Weights & Stuff

[Tykelad]

Hi all,

I am a novice diver (PADI Open Water) with a dozen or so dives under my belt. I bought the first full set of gear last year and so this is my first full year of diving, if that makes sense. The problem is that my BCD doesn't have integrated weights and when i put my weight belt on i can't fasten the waist velcro straps on the BCD (FROG CYAN). The BCD is an XL and i know i'm a big lad (6ff 2" and 15st) but surely there must be an alternative to this. Also i have a neoprene dry suit which i think is more bouyant ? and therefore i need extra weight. So 14KG with a 15ltr tank isn't much fun ! Please can someone tell me where i am going wrong.

Tykelad

[nickb]

Originally Posted by Tykelad

The problem is that my BCD doesn't have integrated weights....

That's not a problem but a blessing.

Integrated weights are the spawn of the devil. They move your centre of gravity out too far, slop around all over the place and generally make life more difficult than it needs to be. If you don't get on with a weight-belt get a weight harness.

[MonkeyPony]

Yea a harness would seem to be the answer to your problems, like this one

Bowstone Quick Release Harness Weight Belt, - www.watersportswarehouse.co.uk

[JJ44]

I can vouch for the bowstone harness, great piece of kit.

Jeff

[Lazlo]

Another vote for a harness.

Another thing I find useful is to consider using the "trim pockets" on your BC - if you have them. Moving a couple of kg a bit higher can help get you a bit flatter (assuming that you're not already comfortably horizontal).

If you haven't got any trim pockets on the BC, you can get little pockets that attach to the BC tank straps (like these, though there are probably some cheaper ones around), or just a weight on a very short camband around the tank will also do the job.

[hilrosepaul]

I went from a traditional weight belt to a Bowstone harness after losing my belt.

One of the best things I've ever done in diving.

Why:
The weight is carried on your shoulders, not your hips (if you have them - I don't); so it's more comfortable and the weights don't try and slip down to your ankles all the time.
The pockets can be handed up for RIB diving.
If you need to change the amount of lead (sea / fresh); then change the contents of the weight pockets
Keeps the BC light
Many more besides, but I am a total convert now

[Twinsetmad]

Yep me too... I use a Dui harness and hangs the weights below the waist strap on my wing... easy and comfortable.

[Mike Cunningham]

Move to a one-piece harness, steel back plate, single tank holder with weight insert and in most cases additional weight is not required. A P weight can be inserted for salty stuff…..

I used this for a few dives with a neoprene dry suit it was ok no need of an additional weight belt, harness or pouches ,,, freedom

[Madfish]

Originally Posted by Mike Cunningham

Move to a one-piece harness, steel back plate, single tank holder with weight insert and in most cases additional weight is not required. A P weight can be inserted for salty stuff…..

I used this for a few dives with a neoprene dry suit it was ok no need of an additional weight belt, harness or pouches ,,, freedom

You forgot to mention a twinset and a big torch And ditch the neoprene suit etc etc etc......


Di

PS Is Mal on holiday ?