Has anyone used OMS Remote Valve Knob?

[Narcd_dvr]

I'm about to go to the doubles configuration and ran across this OMS remote valve, http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=OMS_Remote_Valve_Knob_Assembly This sure beats having to reach over your head when doing the valve drill. For me, when diving with a drysuit, I can't reach over my head. So, this would be a good solution. However, I wanted to find out if anyone has used it.

 

[Brewone0to]

I'm really not sure, but they were quite popular in the 80 & 90's,
But I don't see them for sale or in use anymore.

Sometimes this sort of thing is associated
to failures or safety related issues.

That being said, it could
have also been a "fad" thing.

Do your research carefully.

 

[deepstops]

Commonly known as slob winders........

Can I ask why you can't reach your valves in your drysuit??

 

[mangrovejack]

Also known as a "Slob Knob". They seem more popular with the UK divers for some reason.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

If you can't reach over your head to shut down the manifold how can you shut down the posts? For me the manifold knob is easiest and the right post is tough due to a shoulder injury. Perhaps your harness is not adjusted correctly. If nothing else I loosen the waist buckle so that I can tip the tanks to reach the right side knob. And while my drysuit fits well I can still reach over my head. Not having had experience with the slob winder and in fact considered it myself until hearing of it being another failure point I'd look at my current setup and see if there's an easier solution.

 

[skippy31]

Keep it simple and just learn to reach the knobs on your doubles. Something like this just ads complexity to your system and is not required. If you can't reach your valves just practice. There are usually simple reasons you can't reach your valves such as the suit being too tight, tank positioning etc. Talk to an experienced doubles diver or instructor in your area and I'm sure you'll get it down in short order.

Mat.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

+1.

I'll hate myself for saying this as it is so over used by some people, but it is one situation where you really do not want to resort to equipment to overcome a skills deficiency.

In my opinion, a slob knob should only be used in a situaion where a diver has a shoulder injury that precludes ever having the range of motion to reach one of the valves - and frankly I'd recommend they side mount before I recommended they use a slob knob. They add complication, reduce streamlining and will frankly result in other divers pointing at you and whispering even if the knob does not really sneak up on you and strangle you in your sleep.

Barring an injury, if your suit fits properly and is not overly squeezed and if your tanks are properly positioned in the bands and on the plate, you should be able to reach the valve knobs - or at least reach the first stage and then walk your fingers out to the knobs. The isolator is much easier to reach as it is on the centerline.

 

[Tortuga68]

Agreed

Without knowing the physical restrictions (injury etc) that the OP may have, increasing mobility (stretches etc) or fit (adjusting harness, tank position, drysuit fit etc) seem like better solutions

In addition to the 'finger walk' that DA mentioned, you could also try the old 'pushing the elbow up with the other hand' if you're able

 

[Narcd_dvr]

Thanks everyone for your feedback, very much appreciate it. You've definitely convinced me to away from the slob knob The drysuit I use is the almost-bulletproof Bare Trilam Tech HD shell suit. It fits me perfectly, but because of the squeeze, it just restricts my movement to where I have a hard time reaching for the valve.

 

[rjack321]

It fits me perfectly, but because of the squeeze, it just restricts my movement to where I have a hard time reaching for the valve.

Don't run it so squished :doh2: