bcsean:
So get properly weighted. On a single setup there is absolutely no need to rely on the BC for buoyancy - the suit can more than cope with the small amount of air needed. Problems only happen if the person is over weighted.
Hey drysuit divers: Do you use your exhaust valves?
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So get properly weighted. On a single setup there is absolutely no need to rely on the BC for buoyancy - the suit can more than cope with the small amount of air needed. Problems only happen if the person is over weighted.
coreypenrose
Contributor
It depends. I usually leave the valve completely open, but I've sometimes closed it all the way when I was really cold and I wanted to keep some more air in my suit. As long as you're paying attention, no worries.
I dive with the valve closed unless I'm making an ascent, then I tend to have it ~half open and let the variable pressure dump do the work for me, I only have it fully open in the last 5m or if a serious problem occurs at depth.
I only use the BCD for surface buoyancy and to stop my tank from wandering away! The suit's great for buoyancy control, it takes more practice than a BCD, but get it right and it'll hold you in a great position in the water. While you're training I'd stick with what you're doing now, when you get more used to the suit take some time to play around (safely) with it and find the way that you like best. Like any motor skill, practice it enough and opening and closing the valve will become an instinctive action.
Welcome to the world of cold water diving!
I only use the BCD for surface buoyancy and to stop my tank from wandering away! The suit's great for buoyancy control, it takes more practice than a BCD, but get it right and it'll hold you in a great position in the water. While you're training I'd stick with what you're doing now, when you get more used to the suit take some time to play around (safely) with it and find the way that you like best. Like any motor skill, practice it enough and opening and closing the valve will become an instinctive action.
Welcome to the world of cold water diving!
String:
here here, cuff dumps rule
bcsean
Guest
String:
Well my steel 120's even when they were singles have a 10lb buoyancy shift from full to empty, so I'd rather not put enough air to equalize that in my suit. I'm not arguing the suit can cope with it, but I prefer diving my suit snug and having the air stay where it should (on my back). Plus, diving twins now, there is even more buoyancy shift and there is no way I'd use my suit for buoyancy control.
Twins is fair enough, theres too much weight there for the suit to cope. Im quite happy with my 15l steel (whatever that is) using just suit for buoyancy although with my other suit i just prefer using the BC.
On a properly single setup you have several options for buoyancy so pick which ever youre happy with.
On a properly single setup you have several options for buoyancy so pick which ever youre happy with.
I leave my valve open all the way, although at times I might close it a few clicks to trap air in my feet for trim. I guess I have very negative legs and fins.
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