Natural Breathing

Mares second stages feature VAD Technology. This revolutionary patented delivery system creates a low pressure inside the 2nd stage during inhalation. The gas coming from the LP-hose passes through the second stage valve and is routed directly to the mouthpiece through our Mares patented bypass tube.
Innovative molding technology, allows Mares to achieve special contours of the bypass tube, resulting in a flow of gas that creates a swirling effect or vortex movement. The core of the vortex is a low-pressure area that pulls the diaphragm down during the inhalation phase, resulting in a markedly sensitive and easy breathing regulator.

Compared with the traditional Venturi effect technology that all other regulators in the market are based on, our ingenious solution has a number of advantages:

  • Allows for the feel of natural breathing. You do not have the feeling of air being “injected” into your mouth, as in many other types of second stages.
  • The possibility of freezing the 2nd stage mechanical parts in cold water is considerably reduced because the air expansion inside the 2nd stage occurs in the bypass tube, rather than on the mechanical parts.

Ultimately minimizing potential free-flow due to freezing. Many models of Mares regulators with VAD 2nd stages are approved and used by Rescue Agencies, Military Divisions, including the U.S. Navy, for dives in extreme conditions and especially cold water.