
All rst stages are equipped with at least one high pressure port. More sophisticated rst
stages are equipped with two high pressure ports, allowing a submersible pressure gauge,
computer hose or transmitter to be positioned on the right or left side of the diver according to
preference and/or correct transmitter orientation.
Intermediate pressure ports
The availability of 4 or 5 intermediate pressure ports enables the connection of equipment
such as an octopus second stage, buoyancy compensator, dry suit hose or other accessories.
HFPorts
The HFPs (High Flow Ports) deliver a 15% higher capacity than standard low-pressure ports.
The MK11 features two HFP ports, the MK17 EVO has four, and the MK25 EVO and the
MK19EVO each have ve.
DINorINTconnection
SCUBAPRO rst stages are available with different tank valve connections: