Adding a right shoulder dump valve on a wing?

[Olalj123]

So, in my third year of diving I'm thinking of upgrading my equipment. I'm in the process of buying a dry suit right now (Otter Brittanic Superskin, made to measure (too many beers...).

However, I'm also thinking of going the harness-backplate-wing route. Most wings don't seem to have any dump valve on the right shoulder. I tend to use that dump valve quite a lot and feel that I would miss it.

I've seen that OMS have wings with a right shoulder dump valve and I like their IQ-harness that can be used with or without a metal plate (I'm thinking about luggage weight...).

However they don't have one on their smallest wing for some reason. As I'm at the moment a single cylinder diver the smallest wing is what I'll need.

So, after this rather lengthy introduction it's time for the question: Is it difficult to add a right shoulder dump valve or will any competent dive shop be able to do it?

Thans for any input

Olalj123

 

[Teller]

The only thing that comes to mind is switching the inflator hose to one of the bottom dump valves as many sidemount divers do. I dont think that would be very practical for a small wing for singles. I am sure someone could add the valve for you but it seems like alot of hassle for such a small reward. One of the biggest benefits to diving a BP/W is it cleanliness and it being so streamline. Adding a valve to it, if it can be done is just adding a failure point in my opinion. Either way good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[DevonDiver]

Most wings don't have right-side shoulder dumps because.... uuhh.... they don't need them

The design of a wing tends to encourage much easier air migration around the bladder. Thus, it is much more effective to dump from the existing valves. Rear (left-side) hip valves tend to get the most use during the dive - as BP&W tends to encourage (proper) horizontal trim...and the rear dump is most effective for this when horizontal.

My advice would be to get a few dives logged in a BP&W... get familiar with how it functions... before making alterations that would otherwise fundamentally interfere with the integrity of the bladder.

Switching to a BP&W requires a diver to let go of many presumptions that they otherwise retain from using jacket style BCDs. This is one of them

 

[Olalj123]

Ok, Thanks! I'll have to give it a try but some (bad?) habits die hard...

Olalj123

 

[buddhasummer]

Totally agree with DevonDiver. When I made the switch from BC to BP/W I initially found it strange as my wing didn't have a pull dump, very quickly I became accustomed to using the lower pull dump and now it's what I almost exclusively use. Good Luck.

 

[halocline]

I'd reconsider the OMS idea, in favor of a manufacturer that has a good customer service reputation, like deep sea supply, oxycheq, halcyon, dive rite, actually almost anyone other than OMS.....it's not a surprise to me that their wings have an extra dump valve, as they seem to always figure out a way to screw up the design of something.

One thing that technical divers learn is to add/dump air with the left hand only, leaving the right hand for other tasks. That's why the hip dump is always on the left in 'proper' wings. Even though you might have no interest in technical diving, it's very handy to train yourself so that buoyancy adjustments always happen with the left hand. Like, for instance, when you're holding a light in your right hand.

I'd also think again about prioritizing luggage weight over performance; if you're using a drysuit you'll probably be much happier with a steel plate.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

In addition adding a right shoulder dump would not be something I would want a shop to do. That's a original mfg job to me. Cutting the shell of the wing, then cutting the bladder. Welding the dump to the bladder, sealing it, then hoping the hole in the wing lines up with where you just put the valve? Nah, not worth the effort.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

 

[DevonDiver]

. Even though you might have no interest in technical diving, it's very handy to train yourself so that buoyancy adjustments always happen with the left hand. Like, for instance, when you're holding a light in your right hand.

Or camera.... or reel.... or OOA buddy

Running an ascent (or even a whole dive) with one hand only, is a very educational experience.