Its a weight thing

[Kev W]

The ybod had arrived and so off I went for a shallow splash - 8mtr max
I had 18lb on my belt and 6lb on the unit.I plan to carry a torch - 8lb and a pony 12lb.I realise that I don't take all this off (doh- its more than I have)
but whats a good starting point as I was overweighted anyway.

Cheers

[Richie]

What are these "LB" things ?

Luddite

[Chris Chapman]

as you will be aware weighing is a very personnal thing. you say pony and give an out of water weight, but in water there is a big diference between steel and alluminium so that will make a diference.

best plot is to try your normal single cylinder configuration weight belt on a shallow dive in a training lake, and as you have done put 6-8 lb (3-4Kg) in the top of your unit.

Steel ponys or side mounts will drastically reduce your weight requirements.

Currently I have 5lb in the unit (with 2 external mounted steel cylinders, 2&3 ltr)
8lb on belt, 11ltr ally and 7ltr steel bailout cyls. (small torch and reels are not counted)

You can expect to reduce your weight as you become more acoustomed to your YBOD.

Best wishes for safe diving.

Chris

[DaveB]

Take some of your weight in pockets and find a nice flat spot at the end of your dive and try taking it out. This has the advantage that all the loose air in the unit has gone. Make sure your CL are at minimum volume and prepare to be surprised at how much weight you can take off. My experience is that with a bare Evolution with a 5mm wet suit I need 2kg (5lb) total and with a membrane, drysuit with a thick undersuit and 3lt steel pony, I need 7 kg (16lb ish).

[schford]

Here is a guide Iwrote for getting you weighting sorted in fresh water then knowing what it needs to be for salt water.

Guide to getting your weighting correct for a RB. - Rebreather World Forums