Knobs on dump valves?

[tyson155]

I have incredibly big hands, so I attached a wiffle ball to the end of my dump valve string. Works beautifully and makes dumping gas a breeze if I overshoot my 20ft deco stop.

Do you mean those mini-wiffle balls? I wouldn't even know where to find something like that.

 

[Nemrod]

Not looking to stir up any controversy - just looking for opinions on this benign topic.

This could run several pages. Welcome to scubaboard .

 

[tyson155]

This could run several pages. Welcome to scubaboard .

Thanks, that was my de facto disclaimer. Embracing the passion.

 

[JoeTPhilly]

Hi, just curious as to what folks like to put on the end of string of the wing dump valve. I have seen Halcyon wings with a plastic knob or just a tiny knot at the end (which I suppose is the purist approach). Not looking to stir up any controversy - just looking for opinions on this benign topic.

I think the reason Halcyon put the dongles was for European regulations. The new wings do not come with the dongle and just have a knot. The knot isn't something to grab. Its purpose is so the string can't go through the hole and separate everything. Dongles are unnecessary and can get snagged and inadvertently dump. Learn how to properly use the dump valve and you solve your issue:

 

[tyson155]

I think the reason Halcyon put the dongles was for European regulations. The new wings do not come with the dongle and just have a knot. The knot isn't something to grab. Its purpose is so the string can't go through the hole and separate everything. Dongles are unnecessary and can get snagged and inadvertently dump. Learn how to properly use the dump valve and you solve your issue:

Thanks - that's a pretty neat video.

 

[ChrisMBC]

I will say, I’ve been on multiple dives where someone’s dump valve pull string (for a shoulder dump, on a Hydros BCD if I remember right) got stuck under a strap and was holding the dump valve open. One of those occasions, it was actually somewhat dramatic, with the person unable to establish positive buoyancy on the surface and getting churned by big-ish waves. That sold me on dump valve toggles being a bad idea.

I dive with drygloves year round I don’t find finding the dump valve hard, even with deco bottles on the left. With a little practice, it’s easy to find, although replacing the stock string with something a bit stiffer/thicker does help.

 

[JtotheG]

i made a 2'' thick rubber band ball, great grip to it even when i am wearing my dry gloves and easy to find. Also if i sit on it doesnt bother me.

 

[tyson155]

i made a 2'' thick rubber band ball, great grip to it even when i am wearing my dry gloves and easy to find. Also if i sit on it doesnt bother me.

Yikes!

 

[tyson155]

I will say, I’ve been on multiple dives where someone’s dump valve pull string (for a shoulder dump, on a Hydros BCD if I remember right) got stuck under a strap and was holding the dump valve open. One of those occasions, it was actually somewhat dramatic, with the person unable to establish positive buoyancy on the surface and getting churned by big-ish waves. That sold me on dump valve toggles being a bad idea.

I dive with drygloves year round I don’t find finding the dump valve hard, even with deco bottles on the left. With a little practice, it’s easy to find, although replacing the stock string with something a bit stiffer/thicker does help.

I can see how that might happen, especially with a shoulder dump that has any complex or lengthy routing from the valve.

 

[NothingClever]

Uli knot or triple roll knot.

No knob required.

During my first course with @kierentec I noticed how he used all his fingers to first locate the OPV and then he used his index finger to spool the cord around it for a precise burp of his wing.