THE PISTON TECHNOLOGY
The general advantage of a piston-based first stage lies in its reliability and reduced maintenance requirements, due to an effective but simpler mechanism with less moving parts. More importantly, no other design can reach the high air delivery rate of a balanced piston controlled first stage.
Air balanced flow-through piston
First stages with air balanced pistons deliver significantly more air to the second stage than any other first stage, while their performance is totally unaffected by the changing tank pressure. A balanced piston 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 flow, especially in low tank pressure ranges. The tired diver benefits from of a smoother breathing regulator during the ascent or deco stop. Balanced piston first stages are the first choice of demanding sport divers and professionals. A balanced piston performs equally in both warm and cold water environments. The SCUBAPRO MK25 first stage uses this technology.
Balanced-piston first stages are the first choice of demanding deep sport divers and professionals. First stages with air balanced pistons deliver significantly more air to the second stage than any other first stage, while their performance is totally unaffected by changing tank pressure and depth. A balanced piston allows the use of lighter and more sensitive components, resulting in an ultra-fast breathing response, instant delivery of air on demand and extra-high air flow, especially in low tank pressure ranges.