How to stop waist strap from twisting?

[ams511]

I think the issue is that the OP is using weight pockets that are not attached to the backplate so they twist a bit. I have/had Halcyon, Zeagle, and Apeks pockets that attach to the backplate and don't twist when you load them. If he can attach it somehow to the plate, lets say poke a hole in the pockets and zip tie it to the plate, then it would not move.

The OP did not give a location so we don't know if he has a regular buddy, or a buddy that knows what a BP/W is, or even a buddy that speaks his language. Given the fact that he flies to most of his destinations I would think we are talking about insta-buddies.

 

[TSandM]

It's true that his buddy might not be familiar with his equipment, but assuming they both speak the same language, I think anybody can tell if a strap is twisted, and untwist it

 

[victorzamora]

Lynne, I agree with what you're saying.....but it can be frustrating to have to untwist your waist strap before every dive. I think as long as it's not a huge gear configuration change, it might be better in the long run to avoid the every-time-you-dive hassle.

WhiteSands, the weight belt that has prevented me from hating weight belts is the Marseilles weight belt that a lot of freedivers use. It's all rubber with a "tongue buckle" (like a normal belt). When you buckle it, you stretch the belt so it compensates for depth. Also, since it's rubber, it's kind of grippy so it doesn't slide/fall as badly as webbing-based weight belts. To release them, it's different from a normal weight belt but not at all difficult....but it's REALLY hard to accidentally release it, you have to do it purposefully.

 

[TSandM]

I'm with you, victorzamora! I love my Mako rubber weight belt (thank you again, DumpsterDiver).

If this happens every time and the diver can't solve the problem himself, I agree that either figuring a way to secure the weight pocket so it won't twist, or going to another system, would probably be best. I HATE gear that doesn't cooperate . . .

 

[ams511]

Doesn't depend on how much weight you carry? On the Spearo boards they warn that wearing heavy weights with a rubber belt will cause it to stretch and sag. At 12 lbs max I don't thing it would trouble the OP but when you carry 20 lbs or more I can see this being an issue.

 

[victorzamora]

Yeah. Like all other things, it's not without negatives. However, the OP was talking about using camband weights and the like....20# on OP's weight belt wasn't mentioned. Also, the amount of "fail" with very high weight isn't necessarily constant. I've tried a ton of weight on my weight belt and didn't find it too bad. It's no worse than a standard weight belt, imho. However, if I were diving with that much weight with ANY frequency, I'd be in one of the weight harnesses.

 

[TSandM]

I use 20 lbs on my Mako belt. The belt seems to tolerate it well, and stays in place. The only wear I have seen on it is that the rubber is tearing where the tongue of the buckle goes through it (not a weight stress location).

 

[WhiteSands]

I'm with you, victorzamora! I love my Mako rubber weight belt (thank you again, DumpsterDiver).

If this happens every time and the diver can't solve the problem himself, I agree that either figuring a way to secure the weight pocket so it won't twist, or going to another system, would probably be best. I HATE gear that doesn't cooperate . . .

You're right, it is a solvable problem. But I was just seeing if there was a way to prevent this as its a hassle sometimes to have tightened down the waist strap then finding out the strap is twisted.

I've started to check both straps now before tightening, just another thing to check. I guess I like to simplify things as far as possible.

---------- Post added November 27th, 2013 at 01:24 PM ----------

[SMV][/SMV]

Lynne, I agree with what you're saying.....but it can be frustrating to have to untwist your waist strap before every dive. I think as long as it's not a huge gear configuration change, it might be better in the long run to avoid the every-time-you-dive hassle.

WhiteSands, the weight belt that has prevented me from hating weight belts is the Marseilles weight belt that a lot of freedivers use. It's all rubber with a "tongue buckle" (like a normal belt). When you buckle it, you stretch the belt so it compensates for depth. Also, since it's rubber, it's kind of grippy so it doesn't slide/fall as badly as webbing-based weight belts. To release them, it's different from a normal weight belt but not at all difficult....but it's REALLY hard to accidentally release it, you have to do it purposefully.

Thank you! I tried using a weight belt again today with my drysuit. Had no choice actually. I had to carry 30lbs with al80s and there was nowhere else to stuff the weights.

May I know a good place to buy the marceilles weight belt? Thanks.

 

[eelnoraa]

Stiff webbing?

 

[victorzamora]

WhiteSands, Mako makes the most commonly used one. Here's a link for their site, but I'm not sure if there are better/cheaper retailers around.