Alternatives to weight belt for BP/W

[twistypencil]

Hi all,

I have a Hog 32lb stainless steel wing, with a Diveright backplate, and I've been using a weight belt, but I'm wanting to find something that will be a little more secure. I dive in 14mm regularly, and need between 15-20lbs extra to get down, and when my suits compress, my weightbelt becomes pretty loose. So loose in fact that I need to tighten it about 10feet down because otherwise it gets incredibly loose by the time I get down to 90ft. I try to pull it as tight as possible on the surface, but its still not good enough. I've dropped it once during my 10' adjustment, and I don't want to do that again.

What are some good alternative ways to weight with a BP/W? Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

Have you ever considered a rubber "freedive" belt. Many scuba divers use them. They have some elasticity so they help to compensate for wetsuit comprression and they tend to "stick" to the wetsuit so they don't slide up or down or rotate around you body.

These belts are extremely secure and are also very quick to ditch. As scuba divers learn about these belts, we are seeing them grow in popularity. A hige majority of freedivers will use an elastic rubber belt and we are seeing an increasing number of scuba divers order from us as well.

You might experiment a little bit to determine if you need all that lead on the belt. You may find that some of the ballast could be shifted to the harness and reducing the amount of lead on the belt by 5-6 lbs might help as well.

See the attached video, even though it was made with freedivers in mind, I think you will get the idea.


https://www.makospearguns.com/Freedive-Weight-Belt-p/mfdwb.htm

 

[twistypencil]

Thanks for that - I think you are right that this kind of belt would be a lot better for me! I'll definitely check that out.

You might experiment a little bit to determine if you need all that lead on the belt. You may find that some of the ballast could be shifted to the harness and reducing the amount of lead on the belt by 5-6 lbs might help as well.

I'm interested to know how I get weight on the harness, do you mean just threading some of the lead onto it?

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

I think I should let some of the expert scuba divers on here give you specific advice. There are a lot of options, but you may find that in an emergency, you may not want or need to ditch the entire amount (you referenced about 20 lbs).

Incidentally, if you decide to try one of our belts and you ever need to ditch it in an emergency, I'll send you a new one!

This weekend we have free shipping for all orders over $49

Thanks
Dano


MAKO FREE REPLACEMENT/SAFETY POLICY

To our valued customers: MAKO Spearguns recognizes that diving (both freediving and SCUBA) are potentially dangerous activities. We have all heard of tragic accidents where a diver is found on the bottom while still wearing a weight belt. We hope and pray that should any of our customers find themselves in a situation where ditching a belt may be necessary, that there is no delay and the belt is dropped immediately.

In many situations a belt is recoverable, however if your MAKO Spearguns belt and lead weights are ditched (and lost) in a true emergency…. I will replace them at our cost.

The last thing we want is our customers considering the cost of a lost belt in an emergency. The only thing we ask is that the individual shares with us (and our friends and customers) some sort of write-up about how the situation developed and how it was resolved. That way, we can all learn and be reminded to keep safety in the forefront of our minds.

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

There is also a weight harness.

Seasoft Sea-Wolf-40 Weight Harness

 

[Jeremy Williams]

Weight & Trim Classic

 

[bravokiloromeo]

I used to dive with a belt but ditched it (pun intended) because it was getting in the way with my harness waistband.

You have some options:

- Can just weave weights onto the waistband (closest to the plate, before anything else goes on the waistband). Weight pockets on the waistband and tank bands also work. I use a combination of weaving and tank pockets to hit 20 lbs.

- Buy a thicker BP. A couple shops out there make 10 lb BPs though they are a bit more expensive.

- Halcyon's Single Tank Adapter is worth 6 lbs - 1 for the steel and an additional 5 lbs from their weight that is made for the STA.

- DSS BPs with bolt-on weight plates are still floating around. You could also probably make your own plates, and IIRC there are bolt-on weights and tail weights you could add to any BP.

I know of someone who dives with 22 lbs using a DSS BP + plates and the Halcyon STA. All the weight is right where it should be and no need for a pesky belt.

 

[EdC]

I have these on my Express Tech and they sit back out of the way but still accessible if needed. For me the best of both worlds, integrated BP/W. I am sure you could attach them to most plates.

Zip Touch Weight System

 

[twistypencil]

I have these on my Express Tech and they sit back out of the way but still accessible if needed. For me the best of both worlds, integrated BP/W. I am sure you could attach them to most plates.

Where are they mounted so you can reach them?

 

[Marie13]

I have the Halcyon weighted STA. I would also get some trim pockets and put a small amount on your cam bands.

Lastly, get some hip weight pockets that can go on your belt and are ditchable, if needed. Check out any of the various online dealers for ideas.