Dump Valve on DUI suits

[HKRacing]

Hey there, just had to respond to this question. This problem with the DUI "Low Profile" exhaust valve which is made by apeks is a common problem with quite a few people. Not everyone, but most of the people I know that have purchased newer DUI suits are experiencing this problem to some extent. My partner and I ordered two S.S. CLX-450's last September and both brand new suits had the same problem; slow venting and leaking. We had to have the velves several clicks closed to prevent the leaks. My Dad just got his suit with the same occurance. Sorry but this is more than a coincidence. After many threads on the subject here at Scubaboard and also TheDecoStop.com, we took others advice and ordered the "older" high profile valve. They have been flawless from day one with no leaks and they also vent air much more efficiently. On a side note, when yoou order a signature suit, you can specify that you want the high profile valve and it will be included no charge.

 

[CALI68]

Hey there, just had to respond to this question. This problem with the DUI "Low Profile" exhaust valve which is made by apeks is a common problem with quite a few people. Not everyone, but most of the people I know that have purchased newer DUI suits are experiencing this problem to some extent. My partner and I ordered two S.S. CLX-450's last September and both brand new suits had the same problem; slow venting and leaking. We had to have the velves several clicks closed to prevent the leaks. My Dad just got his suit with the same occurance. Sorry but this is more than a coincidence. After many threads on the subject here at Scubaboard and also TheDecoStop.com, we took others advice and ordered the "older" high profile valve. They have been flawless from day one with no leaks and they also vent air much more efficiently. On a side note, when yoou order a signature suit, you can specify that you want the high profile valve and it will be included no charge.

If you curently have a low profile dump valve do you have to send the suit in for the older style or is it something you can do at home?

 

[hardhat]

Give a Si-tech valve a try. I've dove all sorts of different valves over the years and Si-techs are the best I've used aside from Posidions but you pay for them.

 

[OE2X]

overexposed2X
I just recently posted this question on the DUI board as i am looking at getting a TLS350 signature series suit and was weary of the Apeks low profile exhaust valve. Below is my question and Susan Long's response

http://www.dui-online.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=0001;action=display;num=1091301850

I am looking at buying a new TLS350 signature series suit.

I mostly dive with just enough air in my suit to eliminate uncomfortable squeeze. I have heard that the apeks low profile exhaust valves have a habit of leaking when used in this manner. Is it possible to get the suit with a si-tech valve as it worked great on my last suit.

My next question is that prefer my exhaust valve located on the forearm rather than the uper arm. Is it possible to do so on a new signature series suit. I prefer it about mid forearm so i still have room for my wrist compass between the exhaust valve and wrist seal.


Hi Larry,

Great questions! And I've got some answers for you:

Apeks Low Profile Exhaust Valve - We have been working closely with Apeks to design a valve that will incorporate all of the features that we want which include a include a higher vent rate, lower opening pressure (especially at shallow depths), and remains dry even under negative pressure (virtually no air in the suit). We are pleased to say that the current design is working very well. It is more sensative than the valves of old therefore you may want to turn it back just slightly versus keeping it entirely open. However, if properly weighted, this valve should work beautifully for you. On a side note, since you are purchasing a TLS350 Signature Series, you can select a SI-Tec valve if you prefer.

Valve Placement - Again, since you are having a suit made to order for you, you can put the valve on the forearm. However, in our experience of manufacturing thousands and thousands of drysuits, 99% of divers prefer it on their upper left arm. The reasons, 1) While swimming, it is easy to "tilt" to the side slightly to vent air, (2) An exhaust valve on a forearm may interfere while taking underwater photographs and video - bubbles! and (3) With the exhaust valve on your shoulder, you still have use of your hand while venting. Example, you can lift your arm and still hold a light, guage or even the ascent line. If it is on your forearm, you have to lift your arm but may not be able to view your guage. Just some things to think about.

If it was my suit, I'd chose the Apeks Low Profile Exhaust Valve and put it on my left shoulder. However, this isn't my suit, it's your suit. And we're happy to make it just like you want it. If you'd like to talk about this more, give me a call at DUI at 800.325.8439. We're here to help!

Larry - thanks this is insightful.

My LDS just replaced the valve today under warrenty so I'll see how it fairs tomorrow. Mind you the old valve only has about 35 dives on it. I had to dive my backup suit with the Sci-tech valves last night. I stayed dry for the first time in a while.

Not sure I buy Susan's response about bubbles getting in the way when you are taking pictures and have a forearm dump. If my forearm can put bubbles in the shot then I'll have a lovely photo of my hand. When I'm venting I'm only looking at my depth guage on my right wrist and not my compass on my left. If I have my light on then I switch it over to my right hand or clip it off.

I'm thinking about adding an adjustable Sci-tech on my forearm. That way I have two options.

 

[HKRacing]

CALI68

The way we did it was: we ordered our valves through our local shop, where we purchased the suits, and when they arrived we went down and installed them. DUI will only sell parts, etc to a dealer so you'll have to go that route.

 

[CALI68]

I just got back from 2 dives today at Lobos Rocks south of Carmel. Insanley awesome by the way! Anyhow we did two dives there (107' and 90') no dump valve problems whatsoever. I have a CF 200 that I've only had go a couple weeks. I guess the did fixed the problem. I had the suit squeezed pretty tight too. The vave was wide open the whole time and worked great. Wierd.

 

[scubasean]

I had "problems" with the Si-Tech valve on my suit and I've heard nothing but good about them. If you are relatively new to a drysuit, as I was then, it may just be as Diver0001 said about getting used to them.

If you are weighted light with little air in the suit you may be just trying to wring out air that isn't there and letting in water while trying.

Good luck,
Dennis

My Scitech valve works quite nicely...It is relatively new (nine months old) but works great!

My valve is on my forearm, and I like it there....

 

[Atticus]

I have a 1.5 yr old CF 200 with the low profile dump valve. I don't have problems with water coming in, but I do have trouble getting air out of the suit.

What I end up doing is rolling fully on my side, using my right hand to grip the dump, and shaking it.

I dive with the valve fully open all the time (except when floating on the surface), and try to keep as little air as possible in the suit.

I only have issues during ascents, and I can usually see a blob of air under the valve when I'm trying to dump, so I don't think it's an issue of trying to get rid of air that isn't there.

I recently replaced the dump valve due to the teeth stripping, so I'm on my second low profile valve now.

 

[HKRacing]

Atticus

How is it diving up there in Tahoe?? Are drysuits a must? I have always been interested in Tahoe.

 

[Atticus]

Atticus

How is it diving up there in Tahoe?? Are drysuits a must? I have always been interested in Tahoe.

Visibility is great, water temps range from 50-60F depending on depth. For shallower dives wetsuits work fine. Fish is a singular word. There are some nice wall dives in south lake. If you'd like to do a dive drop me a line.