Two New Articles

[Atlaua]

I decided to try to boost the article section by posting a review if my new drysuit. Much to my surprize I found a recent article had been submitted by a user as well!

We have two new articles:


DUI TLS/SE Review (http://www.midwestdive.com/forums/articles.php?action=viewarticle&artid=10)
Choosing a Different Destiny. (http://www.midwestdive.com/forums/articles.php?action=viewarticle&artid=8)
Thank you gabriel77 for your article post. Please feel free to speak up and say hi to the rest of us!

James

[theskull]

I posted a comment to the DUI article, but do not see it when I return to that page. Does this feature work?

theskull

[Atlaua]

It works, they just have to be validated.

I am using the wing for bouyancy. I think my real issue is that I'm still not quite using enough weight.

James

[theskull]

Cool, I've been validated!

The vent is a slow dump, especially compared to a BC. When ascending you'll need to dump about every 10 ft. you come up, roll to the right and get that left elbow to the highest point for the best venting.

theskull

[Atlaua]

Cool, I've been validated!

The vent is a slow dump, especially compared to a BC. When ascending you'll need to dump about every 10 ft. you come up, roll to the right and get that left elbow to the highest point for the best venting.

theskull

Let me describe my symptoms and see what you think. When I last used the DS, on the first dive I got a little "floaty" at the end. Several times I put myself vertical and hiked my shoulder several ways to try to get the air out. It was not a difficult situation but I certainly couldn't get myself negative. When I surfaced I did a weight check and seemed perfect by the eye-float/sink standard.

Second dive. Figuring I might have put to much air in the suit I only put enough in to keep the squeeze from being uncomfortable, though I still definatly felt it. Got pretty low on air and very floaty despite all efforts to vent. In the end I was "hanging" on lines to keep down, though when I surfaced it was controlled and slow, so I hadn't gone polaris :). This dive was definatly on the difficult stage at the end.

Third dive and all dives prior in the DS have all been fine but on all of those dives I stayed above 500psi, which leads me to believe I'm just a little light on weight. Though I'd love to hear your opinion.

My statement in the article about the vent is aimed at the fact that the drysuit I trained in seemed to vent more freely when fully opened. In fact I dialed that one down a notch.

In your comment you mentioned the valve possibly being "gummed up". Should I take it apart and try to free excess lube?

James

[theskull]

Sure sounds like you're underweighted by a couple pounds. Have you tried a backplate and wing? (LOL!!!!)

Yes, I would take the valve apart. You are likely to find some excess silicone (sealant, not lube) or even some lint trapped in it. Instructions on how to remove the valve are in the suit owner's manual, very simple.

There is definitely a learning curve to diving dry. At least a couple dozen dives before it becomes easy and natural.

theskull

[MgicTwnger]

Sure sounds like you're underweighted by a couple pounds.
I agree. Scarfing down a couple of pizzas just before the dive should do the trick. Just send the bill to Bob.
Seriously, you probably just need a couple more pounds of lead. It took me a while to get it right.