Does this exist?

[Crush]

The only weight-integrated BCs that I have seen are bulky because of the integrated weights. I am not saying that all weight-integrated BCs are bulky, only that I haven't seen a non-bulky one.

I use a Zeagle Scout - rear-inflate, no integrated weights, super compact and light.

Have you thought of adding trim weight pockets to a non-integrated BC like the Scout? I did this and it worked very well for warmer waters. The trim weight pockets are very light and compact - they add essentially zero weight and bulk when you have no weights in them. The Scout comes with two trim pockets on the lower cam band. You will probably want to add two trim pouches to the top cam band.

 

[Teamcasa]

I use and really like the Apeks WTX harness system. You add the weight pocket system designed for this and you are all set. I see them for sale here on ScubaBoard from time to time. Add a 30=40 lb lift wing and away you go.

 

[Hockeynut]

Why would you need 16 pounds in warm tropical water? Just curious.


I had a seaquest balance that I think would fit the bill here.

 

[Freedro]

Comparing Scubapro Litehawk to a Zuma you really need to try on both and see how they feel. Yes, the Litehawk is made with heavier materials than the Zuma but in terms of overall comfort both in and out of the water the Zuma blows away the Litehawk. Load them both up with a tank and move around a bit out of the water. Don't take my word for it - try them both! You should be able to do this in the store.

 

[Capt.Gene]

If you buy the Stiletto make sure you get the proper size, because you will never feel the need to replace it and you will never wear it out.

 

[merxlin]

I use and really like the Apeks WTX harness system. You add the weight pocket system designed for this and you are all set. I see them for sale here on ScubaBoard from time to time. Add a 30=40 lb lift wing and away you go.

I have to agree!

 

[Dave616]

I have a Zeagle Scout for my current travel BC however I have not actually taken it on an airplane yet, just been experimenting with it.
Like others have said it's extremely durable, compact, and comes with 24lbs. of lift but it's upgradable to 35lbs. I am 5'11 205lbs. and have used my Scout (24lb.) in 50-60 degree fresh water with a 7mm wetsuit, 5/7mm Hooded vest, steel HP80 14lbs. of lead shot.
With an Aluminum 80 I would probably need a few more lbs. The scout comes with trim weight pockets on the lower tank band; I have thought about adding pockets to the top band and wearing a weight belt.
The cummerbund belt pad is also removable to help save space.

I'm going to give the Zuma some time to prove itself, I'm not big on buying the latest and greatest.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Why would you need 16 pounds in warm tropical water? Just curious.

How do you define warm tropical water diving? How about temps above 70 degrees with aluminum 80's?

When my 5 mm merino lined wet suit was new, 16 lbs was not quite enough for my 6' 175 lb body.

The boat I work on gives most "vacation" divers at least 16 lb belts to use with our rental 5 mm shorties. Then we have to give many of them more weight during the dive to keep 'em down.

 

[mahidac]

I dont know where you guys dive - but 10 months out of the year I love in Grandcayman and I am 6' 230 (I was 260 when i started diving - have been dropping lbs over time slowly) I started out using 18 pounds when I did my certification, but I was way overweighted, I was just too fidgity in the water - I'm down to about 12 pounds now, but I do see a lot of divers still using 16 pounds on boat trips - I'm sure its easier for me to know my buoyancy because I live on GC rather then just on vacation.

I tried on both the zuma and the litehawk at my LDS - and I thought they both fit reasonably well.

I don't blame u for not wanting to wear a weight belt - 16 pounds on a WB is horribly uncomfortable out of the water in my experience.

best of luck with your purchase

 

[demarest652]

I have the scubapro knighthawk and its great. Ive taken it on trips several times i have a big suitcase that i put all my dive gear in that probably weighs 5 pounds or so and with all my dive gear in it including 13lbs of weight i still came in under the 50lb weight limit that the airlines have.