Regulator 1st Stages

Regulator First Stages

A regulator first stage is needed if you require a cold water configuration, meaning a regulator with two first stages, or if you want to replace a defective first stage.

Regulator First Stages from Renowned Manufacturers

In our online dive shop, you will find suitable first stages for every regulator we offer, from various manufacturers we work with, including high-quality Mares regulators, Apeks regulators, Scubapro regulators, Atomic regulators, and Aqualung regulators.

Learn more in our guide "Which Regulator Is the Best? And Which One Is Best for Me?"

High-Quality First Stages in Various Performance Levels

Just like with complete regulators, there are different performance levels for first stages as well. From small, lightweight first stages for occasional holiday dives to high-performance first stages for technical diving, meant for deep and demanding dives, you will find everything in our online dive shop.

Frost-Resistant First Stages for Cold Water Regulators

An important feature when choosing the first stage is its cold water suitability. Cold water doesn't always mean the Arctic; you should use a frost-resistant first stage in water below 12°C. And 12°C can be quickly reached, especially in German lakes, when considering the deeper water layers below the thermocline. Therefore, always be mindful of the cold water suitability of the stage you plan to dive with. In this area, it's clear - more is more, as it never hurts to dive with a cold water suitable first stage in warm water, but it's absolutely dangerous to dive in cold water with a non-frost-resistant first stage.

Optimal for cold water are dry-sealed first stages, which are completely isolated from the environment, ensuring that the internal components never come into contact with water. While these stages are generally more expensive, they are more durable overall because the sensitive inner components are always protected from water and contamination.

Learn more in our guide "Why Does a Regulator Freeze? Everything About Cold Water Regulators and Cold Water Configurations"

Piston-controlled First Stage or Membrane-controlled First Stage

The design of the first stage is also crucial for the functionality of the regulator. First stages come in two different designs - piston-driven first stages and membrane-driven first stages. As a new diver, you won't notice a significant difference because both designs are now advanced and very efficient. Therefore, the old myths about membrane-driven first stages delivering poor air supply do not hold true for new, high-quality regulators! There's also hardly any difference in size.

Generally, with piston-driven first stages, remember that they are not protected against water ingress. With a membrane-driven stage, a membrane isolates the internal mechanism from water, making the latter better protected against freezing.

Membrane-driven stages are always internally isolated from water ingress, although they can often be slightly larger and heavier - but the difference is hardly noticeable.

On the other hand, piston-driven first stages are often considered more robust and reliable because they consist of fewer moving internal parts, making them less prone to defects. However, the likelihood of failure in a regularly maintained and properly cared-for regulator is very low in both systems.

There are pros and cons to both systems - you can find more information to help your decision in our guide "Piston-Driven or Membrane-Driven? Balanced, Unbalanced, VIVA, DIN, DFC... Shedding Light on Regulator Jargon!"

Tailored Regulator Advice

If you're still unsure, feel free to give us a call; we also offer tailored telephone advice.