Drysuit Exhaust more difficult then previous suits

[ZenHscuba]

Hey There,

Looking for thoughts from more experienced drysuit divers then myself.

I recently bought a new drysuit, with a si tech exhaust valve, and it seems like I'm really having to work to get it to vent.

On ascents with it fully open, with the valve at the highest point it refuses to exhaust much of any air. The only way I seem to be able to get it to exhaust any significant amount is to raise my arm straight up, let it fill with air, then chicken wing while my right hand squeezes my left shoulder a bit, which then causes it to dump air well. Rinse and repeat this the whole way up.

Previous suits I have rented I have had zero issues with just leaning to the right a bit, raising my left arm and letting the extra air exhaust easily.

The under suit is a bz400, I'm thinking that might be part of the problem, but wanted to get some other opinions or suggestions!

Which drysuit are you using?
I’ve been having similar issue too.

 

[ZenHscuba]

I did put some tape on the under suit, that didn't seem to make a difference. What do you mean by put elastic around my arm though. Do you mean make a loop of bungie and put outside the suit past the valve on my arm? If so that might be an interesting thing to try, force the air to build up more near the valve then continue past into my forearm.

Just to clarify, I'm getting the bubble to the valve. I have a huge bubble right under the valve and no vent unless I physically squeeze the bubble. (the valve is very much fully open, that isn't a question lol)


Its a dive rite 901, the valve is located in the standard location, if you look at the pics at the link below thats where the valve is on mine.

901 Series Drysuit - Dive Rite | Equipment for Serious Divers

Lightweight and durable, the 901 Series Drysuit will provide you with guaranteed comfort during your diving adventures. The 901 is made from a trilaminate material that is about thirty percent lighter than common drysuit fabrics while maintaining the same strength. Areas that are susceptible to...

www.diverite.com

@Boarderguy it is very much possible the valve itself is having issues, I may get to the stage of replacement, not sure I trust myself to take the valve apart haha but could try if I can find a video guide.

I think it’s really a matter of valve positioning.
If the valve isn’t located on the outside of the upper arm, it just won’t vent when you raise your arm.

 

[Luke99]

I think it’s really a matter of valve positioning.
If the valve isn’t located on the outside of the upper arm, it just won’t vent when you raise your arm.

It is, im considering having it moved. Its a Diverite 901 suit. The way the material falls the valve is facing far too forward. I have been twisting the sleeve a bit when I put it on and also pushing the valve with my right hand to get it to vent and also sometimes squeezing my shoulder a bit.

very annoying and not something I want to have to be dealing with as i move towards more technical diving so may either move it or get a wrist valve installed. Id rather not go to the wrist option though if i can avoid it.

 

[happy-diver]

Don't worry about it keep using it put in some ankle dumps too, another few months it'll be a year

 

[ZenHscuba]

It is, im considering having it moved. Its a Diverite 901 suit. The way the material falls the valve is facing far too forward. I have been twisting the sleeve a bit when I put it on and also pushing the valve with my right hand to get it to vent and also sometimes squeezing my shoulder a bit.

very annoying and not something I want to have to be dealing with as i move towards more technical diving so may either move it or get a wrist valve installed. Id rather not go to the wrist option though if i can avoid it.

Some Japanese drysuits have the exhaust valve placed between the elbow and the wrist. I think this is the best position. However, they are made of neoprene.

 

[ZenHscuba]

Don't worry about it keep using it put in some ankle dumps too, another few months it'll be a year

Fair enough.

 

[crofrog]

It is, im considering having it moved. Its a Diverite 901 suit. The way the material falls the valve is facing far too forward. I have been twisting the sleeve a bit when I put it on and also pushing the valve with my right hand to get it to vent and also sometimes squeezing my shoulder a bit.

very annoying and not something I want to have to be dealing with as i move towards more technical diving so may either move it or get a wrist valve installed. Id rather not go to the wrist option though if i can avoid it.

I’d say just get use to it. I’ve got suits with the valves in both places and while i prefer the valve to be in the cave position. It’s not a big deal if it’s a bit forward just requires you to be more deliberate with dumping. In someways I like it better because it holds a bigger, warmer, bubble in the suit.

 

[grantmac]

Consider your undergarments some do block valves. Mostly just dive more to learn how your suit works.