Is the P-valve really worth it?

[emttim]

Well, thanks for all the replies guys...I don't think there was one person in there who preferred not having one to having one, so I guess that settles it.

I was going to dive Monterey today since it's a lake, but I was lazy and slept in, so guess I'll head over to the dive shop and send my suit to DUI to get the P-valve installed.

Yes, I know it can be done very easily with the proper tools and patience by myself, however, I have neither any tools nor any patience. Plus I'm fairly destructive, and that's a bad combination with a $3,000 dry suit. I'd probably cut the hole too big accidentally or something.

 

[TSandM]

BTW, you almost certainly will have "malfunctions". Urine is sterile. Wash your undergarments promptly, and you're good to go (so to speak).

 

[616fun]

Best $100 I ever spent in dive gear. That says a lot considering I have a walk in closet full of gear.

 

[emttim]

BTW, you almost certainly will have "malfunctions". Urine is sterile. Wash your undergarments promptly, and you're good to go (so to speak).

That brings to mind a good question. For when malfunctions do happen, the liner is simple enough to clean, but how do you clean the inside of a dry suit anyway without screwing it up? Just soak it like the other gear and hang it to dry when you're done?

 

[noreastDIVER84]

just a thought on an alternative.. if you wear adult diapers would they get cold after awile making the diver cold too?

I found it to chill me a bit. That is why I just spent the money and got the valve, besides that fact of wearing a diaper was not too appealing. I would rather slip on a rubber than to walk around in a diaper.

 

[TSandM]

If you have an "accident", turn the dry suit inside out as far as you can and hose it off. I have yet to be forced to release enough urine to get the insides of my boots wet

 

[Anti-Hero]

I regularly spray out the inside of my drysuit. I've never *knock on wood* had a p-valve malfunction, but it does get stinky from sweating.

On another sicker note, I've actually come to like the "removal" process. Its a great mental exercise. Just go to your happy place, get the process started, then *RIIIIIIIIP* it off like a bandaid. Guess I'm a bit of a masochist these days.

 

[kathydee]

Yes it's well worth the effort, even for gals . So nice not to be forced to time hydration or take drysuit on/off on SI's. Especially on boats.

Another vote for the ballanced Halcyon Pee Valve!

 

[mikemill]

My balanced H valve leaks if I don't cath up and that is with a QD on it. I can't say I'm too pleased by it. But leaks aside I'm really glad to have one.

 

[emttim]

I regularly spray out the inside of my drysuit. I've never *knock on wood* had a p-valve malfunction, but it does get stinky from sweating.

On another sicker note, I've actually come to like the "removal" process. Its a great mental exercise. Just go to your happy place, get the process started, then *RIIIIIIIIP* it off like a bandaid. Guess I'm a bit of a masochist these days.

You sir have issues.

If you have an "accident", turn the dry suit inside out as far as you can and hose it off. I have yet to be forced to release enough urine to get the insides of my boots wet

Ok, thanks...that's simple enough. Even a guy like me can handle that.