What is the differences between auto dump and manual dump valves and which is better

Hi All,

I've just started taking up scuba diving and would like to know what
the is differences between auto dump and manual dump valves on
drysuits and which is better as I seen it mentioned in the info on
drysuits.

Thanks

Steve

"Steve" <murras68@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3e284e33.0404300044.662c82ae@posting.google.c om...
> Hi All,
>
> I've just started taking up scuba diving and would like to know what
> the is differences between auto dump and manual dump valves on
> drysuits and which is better as I seen it mentioned in the info on
> drysuits.
>
> Thanks
>
> Steve

Auto dumps are normally located on the shoulder and dump when the air
pressure behind it is at a certain point above the water pressure. The user
sets this pressure by rotating the valve. The theory is that it vents the
suit automatically on ascent.

The manual dump is usually located on the wrist and vents at a low
non-adjustable pressure. This must be manually dumped by making it the
highest point on the suit (by raising the wrist on ascent)

As far as which is better, on a subject like this, you will find that
opinions are like a*$*holes - everybody has one. Best to see if you can try
both out and make you own mind up before you commit.

HTH

Keith

Steve wrote:
> I've just started taking up scuba diving and would like to know what
> the is differences between auto dump and manual dump valves on
> drysuits and which is better as I seen it mentioned in the info on
> drysuits.

Hi Steve,

When drysuits started they didn't have dumps but they didn't have
very good seals either so waving your arm above your head meant
the air rushed up and blew out at the wrist. Don't knock it it
worked.

As seals grew better this was enhanced by a one way valve on the
wrist to provide a more sure air-out but no water-in system.
Then the idea of a one way valve was enhanced by placing it
at the highest point on the suit (normally the shoulder) and
providing a means to shut it down so it retained air if you
wanted it to. That's the auto dump.

It's not quite fair to say auto dumps are now and cuff dumps
are history as if you are going to use the suit to control your
bouyancy, which is a very good drill to learn as BCDs can fail,
a cuff dump on the school's suit can be useful but you rapidly
grow out of the trainer wheels and just want to let the suit
get on with keeping you warm.

I tend to set the auto dump wide open and go dive. When I
get back on the surface and look round for the boat I wind
the dump up tight and blow the suit up as I might be waiting
a while if all twelve of us hit the surface together and hanging
feet down the waves massage the air out of the suit and shrink
wrap you.

If you are buying (when?) go for an auto. You won't regret it.

nigelH

"Steve" <murras68@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3e284e33.0404300044.662c82ae@posting.google.c om...
> Hi All,
>
> I've just started taking up scuba diving and would like to know what
> the is differences between auto dump and manual dump valves on
> drysuits and which is better as I seen it mentioned in the info on
> drysuits.
>
> Thanks
>
> Steve

Hi Steve,

I have BOTH. cuff dump and auto on shoulder. I learned with the cuff dump,
and to be honest it's still the one I rely on, but I like having both. Auto
dumps can be difficult to reach to adjust either on the surface or in the
water, depending on how flexible you are, exactly where the dump is, and how
much clutter you have across your body. Also, there are some fairly strong
feelings on this group about the different autodumps available, particulalry
the "new" low profile model against the older high profile model. I have
the low profile and frankly it is much slower to vent than my cuff dump,
even when fully open.
If you train with a cuff dump, then it does take a bit of practice to adjust
to an auto.

Best advice is to try suits with both before you buy.

KR

Digs

Thanks very much forfor all yor advice and I have decided to go with a
manual cuff dump as this is what I trained in and had difficulty with
the auto dump.

Thanks

Steve

murras68@hotmail.com (Steve) wrote in message news:<3e284e33.0404300044.662c82ae@posting.google. com>...
> Hi All,
>
> I've just started taking up scuba diving and would like to know what
> the is differences between auto dump and manual dump valves on
> drysuits and which is better as I seen it mentioned in the info on
> drysuits.
>
> Thanks
>
> Steve