Cuff versus Shoulder Auto Dump - Your opinions please

[Heads Up]

My dry suit has a cuff dump and it is the only type I have had any experience of. I am interested in your opinions please as to the pros and cons of the shoulder dumps.

Cheers

 

[Kevin]

I have only used cuff dumps myself but my buddy has recently had an additional cuff dump fitted so that he does not have to rely on the auto dump because of several problems which he had in not being able to get the air out and therefore racing to the surface in an uncntrolled ascent.

 

[LesleyDSO]

I've used both. My current drysuit has a shoulder dump. It can be used on lock or manual mode. On manual, it will dump by itself, or if I press the button. On lock it will not dump unless I press the button. The location of the valve really hasn't bothered me. I do, however, like the fact that I can dump faster by pressing the button, than the cuff dump used to do by itself (if you get my drift).

 

[Heads Up]

Good comments from you both - many thanks

 

[WetDane]

I have a shoulder dump and I think it is nice - particular since I can make more arm movements without accidentally dumping air.

Dane

 

[Lost Yooper]

I have a shoulder dump that dump automatically pretty good. Some valves are so good and don't dump fast enough. A good shoulder dump offers completely hands free operation. I'm not too familiar with the cuff exhaust, but you have to raise your hand above the rest of the suit to dump, right? Well, what if you need this hand/arm in an emergency situation (something unexpected). With mine, I don't even know it's dumping -- it's a none issue.

Mike