Dry Suit Exhaust Valve........where's best?

[melfox26]

I'm in the process of purchasing a drysuit. Those of you that dive dry, is your exhaust valve on your upper arm near your shoulder or near your wrist? I know it comes standard for the valve to be near the shoulder but I've heard that it's better for it to be near the wrist for easier venting. What's your take on this?

Mel

 

[nickjb]

The two common options are an auto dump on the shoulder or a lift dump near the wrist.

An auto dump will dump air automatically as long as your shoulder is the highest point a lift dump will dump air when you raise your arm.

I found the lift dump easier to start with as it is a positive action and a lot like using a BCD dump. I found having to wiggle my shoulder to make sure it was high a bit un-natural initially. Now i am more used to it is definitely the better option. You will also get a damp patch on your arm with a lift dump.