Mares PLANET 88X TBP Launch: Airmatic Regulator Now at Mike’s Dive Store – Mikes Dive Store

Available Now at Mike’s Dive Store

The future of regulator engineering has officially arrived. After over two years of development, testing and anticipation, Mares has today revealed the PLANET 88X TBP - the first-ever scuba regulator system powered by Airmatic Technology, a ground-breaking pneumatic design that eliminates traditional mechanical springs entirely.

Unveiled to the public for the first time on 12 December 2025, this regulator represents the most significant shift in breathing technology in modern diving. From structural simplicity to unmatched breathing comfort, the PLANET 88X TBP introduces what Mares calls Natural Breathing 2.0 - a sensation so smooth, divers describe it as “breathing as if the air were simply there.”

Now available at Mike’s Dive Store, the PLANET 88X TBP stands at the forefront of a new era of underwater breathing.

Airmatic: A Once-in-a-Century Innovation Has Arrived

For decades, the core mechanics of second-stage regulators have remained relatively unchanged. Springs, levers, and adjustable mechanical components have controlled the breathing process - reliable, yes, but inherently limited.

Airmatic Technology changes everything.

Instead of mechanical springs, Mares uses the regulator’s intermediate pressure to drive a purely pneumatic valve. This redesign removes friction, wear-prone components, and mechanical resistance, creating a breakthrough in breathing performance.

What Does This Mean for Divers?

Effortless inhalation with virtually zero resistance
Unmatched smoothness and responsiveness
Exceptionally consistent performance at any depth
Fewer mechanical parts means fewer failure points
Long-term reliability with minimal servicing needs

Dr. Sergio Angelini, Mares Chief Technology Officer and inventor of the system, describes it best:

“Airmatic represents a quantum leap in regulator technology - a once-in-a-hundred-years invention. Higher breathing comfort, utter simplicity, reliability and ease of maintenance.”

For a deeper technical look at this innovation, explore our detailed guide:
➡ Understanding Airmatic Technology: The Future of Effortless Underwater Breathing — Read Blog

Introducing the PLANET 88X TBP Regulator System

Today’s launch marks the global debut of the complete regulator system built to showcase Airmatic at its full potential.

The PLANET 2nd Stage brings Airmatic to life.
The 88X TBP 1st Stage ensures stable, cold-water-ready, high-performance delivery in any environment.

Together, they create a regulator engineered for divers who demand uncompromising performance.

PLANET Second Stage: Engineered for Natural Breathing 2.0

The PLANET second stage is the first to eliminate traditional springs entirely, replacing them with a pneumatic valve system for unmatched responsiveness and consistency.

Key Technologies

Airmatic Technology

Pneumatic valve design, no mechanical springs
Zero friction, zero mechanical wear
Uninterrupted, natural-feeling airflow
Stable performance across all depths and conditions

VAD - Vortex Assisted Design

Air is directed through a bypass tube, generating a stable vortex around the diaphragm.
The result?

Faster response
Smooth, powerful inhalation
Consistent breathing effort

Learn more in our dedicated technology spotlight:
➡ Mares VAD Technology: Elevating the Scuba Breathing Experience - Read Blog

All-Metal Construction

The PLANET 2nd stage features Mares’ premium nickel-plated brass body for maximum thermal conductivity.
Benefits include:

Superior cold-water performance
Reduced risk of icing
Greater durability and longevity

Read more:
➡ Mares All Metal Technology: Durability and Performance - Read Blog

Additional Features

Side-mounted pivoting purge for easy operation
Manual override button to modulate airflow
Lightweight Superflex hose
High airflow engineering for deep-water performance

88X TBP First Stage: Built for the Harshest Environments

Paired with the PLANET second stage is the 88X TBP - Mares’ most advanced first stage to date.

This cold-water-ready powerhouse features a fully environmentally sealed twin-piston system designed for reliability in extreme conditions.

Key Technologies

TBP - Twin Balanced Piston Dry Kit

Fully sealed to prevent ice formation
Engineered for deep, cold, and contaminated water
Meets NORSOK U-101 cold-water standards

AST - Auto Sealing Technology

Automatically closes when disconnected
Prevents water and debris entry
No action required from the diver

Natural DFC - Dynamic Flow Control

Optimises airflow through all LP ports for unmatched delivery during high-demand breathing.

Additional Premium Features

Pearl chrome metal body for durability
Swivel turret with 4 radial LP ports
Additional 5th vertical LP port for technical routing
2 HP ports with optimised 10° angle
OPV – Overpressure Valve for system protection
Hexagonal DIN wheel for improved grip even with gloves

Specifications Overview

Category	Details
Material	All Metal Technology
Finish	Pearl Chrome
1st Stage Type	Balanced Diaphragm
1st Stage Weight (DIN)	786 g
2nd Stage Weight	327 g
Total Weight (DIN)	1245 g
HP Ports	2 x 7/16” UNF
LP Ports	4 radial + 1 vertical
Hose	75 cm Superflex

Why the PLANET 88X TBP Matters

1. The Most Natural Breathing Ever Achieved

Airmatic delivers breathing so smooth divers say it feels like inhaling on the surface.

2. Revolutionary Simplicity

The second stage contains just three core components:

A seat
A rubber sealing pad
One O-ring

There is simply less to fail, less to service, and less to maintain.

3. Field-Tested Across Thousands of Dives

Over two years of testing has confirmed:

Consistent performance
Excellent reliability
Superior cold-water resilience
Minimal maintenance needs

4. Made for Every Diver

From new recreational divers to professional explorers, this regulator adapts seamlessly to any environment.

Servicing Made Simple

Mares recommends a service interval of:

Every 2 years or
Every 200 dives

Airmatic dramatically simplifies maintenance:

No spring tuning
No lever balancing
No complex calibrations

A technician simply replaces the sealing pad and O-ring.

Who Is the PLANET 88X TBP For?

Recreational Divers

Looking for easy breathing, comfort and reliability.

Technical Divers

Needing consistent performance in deep, cold or demanding environments.

Cold-Water Divers (UK, Norway, Canada, etc.)

Thanks to all-metal construction, TBP sealing and excellent thermal exchange.

Travel Divers

Lightweight hose, dependable engineering, low maintenance requirements.

Dive Professionals

Expecting reliability and consistent performance shift after shift.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

1. What makes Airmatic different from a traditional second stage?
It replaces mechanical springs with a pneumatic valve driven by intermediate pressure, reducing friction and delivering unmatched smoothness.

2. Is the PLANET 88X TBP suitable for cold water?
Yes. The all-metal design and TBP sealing provide exceptional cold-water performance.

3. Does it freeflow easily?
No. The pneumatic system is highly stable, and VAD stabilises airflow even in strong currents.

4. What is the servicing interval?
2 years or 200 dives.

5. Is servicing more complicated than regular regulators?
It’s actually simpler. Only two components are replaced. No tuning required.

6. Can I use it for technical diving setups?
Yes - the 88X TBP includes multiple LP routing options ideal for DIR or sidemount setups.

7. Is there an INT version?
Yes. The regulator is available in both DIN and INT configurations.

8. Does the regulator work well in warm-water diving?
Absolutely - Airmatic provides smooth breathing in all environments.

9. Is the purge button easy to operate with gloves?
Yes. It uses a large side-mounted pivoting design for easier access.

10. Does Airmatic improve gas efficiency?
It doesn’t reduce consumption but reduces breathing effort, making dives feel more effortless.

11. Is the 2nd stage heavy?
No - despite the all-metal body, it is surprisingly well-balanced and paired with a Superflex hose.

12. What accessories are compatible?
Any standard 3/8” LP hose, octopus, or SPG setup.

13. Is this regulator suitable for beginners?
Yes - its ease of use and natural breathing make it ideal for new divers.

14. Is the PLANET compatible with nitrox?
Yes - up to 40% enriched air out of the box.

15. Can I book a video consultation to discuss configuration?
Yes - Mike’s Dive Store offers expert consultations.

16. Will this regulator replace current Mares models?
Airmatic adds a new tier, but existing models remain in the line.

17. Can I travel with it safely?
Yes - the sealed TBP system protects the internals from contaminants.

18. What is Natural Breathing 2.0?
Airmatic’s term for extremely smooth, natural-feeling inhalation.

19. Does it breathe differently at depth?
Very little difference - one of its greatest advantages.

20. Why is the regulator called “PLANET”?
Because it represents Mares’ next evolutionary step in global regulator engineering.

Explore Supporting Technologies

Deep dive into the engineering behind the PLANET system:

➡ Understanding Airmatic Technology: The Future of Effortless Underwater Breathing — Read Blog
➡ Mares VAD Technology: Elevating the Scuba Breathing Experience — Read Blog
➡ Mares All Metal Technology: Durability and Performance — Read Blog

Experience the Future of Breathing Underwater

The Mares PLANET 88X TBP is more than a new regulator.
It’s a complete reinvention of how divers connect with the air they breathe.

Whether you’re exploring coral shallows, deep wrecks or ice-laden lakes, this is the regulator built for the next era of diving - one defined by reliability, innovation, and effortless breathing.