My Sidemount Valve…
A Valve is a Valve… but is it a Sidemount Valve? There are two general types of valves, DIN (short for the Deutsches Institut Für Normung) and Yoke (also known as A-Clamp and International).
DIN Valve
Threaded Connection
Valves are threaded onto the cylinders but DIN or Yoke refer to how the (1st Stage) Scuba Regulator attaches the cylinder valve.
A DIN valve has a threaded connection and is my preferred type as the valve is securely screwed onto the cylinder.
Yoke Valve
Clamp Connection
A Yoke Valve (or A-Clamp or International) clamps onto the cylinder. Yoke is very popular worldwide, and quite often, you can find people in heated discussions over which is better. I look at it quite simply, if you are travelling on the highway at a high rate of speed, would you like the tires on your vehicle securely bolted on (DIN) or clamped on (Yoke).
“Pro” Valve
Valve is DIN and Yoke compatible.
Some valves are called “Pro” valves which generally means that they have a removable insert, allowing them to change from Yoke to DIN.
If you are heading into sidemount, you will want all your valves to be DIN.
Now that we have clarified that all your valves should be DIN, the next step is to understand what is left, what is right, and what is a modular valve.
The most common valve in the industry is called a Right-Hand Valve. The handle is on the right when the valve outlet is facing away from you, but some manufacturers don’t always agree. As you can see in the image below, from two different manufacturer websites, they differ in what is left and right, but they do both agree on what the most common side is.
When I first started sidemount diving, I ordered a new pair of cylinders; I asked my local dive shop to place an order for new cylinders with left and right valves. My new cylinders did arrive with the valves as requested, but they looked more like the above Website “A” valves. I made them work, but they were not the best valve for the intended use.
The preferred type of valve is called a Modular Valve, just like the one above from Website “B”. It has a long stem opposite the valve handle, which allows the valves to be connected as you would see on a twin-set (two-tank back mount) diver, but in our case, works great for wrapping the bungee around.
Several well-known reputable companies are making Modular Left and Right valves. Still, the exciting discovery that I came across is that I prefer the XS Scuba Thermo Modular Pro Valve. I have tried several others, and the surprising find for me is that the neck on the Thermo valve is slightly longer, which makes it so much more enjoyable to carry and handle the valve.
Most of my cylinders have been switched over to the Modular Pro Valves, making it much easier for routine service. But, will I ever change from using these valves? Maybe, there is a valve company from Germany that has a premium cylinder valve that I would like to try, but for now, I have indeed found a valve that I am pretty happy with.
My aluminum cylinders are equipped with
Part #VA200L-30N (3000 psi/Left Hand)
Part #VA200R-30N (3000 psi/Right Hand)
My steel cylinders are equipped with
Part #VA200L-34N (3442 psi/Left Hand)
Part #VA200R-34N (3442 psi/Right Hand)
If you think there is another valve that I should try, send me a message.
