Weight Belt Options

[JamieG]

So then I have been measured for my new suit (ready in 6 wks - membrane Predator) chosen my wing and now I need to know about weight belt options etc.

I will be fitting trim pouches and a WTA on the single tank wing with a steel back plate, there is the option for intergrated weights on the belt but I dont really want them - I dont think?

So this leaves me with the weight belt option and I have heard Bowstone make some good ones - the trouble is they have a lot to choose from which is confusing as to which one is the best under a wing and harness?

Here is the link Bowstone

Or do I go with these Halcyon pouches?

Your thoughts please and reasons behind them.

Thanks.

[Sipadan]

personally, i don't like weight belts (or ditchable weight for that matter). i've seen two people lose their weight belts because they opened the wrong buckle. also, a weight belt under a harness would probably get caught in the crotch strap if you tried to ditch it. of the two systems you suggest, i'd go for the halycon.

[Sparky750]

I use a bowstone harness and love it works a treat

[Crieagle]

Hi Jamie agree with sparky. Do a lot of Rhib diving. I use a belt with shot pouches, but dive single tank with BCD.

The lads with wings and twins use bowstone the harness seems a nice system.

[Venus]

I use the Halcyon ones
never got on with weight belts so I went pretty much straight for integrated weights

the Halcyon ones come in two sizes .... maybe you know this - 12lb and 20lb
the 12lb ones come in vertical positions or horizontal positions

[JamieG]

Just had a thought has anyone threaded standard weight blocks with a stopper on the belt of their harness? Okay its not ditchable but no different to other non ditchable weight - yes?

[Ian@1904]

My twinset has no backplate. I started by using a weight harness, which worked Ok. I then bought some weight pouches and fitted these to the waist belt of the wing. This arrangement works fine for me.

Threading weight blocks on works in pretty much the same way. The advantage of weight pouches is that the weight can be fitted whilst on the boat-dropping the shot bags into the pouches is a minor faff, compared to threading weight blocks. The pouches can be emptied of a bag or two in a really bad situation.

[MartyC]

Hi Jamie,
Single tank diving I use a bowstone harness, as Sparky says they are good, got to make sure the pockets are well fixed though as they can come loose but I don't think its a regular occurrance thing.
If you want a normal weight belt, I have one with the velcor pouches so I can add extra shot pouches if needed, I haven't got much of a waist though so it can move about if I have a lot of weight in it.
I use only a little weight with the twinset so use the belt with 2kg in, the harness does tend to get in the way of my torch canister, which is a bit of a pain.
V weights and tail weights are good but you need to try a few out to see how you like your trim setting up.
Weights on the webbing of the harness, if you can fit them on around your equipment and it doesn't screw your trim up - no reason why not to
I think reaaly you need to spend a day with a switched on buddy with lots of different options and find what suits you

[Tim Franks]

Bowstone - you'll not loose it and you can unload the pouches ito the RIB at the end of the dive. It does need to sit below your BC though. This is fine if you are tall but it may prove to be a problem if you're not. Try the kit on before you buy.

[John63]

Originally Posted by JamieG

Just had a thought has anyone threaded standard weight blocks with a stopper on the belt of their harness? Okay its not ditchable but no different to other non ditchable weight - yes?

No reason why this wouldn't work, but to be a lttle more flexible, why not use a trim pouch on the waist harness (like those that Halcyon make for tank cam bands) with a stopper. These take up to about 5lb each. This way you can remove/amend the weights as required.
trimweights.jpg

Cheers, John