INNOVATION
A New Approach to 2nd Stages: The Technology Behind PLANET 88X Regulator by Gil Zeimer , ScubaStoryteller.com and Zeimer.com, San Rafael, CA
M ARES HEAD WATERSPORTS has introduced what may be one of the most significant regulator innovations in decades with the launch of the PLANET 88X. Devel- oped through years of research and testing, the system challenges long-standing assumptions about how second stages should function and what “natural breathing” underwater can feel like. The PLANET 88X was unveiled to the industry at the DEMA Show, where it quickly became one of the most discussed products on the show floor. According to Mares leadership, interest from dive operators, retailers, and professionals was im- mediate and sustained throughout the event, with attendees fre- quently lining up multiple deep to learn more about the new design and its applications. At the heart of the PLANET 88X is a fundamental departure from traditional balanced second-stage mechanisms. Rethinking the Second Stage: The PLANET 88X re- places conventional mechanical springs with an all-metal pneu- matic valve system known as Airmatic Technology. This de- sign uses air suspension rather than mechanical resistance to regulate airflow, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and effortless breathing sensation. Test divers have consistently described the experience as
than 500 dives during development and validation. Fewer Parts, Greater Reliability: One of the most striking aspects of the PLANET 88X second stage is its internal simplicity. Where traditional balanced second stages often rely on ten or more internal components, the PLANET system uses just four core elements: A seat ▪ A rubber sealing pad ▪ A single dynamic O-ring ▪ A pressure chamber ▪ This reduction in complexity delivers several practical advantages. With no springs to adjust, the regulator maintains consistent performance over time and requires significantly less fine-tuning during service. The simplified architecture also improves long- term reliability and minimizes performance degradation caused by wear.
Air delivery is further en- hanced by Vortex Assisted De- sign (VAD), ensuring power- ful, responsive breathing across a wide range of depths and conditions – from shallow
tropical reefs to deep, cold wreck environments. Patents and Field Validation: The PLANET 88X incorporates multiple layers of intellectual property protection. In addition
breathing “as if the air were simply there,” a sensation the company refers to as Natural Breathing 2.0. Unlike conven- tional regulators, where inhalation begins against spring tension, the PLANET 88X eliminates that initial resistance al- together. The system was developed by Dr. Sergio Angelini, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer at Mares and a long-time regulator en- gineer. His work on spring-less regulator
to early foundational patents related to spring-less regulator concepts, the current Airmatic system is supported by three new, independent patents. The technology has been field-tested for more than two years and across thousands of dives before reaching commercial release, reinforcing its readiness for real-world use in both recreational and professional set- tings. Second Stage Design Benefits: The
concepts dates back more than two decades and builds on foun- dational ideas originally explored during his tenure at SCUBAPRO. Angelini considers the PLANET 88X to represent the most important advance in regulator technology since the invention of the Aqua-Lung in 1943 by Jacques Cousteau and Émile Gagnan. Since 2021, the technology has been used on more
PLANET second stage integrates several functional features aimed at usability, durability, and extreme-condition performance, including: Pneumatic valve operation for minimal breathing effort ▪ All-metal construction suitable for cold water environ- ▪ ments
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