Converting Sitech Shoulder Dump to Cuff Dump – Tips Needed

[ZenHscuba]

Hi all,

I’m thinking about relocating the Sitech shoulder dump valve on my drysuit and replacing it with a cuff dump instead.

My goals are:
- Easier air release during ascent
- More controllable venting using arm positioning


I’d love to hear from anyone who has done this mod:
- Is it just a matter of unscrewing the shoulder valve and reinstalling it at the cuff using the same port?
- Do I need to reinforce the wrist area or use a specific type of valve port?
- Any tips for placement, comfort, or suit integrity?

Any suggestions or photos from similar mods would be appreciated. Thanks!

– ZenHscuba

 

[grantmac]

I have both and recommend you learn to use the shoulder dump.

 

[happy-diver]

Find an easier than factory position, between the shoulder and the elbow
Too much air going up too quick lift your arm dumps out the cuff anyway

 

[ZenHscuba]

I have both and recommend you learn to use the shoulder dump.

Thank you. I’ll try it!

 

[ZenHscuba]

Find an easier than factory position, between the shoulder and the elbow
Too much air going up too quick lift your arm dumps out the cuff anyway

Thanks for the advice.
I’m thinking of placing the valve on the outside, between the elbow and the wrist.

 

[happy-diver]

Think what you like and when you find yourself jerking around unnecessarily to dump air
it will only be another patch to glue to move it

SC 2000 is far more potent than SC 4000

 

[FF / EMT]

The cuff dump is lower profile than the shoulder dump.
It’s a different valve.
Here’s the only picture I can find of someone I dive with that has one, they like it, but I think he may get a little water in it from time to time
I don’t think it’s adjustable either.
They use an Apeks cuff dump, it appears northern diver makes an adjustable one

 

[ZenHscuba]

The cuff dump is lower profile than the shoulder dump.
It’s a different valve.
Here’s the only picture I can find of someone I dive with that has one, they like it, but I think he may get a little water in it from time to time
I don’t think it’s adjustable either

I see. Thanks for the advice!

 

[FF / EMT]

I see. Thanks for the advice!

I edited my post after you quoted to add info about apeks

 

[Edward3c]

A cuff-dumb is a different valve, much lower profile so it doesn't snag. Moving the auto-dumb to the wrist, could, create a snag hazard. As the lower arm has less free play inside the suit, I suggest you use a dedicated cuff-dumb, it will be more comfortable.

If you’re having trouble dumbing gas from your suit with an auto-dumb, moving to a cuff-dumb isn’t going to solve your gas dumping issue. The auto-dumb should work without your intervention, a cuff-dumb requires you to raise your arm (which may not be convenient, depending on what your carrying). Also it will dumb every time you raise your arm.