cuff dump vs. shoulder variable exhaust

[lamont]

I just got a divingconcepts suit and am totally pleased with it so far with one exception. I asked for a cuff dump and got a shoulder variable exhaust. So the dillema that I'm faced with is weither or not to ask to get it fixed. This is compounded by the fact that this is my first drysuit and I don't know which way I like it. I was just guessing that I'd want a cuff dump since all the cool kids seem to be getting their drysuits that way. Is it worth it to make a fuss over this? There's the general principle of the thing, but I'm perfectly willing to compromise my general principles if it means I don't have to be without the suit -- I'm itching to start using it a lot and don't want to see it go back to the shop. Anyone got some advice?

 

[Scubakevdm]

Are variable exhaust dumps really something that should be discussed on a family orientated board?

 

[SDAnderson]

...all the cool kids seem to be getting their drysuits that way.

I can hear your mother now...

Besides, all the cool kids aren't getting their drysuits that way. Cuff dumps enjoyed a period of experimental popularity but they get in the way and are passe technology. If you insist on being swayed by peer pressure, even the WKPP folks have abandoned them in favor of shoulder placement.

You got lucky, count your blessings.

 

[Snowbear]

The "shoulder" dump on my DC suit is actually a bicep dump - my arm just does NOT want to contort enough to effectively dump without a partial roll to the right. But hey - that's better than when it wasn't working and I had to roll AND manually depress the valve to dump gas!

On the other hand - by not having a cuff dump - I can raise my hand to let gas in my glove. That shot of warm is niiiiiice

 

[diver_paula]

Stay with the shoulder dump. I too have the Diving Concepts dry suit and love it. Except I have the cuff dump and hate it. When I want to dump I almost have to go vertical at times. Not something I want to do when diving horizontally along the deck of a schooner at depth.

Of course it is personal preference. Perhaps the dive shop has a couple rentals you can try to make your own decision. One with cuff and one with shoulder.

Paula

 

[glbirch]

I was just guessing that I'd want a cuff dump since all the cool kids seem to be getting their drysuits that way.

And for a while, all the "cool kids" were smoking too.

My last drysuit had a shoulder dump, and for years I thought that I would want a cuff dump. Finally tried one, and guess what? My new drysuit has a shoulder dump. Didn't see any great advantage to the cuff. Just seemed to take up space. Personal choice though. Like diver_paula said, see if you can try a suit with a cuff dump. Then you'll know if you're missing anything

Mind you, no harm in talking to your LDS if this isn't what you asked for. Best case, it could get you a discount on the suit or a freebie of some sort.

 

[lamont]

it sounds like at best i actually lucked out because i was making a bad decision and at worst its a matter of personal taste, which i simply don't know enough to have yet. i'll stick with the shoulder and see how it works out...

 

[Bob3]

There are 2 types of cuff dumps; one is just a "normal" exhaust valve moved down onto the forearm, where the darn thing will always be getting in the way.
The other is a non-adjustable that automatically drains all the air out of your suit whenever the arm gets raised, something that I find unacceptable for obvious reasons.
Like you said, it looks like luck was with you. Better run out & grab a lottery ticket.

 

[Tygh]

I have a Diving Concepts suit with cuff dump. I do like that the valve is small, but I think I will go with a shoulder dump on my next suit. Every time I vent my bc (I use it for buoyancy control), I end up dumping some air from my suit.

 

[pipedope]

Lots of the things I do underwater call for me to reach into small holes or feel around in the bottom muck.

This is reason enough to keep the exhaust valve on the upper arm, for me.