hard or soft weights for integrated

[socaljohn]

Getting new (to me) Oceanic Excursion and would like to lose the weight belt I am using and start using integrated weights. I stopped using integrated weights on my current BCD as the pockets kept trying to escape and one finally did... Anyway hard or soft weights in the BCD pockets. I have plenty of hard weights but if I need soft ones, I'll tell the wifey getting a BCD without weights is like getting a remote control car without batteries. BAD FORM!

 

[Lake Hickory Scuba]

Hey socaljohn, Here is a quick video on your question. I would suggest that if you had hard weights to use them (why spend money if you don't have to), but if you had to purchase then go soft. In the video you will see tips on how to use hard weights in weight pockets and still prolong the life of the pocket. Hope this helps and Happy Diving. Scuba Tip Weight Pockets - YouTube

 

[uncfnp]

Getting new (to me) Oceanic Excursion and would like to lose the weight belt I am using and start using integrated weights. I stopped using integrated weights on my current BCD as the pockets kept trying to escape and one finally did... Anyway hard or soft weights in the BCD pockets. I have plenty of hard weights but if I need soft ones, I'll tell the wifey getting a BCD without weights is like getting a remote control car without batteries. BAD FORM!

Hi Socaljohn,

FWIW Eric frequently used hard weights and never once lost a pocket.

 

[Sieg@VU]

I certainly prefer using soft weights in my integrated BCD, but either soft or hard are perfectly acceptable. Just an FYI if you plan on any dive travel, generally speaking, most resort/dive operators have hard weights available and only occasionally do we find soft weights offered.

 

[BRT]

We use only hard weights

 

[socaljohn]

Appreciate the video and the comment from the Lisa who sold the new one to me. The lost weight pouch probably had to do with the extreme age and condition of my old BCD and weight pouches. They had many many dives on them and I have put 60 more dives on them in last couple years. Funny story, lost the pouch on a surgy dive through some canyons and only noticed because my kit was rolling to the right. Then figured out I was over weighted by the 5.5 pounds I had in it. I never would have believed that but... Dive and learn...(that would make a good bumper sticker)

 

[claymore]

I prefer hard weights. They are smaller for a given weight so you can carry more weight or have less bulk. They cost less. Hard weights leach much less if any lead into the environment.

The main reason most people use soft weights is the perception that they are more comfortable but in most if not all weight integrated BC's there is so much stuff between the diver and the weights that it is a moot point if there is any care taken in inserting the weights.