Advise neeed on new gear, weighting, and lift

[1_T_Submariner]

The 18# is not suitable for cold waters, as stated above by several members. Especially not with steel plate and steel tank, since this is heavy non-dropable weight. It will however do nicely in your local waters, but so will a 30#. The 30# is what you're looking for, and it will serve you well even when you travel.

Could you provide more information on this.... I know that current teaching by some is to have 10lbs more lift than weight. I don't quite understand why? Since I try to be just a slight bit negative with no air in my BC (or BP/W if I had one) at the end of a dive I'm not sure why I need 30Lbs of lift or more? The only time I have inflated my BC to anywhere more than just a little is to use it as a raft and float on the surface.
This even applies when using a Steel 120 and 7mm neoprene (Wetsuit, Hood, Gloves Etc..)
Just curious thanks in advance for any infomation...

 

[Xanthro]

Could you provide more information on this.... I know that current teaching by some is to have 10lbs more lift than weight. I don't quite understand why? Since I try to be just a slight bit negative with no air in my BC (or BP/W if I had one) at the end of a dive I'm not sure why I need 30Lbs of lift or more? The only time I have inflated my BC to anywhere more than just a little is to use it as a raft and float on the surface.
This even applies when using a Steel 120 and 7mm neoprene (Wetsuit, Hood, Gloves Etc..)
Just curious thanks in advance for any infomation...

Your wing should be able to offset the loss of bouyancy in your exposure suit, and the weight of your tanks, backplate and other heavier then water items. It should also be able to float your BC at the surface.

A stainless steel backplate weighs around 6lbs, add a steel tank full of air and you are already pushing 18lbs of lift. Now add intergated pockets, and your BC will sink if taken off at the surface.

You can get by with 18lbs. I hardly put any air in my wing, but the space savings in minor compared to a 30lb wing and the latter is more versital.