To wrist dump or shoulder dump that is the question?

[SparkySFD]

Like the title says. What do you prefer and why? I have dove with shoulder dumps and not had a problem.

I can see where the dump at the end of the sleeve would be good as well. Here may be a dumb question but I guess that how you learn.

Why not both? Redundancy, Im real big on it.

 

[scubasean]

Unless I'm misunderstanding, there is an intermediate solution, called a forearm dump....

there is a shoulder dump, a forearm dump, and a cuff dump (never seen a cuff dump, but have heard talk of them).

I really like the forearm dump I have...It leaves enough room for a compass, but allows me to just move my arm a short distance and I'm dumping air...

I wouldn't do both...heh

Or, maybe you could do all three...

 

[DA Aquamaster]

My old dry suit has a dump on the upper arm and I really like it. My new dry suit has one near the wrist and I thought I would like it but I don't.

It is more in the way when you gear up and always seems to be in the way and subject to more abuse when reaching into holes etc underwater. It is also more prone to dump when working underwater if your wrist gets much higher than shoulder level.

Whether both valves are usable on the same suit is a good question. I have an extra sitec exhaust valve in the closet and I am seriously considering installing it in the upper arm of my current suit. That would leave me the option of removing the wrist valve and patching the hole or just leaving the old valve in place and cranking it down tight to prevent any freeflow.

 

[pipedope]

Up to the elbows in ... stuff so I would not put a dump on wrist or cuff.

But that is me, the bottom dwelling, mud digging, TIR (tilling it right) pipedope.

I think that the upper arm location is best for most all diving.
There might be a good reason for a cuff dump or forearm dump in special operations but I can't think of what the circumstance would be.

 

[SparkySFD]

Im sorry I didnt explain better. When I said "cuff dump" I meant the forearm area.

I didnt think about it getting banged around. I can see that happening a lot now that you mention it. Hmmmmm something to think about.

 

[Arnaud]

If the dump is on the inside of the forearm, you should not bang it. At least, that's what I hope. I just had mine moved there... Will try it on Friday.

 

[spurtill]

either is good. Personally i prefer a shoulder dump, but that is just because that is what was on my first suit.

If the shoulder dump is not in the right spot it can be horrible

Redundancy is fine, but also doubles the odds on one of them leaking . I'd be inclined to shut the shoulder dump if you are using a cuff as well and just open the shoulder one if the cuff one starts acting up.

Cuff dumps do tend to get in the way of wrist slates and so forth if you carry alot of gear on your wrist, but you can work around that with a bit of fore-thought.

 

[torbaydiver]

SparkySFD once bubbled...
Like the title says. What do you prefer and why? I have dove with shoulder dumps and not had a problem.

I can see where the dump at the end of the sleeve would be good as well. Here may be a dumb question but I guess that how you learn.

Why not both? Redundancy, Im real big on it.

I use a shoulder dump, the benefit being you can close it off completely when underwater which I usually do, with the cuff dump you can't close it off and can accidentally dump, I've also heard their more likely to leak!
The cuff dump seems to be more popular in the UK, but not sure why!
The guy I dived with on Sunday actually had both!

 

[BDub]

Torbaydiver-

I think you're talking about an auto-dump valve. These are different than a cuff dump valve. A cuff dump valve would simply be your exhaust valve placed on your forearm. An auto dump valve is a small quarter sized valve placed on the forearm that is not adjustable. Since the auto dump is not adjustable you will usually see divers who use an auto dump with their standard shoulder valve as well.

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

Arnaud once bubbled...
If the dump is on the inside of the forearm, you should not bang it.

If you try the wrist dump put it on the outside of the forearm, you'll bang it less on gear that is clipped or slung to your left side and it's in the natural position to dump without having to contort.

Try being horizontal and then raise your arm, is it easier to get the outside or inside to that highest point?