Ditchable weight options with a BP/W

[smorneau]

I have been diving a SS BP/W and have put all the weight I am willing to put on the rig itself. I am still wearing a weight belt because I want some ditchable weights. I am trying to balance my weight between the rig and non intergraded ditchable weight. I am using about 20lb on the belt when diving here in the northeast during the winter with the extra thermal protection needed.

The problem I am having is my weight belt does not stay put a around my waist even if I tighten it during the dive. It slides down and also rotates on my torso making reaching the belt buckle for an emergency nearly impossible in a hurry. I know part of the problem is I have no hips and the other part of the problem is the slickness of my fabric drysuit.

I have been thinking about getting a DUI classic weight harness and am unsure how well it will work underneath my BP harness. Has anyone else had any experience using a DUI weight system under a BP/W any offer any advice or suggestions for ditchable weight not on the BP/W rig.

Thanks

 

[TSandM]

My husband uses a DUI Weight & Trim under his harness. No issues at all, and he likes it. He has the same problem you do -- no hips.

 

[Bigd2722]

I use a DUI harness under my BP/W when I'm diving cold. It works great. Since my SO is a professional seamstress, I had it modified to delete the buckle and use velcro. Works great

 

[undrwater]

You can use pockets instead of hard weights too as a cheaper alternative. For the belt, I've seen some snake bungees through holes in the belt with knots at the end as a kind of depth compensating feature (think elastic waist band).

 

[tech3324]

I use a 6lb SS plate with a 6lb weighted single tank adapter (STA) either Halcyon or Hammerhead. That keeps the weight on my weight belt to around 12lb. For the weight belt I use the zippered top style with soft weights and a depth compensating belt buckle. The combination of the constant tension from the buckle and the soft weights makes the weight belt really stable on the waist. But the real key was limiting the weight belt to 12lbs.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I use the DUI under my my BP/Wing, works fine. It does avoid the whole issue of crotch strap under/over the belt in you can pull the pouches at any time. It eliminates issues with loose belts sliding around, messing up your trim or worse. It allows you to adjust trim nicely.

Downside: The classic does add to travel bulk and does cost a lot more than a belt.

They make a lighter duty version that might work fine if you are not intending to load it up with lots of weight that is not as bulky. Neither should really be an issue unless you travel.

 

[smorneau]

I am trying to find the difference between the DUI Weight and Trim Classic and the DUI Weight and Trim II. The two are the same price. I have not seen any pictures of the Classic from the back to look at the straps. It looks like it is built better and the Trim II is the fluffed up version.

Someone else mentioned a rubber belt instead of the harness option. Will the rubber belt hold 20+lbs or is that pushing it?

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I have both (actually 1 classic and 2 II's). They are the same basic design, but the material used on the classic is stiffer, beefier and will hold up to sustained use with lots of lead. The belt is similar to a standard weight belt in size, structure and uses a traditional weight belt buckle. Everything on it is heavy duty and I sometimes load up with 34lbs of lead, not even close to maxing out. I doubt I can ever wear it out.

The II is made with lighter material that is more flexible. This reduces bulk and feels more streamlined. Folds flat for travel. Buckle is plastic quick release. Its a bit easier to adjust weights up and down while diving. Its built well enough for average use, not over built. Probably best for 30lbs or so and average diving. I don't consider it a fluffed up version, merely engineered to down for divers with different needs.

The release on both is a rip cord for either side with a velcro tab to prevent unwanted release. It also allows easy access to any pocket to remove weight selectively to pass to a buddy or do an impromptu weight check.

 

[Teller]

I had a DUI harness and hated it. Not saying anything bad about the harness itself but it added so much bulk and clutter to the rig I only used it a few times and ended up giving it away. You can use a steel cylinder if your not already and you can add weight to the cam bands as well. I had a TLS350 and I know the weight belt can slip so I try to get it extra tight and I use two buckles. I also put the weight belt on first and then put the crotch strap over it. Doing so will mean youll have to either drop the croth strap to ditch your weight belt or cut it free. To me its just something I am willing to risk as I cant afford to loose my weight with a deco obligation ahead of me. Just depends on how you look at it I guess. Good luck.

 

[smorneau]

I had a DUI harness and hated it. Not saying anything bad about the harness itself but it added so much bulk and clutter to the rig I only used it a few times and ended up giving it away. You can use a steel cylinder if your not already and you can add weight to the cam bands as well. I had a TLS350 and I know the weight belt can slip so I try to get it extra tight and I use two buckles. I also put the weight belt on first and then put the crotch strap over it. Doing so will mean youll have to either drop the croth strap to ditch your weight belt or cut it free. To me its just something I am willing to risk as I cant afford to loose my weight with a deco obligation ahead of me. Just depends on how you look at it I guess. Good luck.

I went with a BP/W to reduce bulk and clutter caused by my BC. I due not want to re intruduce the same by adding a weight harness, if that is what its going to do. You mentioned using two buckles, how does that work? A right hand and a left hand release? Both buckles on the harness with just a piece of webbing in between? One on either side of the crotch strap?

I also thought about ditchable weight pockets on the harness belt but not sure how much clutter that will add and they are about the same price as a harness.