tank pockets

[Farty]

maybe strange question...

I have few years old sherwood back inflated BCD with integrated weights, I really like it, but t has one "small" problem. Except tiny pocket in front, it's really pocketless and because of the weight pouches on each side, I really cannot mount a pockets on it.

Yes, I can clip the gear and let it hang, but I hate to look like a Christmas tree and fight the kelp all the time. I really want to streamline it as much as possible.


I recently discovered XS tank weight pockets, because my BCD has two tank straps, I can easily mount one pocket on each side of the bottom strap (right behind the wing) and still reach it. I want to put foldable snorkel in one and SMB in the other).


now my question is simple... are there any issues with these tank pockets? I ask, because I never ever saw anybody using them.

 

[Peter_C]

Something along the line of X-shorts or glue on pockets might be a better solution. Plus your safety gear is on you, not your BC that could be removed.

XS-Scuba-Wetsuit-Drysuit-Pocket

X Shorts - Dive Xtras

 

[dkktsunami]

If these are the cam band weight pockets (which I use) they will not be large enough to hold a smb or a folding snorkel. Additionally, unless you have arms longer and more nimble than a chimpanzee, you will not be able to reach them. Just putting 4 lb. soft weights into them while the rig is sitting on the deck is a little tedious. Why not put them, or larger, proper pockets on your waist strap?

 

[Farty]

I am sorry, I did not post a link of the pockets I was talking about XS Scuba Single Tank Weight Pocket

my snorkel fits perfectly, my SMB is really small (maybe too small) and fits as well. I tried to pull things out of the pocket while diving and had no issues even in thick gloves (yes, I might have gorilla hands).

but I think you both bring really good points and I probably look into glue on pockets and/or other pockets. The problem I have is that the BCD has really no easy way to attach pockets unless I click it on d-rings or find a pocket I can secure over the integrated weight pockets

http://www.divebooty.com/prodimages/lg/231.jpg


well, maybe time to ditch BCD I got when I finished OW and look for BP/W

 

[Farty]

I just found this Add-On Thigh Pockets - Dive Gear Express - it can easily solve my problem

 

[Crush]

Something along the line of X-shorts or glue on pockets might be a better solution. Plus your safety gear is on you, not your BC that could be removed.

XS-Scuba-Wetsuit-Drysuit-Pocket

X Shorts - Dive Xtras

Mostly I dive a drysuit which has thigh pockets. For wetsuit dives I bought the X-Shorts and I really like them - they are very intelligently made with internal loops in the pockets and the pockets can be velcro'd flat when there is nothing inside them.

 

[Peter_C]

I just found this Add-On Thigh Pockets - Dive Gear Express - it can easily solve my problem

Why not start diving the system you will eventually dive anyway? You will find most of the NorCal divers that consistently post here on Scubaboard use pockets...on their drysuits.

You should at the least be carrying an SMB, EMT type sheers, and a whistle on every dive. Eventually you may want a spare mask, wetnotes, spool, and other cool pocket stuffers With larger pockets you will be ready to add those in.

 

[garyd54220]

I just found this Add-On Thigh Pockets - Dive Gear Express - it can easily solve my problem

There you go. A buddy of mine uses one of the "strap on's" because his suit has no pocket and it works fine for his jon line and a few other things. If you need more storage you can wear one on each leg. Aftermarket glue-on's may or may not stay glued on long term. On the other hand the elastic in these certainly has a life span as well.

Gary

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I have been down this road. It is very difficult to modify many BC's to hold extra gear properly. Almost anyplace other than your thigh is difficult to get access to in the water reliably. Even the built in side pockets on many BCD's tend to be difficult to access in gloves and easy to loose bits in the water if you store much in them.

I don't dive dry, so I have no permanent pockets. I have done glue on and strap on thigh pockets, while not perfect they were much, much better than BC pockets. Ease of access is very important.

 

[Kilili]

I use on both tank bands and weight belt, because it makes the weights easier to manage/change.