Figure1 shows a meter-in circuit with control of extend stroke. The inlet flow into the cylinder is controlled using a flow-control valve. In the return stroke, however, the fluid can bypass the needle valve and flow through the check valve and hence the return speed is not controlled. This implies that the extending speed of the cylinder is controlled whereas the retracing speed is not.

Meter in circuit not for overrunning loads.

The expanding air/ oil speeds up cylinder movement, causing it to lunge forward. This increased speed moves the piston faster than the incoming air / oil can fill the space behind it, so pressure drops to less than it takes to keep it moving and the cylinder stops.