Drysuit exhaust valve poking the arm

[Matt S.]

This actually happened to my wife... the exhaust valve on her Bare D6 kind of pokes her in the arm, producing a bruise. (This was even apparent above water, so it isn't a squeeze issue.)

We weren't wearing thick insulation under our suits, so a different top would help... but I may need to pad the pokey plastic inside part of valve too. Has anyone ever tried this? I was thinking about a square of neoprene, like you see covering the inside of the chest-mount inflator valve. Obviously I don't want to impair the exhaust function though. Any ideas?

 

[Diver0001]

I don't think covering the valve with anything that could inhibit it's functioning is a good idea. Try a different top first.

R..

 

[terrasmak]

I get that from my inflater on my suit , i may start looking for a more low profile that the stock Bare inflater. I get a nice bruise everytime i dive.

 

[MSilvia]

You might try cutting a neoprene ring and glueing it so that it encircles the underside of the valve instead of covering it. It should cushion the poking without obstructing airflow to the dump.

 

[Bob3]

There are many different styles/designs of valves, how about a pic of the offending critter?
You may be able to replace the backside of the valve with a less "pokey" design for just a couple bucks.
If I recall correctly, Bare uses Si Tech valves, don't they?
Suit makers "usually" brag about using Si Tech valves but there was no mention on their website.

 

[Matt S.]

It's definitely an SI-Tech valve. The offending part is just a plastic disc, probably less than 1/2" tall. I'm not sure why it's a problem, it's just something about the way the suit hangs on her.

I'll have to look at it while it's on at home. Maybe a pad the same shape as the valve would work; I think all the vents are actually on the sides of the disc, not the bottom.

Thanks everyone.