Weight options for a backplate

[wilbo]

Ok. just found out that I can shed 4 kilos of weight while diving my twins in fresh water and hold 3 metres neutral with 40 bar. Don't ask..

For the sea I would obviously like to add 2 back on. So. rather than start using a weight belt again, I'm looking for options.

I currently use:
4x1kg V-weights.

I don't want to consider a tail weight, as that will alter my trim.

Someone mentioned that there is another weight option - around the 2kg mark - that sits in the grove between your shoulder blades, on top of the plate, running down the length of the plate and is fastened by the M8 band bolts.. is this true and if so, where could I purchase such a device..

Does Nackers do them?

The other alternative is change from the 3mm plate to a Woz plate - but that'll cost more than I am prepared to pay to add 2 kgs.. Sorry Woz - they do look nice..

any ideas?

TIA

[Clare Gledhill]

Yes - you can buy them at UE - you can look at my Agir weight at Vobster on the 4th - but they cost a lot. Or you can make them - there's a link on here somewhere.

[Mal Bridgeman]

You are describing a P-Weight.... http://www.bitz.fsnet.co.uk/bitzweights.htm#p is an example.

I don't know if Phill sells them...they are not mentioned on his site but DIR ZONE Sandro does them.....they are quite expensive though if I remember, so many people make their own.

I think AGIR BROKK make them too ...

Rgrds
Mal

[wilbo]

Originally Posted by Mal Bridgeman

You are describing a P-Weight.... http://www.bitz.fsnet.co.uk/bitzweights.htm#p is an example.

thats the badger. thanks Mal.

[wilbo]

Ah.. and a rather smart looking Dominic here:

http://diveweb.oneandoneis2.org/pweight.htm

[divingniknaks]

YES , we do them !

In stock, Wilbo gimme a ring mate 07875 093 226.

Out and about for a while today / tonight.

.

[up 4 it]

Hi Wilbo

Why not try some lead flashing strips along the backplate to give it the additional weight, have those permanently fixed in place and lose 2kg of the V-weights for fresh and then put them back in for the sea.

Steve

[nickb]

I've made several P-weights in the past. It really is a piece of pi$$.

I used an old STEEL pan over a camping stove. It's best to do this outdoors and stand UP wind as you don't want to be breathing lead fumes.

Line your backplate with baking foil (the sort you cook your Christmas turkey in). Block off the ends of the channel either with some plasticine/blu-tack or with some foil-lined house bricks butted up tight.

Get the lead nicely melted and skim off the crap that floats to the top. It's best to have another heat-proof container ready for this.

Wearing some decent protection for your face and hands, GENTLY pour the lead in one smooth action. Don't be so quick that it splashes everywhere, but don't fanny about and take your time either as it will start to set before you've finished the pour. If you feck it up, don't panic, just bung it back in the pan and melt it again.

Allow it to cool down, if you can't wait then drop it in a bucket of water after it's set.

If you've made it the full length of the backplate, you'll have to saw off an inch or so to allow room for the crotch strap. Use a coarse WOOD saw for this as lead is too soft to cut with a hacksaw.

Remove any foil from the backplate channel and lay the weight back in. Mark it through the holes where you want to drill it. Drill some 10mm holes through the weight and counterbore with a 25/30mm wood bit to allow for the nuts.

Here's a 2kg one I made earlier:

[nickb]

I'll be at the NDAC on Sunday. If anyone should care to fondle one of these 'in the metal' feel free to accost me at any time (preferably out of the water). I look like the bloke in the picture above, only far more handsome.

[ellisn]

Wilbo, make your own... then you can make me one, then again.. you buy one and i'll use it to make a mold so I can make my own... either way i'm a winner.. cheers mate.

But after that 12" pie you baked you may be needing that 4kg back on again.

Neil