Pee Valve Balanced vs. Unbalanced

[FireInMyBones]

I have no problem staying well hydrated or having the piddle when I need it. So priming should not be a problem. The QD seems nice, but I am not sure on that one yet. I do not want to have to dive plugged in every time I dive dry.

 

[Rainer]

I don't like having to prime before the dive (sometimes just don't have to go), so I dive balanced valves in my suits.

Seem to have an issue with one of the check valves every hundred dives or so. Gets fixed before the following dive, so no big deal.

 

[CamG]

Greetings Jeremy I have been using a balanced valve for several seasons with a few glitches. They were of coarse my fault and the valve has not failed as of yet.
I do prime it pre-dive and I use Rochester widebands.
I have opted to not use a quick disconnect as one of the glitches was a quick disconnect failure because the lady behind the counter grabbed a wrong part. It fit but not totally, then you add pressure and the rest taught me how to properly clean the inside of a dry suit and undergarment. I use only a barb as it takes a little more time to fool with but has never failed.

As to the failure of the balanced valve I carry a rebuild kit and soon another valve as a back up. I am a redundant sort of guy. Good luck and happy hang times with the valve!

CamG Keep diving....Keep training....Keep learning!

 

[FireInMyBones]

Greetings Jeremy I have been using a balanced valve for several seasons with a few glitches. They were of coarse my fault and the valve has not failed as of yet.

What brand and style do you use?

 

[karstdvr]

I have been using a balanced valve for several seasons with a few glitches.

This is why I prefer the unbalanced,because there are no glitches,it is go and flow.
I have used the original Werner valve (creator of the p valve),and have not had a failure.

 

[CamG]

Greetings Jermey I use the Dive Rite balanced valve do to its extra low profile. I just prefer to not have a larger valve.

The Glitches I was referring to were not valve related but rather operator error.
The valve has never failed and I have yet to have problem with function.
I do not want to turn it on and off but rather roll on and never miss a beat.

Good luck and always remember to rinse and DRY what ever valve you use!

CamG Keep diving....Keep training....Keep learning!

 

[Sas]

Ok I am contemplating buying a suit from a friend that has an unbalanced valve... what happens if you don't prime it first? I guess I have to leave the bolt open to let water in to equalise it? I can't really 'pee on command'. I never prime my current one (balanced) and I also leave the valve open the whole time.

Also I am female, if that makes a difference...

 

[Rainer]

You can always switch out the valve...

 

[Sas]

You can always switch out the valve...

It's an expensive valve, would at least like to give it a shot. I have a si-tech valve on my current suit and find it a pain because it is so large. This one is tiny.

 

[PfcAJ]

You could leave it open, but water would get in and that could lead to infection. If you don't prime it, the airspace will crush and that won't be comfortable...at all...