Question Drysuit Undergarment DuctTape???

[conallmeehan44]

Hello all, I dive a trilaminate drysuit with the fourth element trousers and top. On some dives I’ve had trouble with uncontrolled ascents caused by me struggling to vent air using my drysuit. I saw some suggestions that it may be the undergarment bunching up and blocking the dump valve and that this could be fixed by putting duct tape on the left shoulder of the undergarment top. I was just wondering if anyone has experienced a problem similar to this and if the duct tape method was any help? Any response is much appreciated, all the best.

 

[missionmtb]

https://a.co/d/5NfBn7T

Click it, I dare you (it's a compression sleeve on Amazon).

 

[conallmeehan44]

https://a.co/d/5NfBn7T

Click it, I dare you (it's a compression sleeve on Amazon).

Is this what you use?

 

[inquis]

Typically it's the fuzzy, fleece material that might have an issue. I've never had an issue (or heard of anyone) with the 4th Element fabrics.

Are you manually pressing the vent, or is it unscrewed/open so it will auto-vent if you tilt to the right (putting the vent at the highest point)? Also, is the vent on the outside of the upper arm (easier to dump) or directly on your bicep?

 

[happy-diver]

struggling to vent air

Can you see how your undergarment if pressed against the nut of the dump valve will restrict or block it

so something flat and smoothe will resist plugging the holes

My drysuit had No dump I vented through a cuff and made sport of chasing my glove when I blew it off

 

[conallmeehan44]

Typically it's the fuzzy, fleece material that might have an issue. I've never had an issue (or heard of anyone) with the 4th Element fabrics.

Are you manually pressing the vent, or is it unscrewed/open so it will auto-vent if you tilt to the right (putting the vent at the highest point)? Also, is the vent on the outside of the upper arm (easier to dump) or directly on your bicep?

The vent is on the outside of the arm and always left open.

 

[Edward3c]

The vent is on the outside of the arm and always left open.

Some valves even when open need a help by pressing the button.

From your dive count, you’re still learning when to start dumping. I think it took over 100 dives to be comfortable ascending by not leaving it too long. Also, when did you last do a weight check, being overweighted means you’re air bubble is bigger.

 

[inquis]

The vent is on the outside of the arm and always left open.

In that case, I'd say start dumping sooner and more often. Think about it: the suit buoyancy is the same when the vent stops venting, so just keep it at that point for the most part. Initiate ascent with a larger breath, keep the suit venting, and let the wing volume drive the ascent . Blip the wing vent to maintain the desired ascent speed (exactly like wetsuit diving).