Alternatives to weight belt for BP/W

[twistypencil]

- 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.

Can you show me an example of tank pockets? I've not seen those. Or are they just a bellows or trim pocket (it seems pockets are either "travel", "bellows" or "trim"

 

[bravokiloromeo]

Can you show me an example of tank pockets? I've not seen those. Or are they just a bellows or trim pocket (it seems pockets are either "travel", "bellows" or "trim"

Just a trim pockets on the tank bands.

 

[twistypencil]

I would also get some trim pockets and put a small amount on your cam bands.

It seems like trim pockets are not something that you can easily ditch, and if they aren't easily ditched, then I'm not really clear why you need a pocket, when you can just thread the weight on the camband?

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.

How do hip weight pockets that go on my belt help with my belt problem?

 

[twistypencil]

Just a trim pockets on the tank bands.

Any reason to use pockets when you can just weave the weights onto the tank bands directly?

 

[EdC]

Where are they mounted so you can reach them?

They attach to the lower sides of the plate and the webbing threads through them, this keeps them close to your body and just behind your centerline.

 

[Trace Malinowski]

Distributing the weight throughout the system will make it more comfortable to wear. I would consider the advice about using a weighted single tank adapter to place weight evenly along your back and then place weight in pouches that fit on the cam bands. Then, place some weight in ditchable weight pouches on the waist band of your harness. The idea is to have enough ditchable weight that you can jettison in an emergency within reach that will establish positive buoyancy in recreational diving while reserving enough on the rig that will provide even distribution for better trim, pitch, roll and yaw.

 

[twistypencil]

Then, place some weight in ditchable weight pouches on the waist band of your harness. The idea is to have enough ditchable weight that you can jettison in an emergency within reach that will establish positive buoyancy in recreational diving while reserving enough on the rig that will provide even distribution for better trim, pitch, roll and yaw.

I'm wondering how much weight would be too much to commit to non-ditchable weights. If I get two camband pouches that can fit 5lb each, thats 10lbs of weight that I can't ditch. If I put the rest on a belt that can be ditched is it playing it a little too close?

Also, what do people think about just using velcro pouches, mounted upside down to make a ditchable weight pouch? I feel like it could work just as well, and probably save a bundle.

 

[bravokiloromeo]

You will have to do a really good weight check (@ 500 psi) and do the buoyancy math.

Going off basic GUE weighting principles, you can reasonably swim to the surface with a failed wing while about a max of 10 lbs negative. If you are weighted correctly and are within that window, theoretically you don't need any ditchable weight.

You also don't want too much ditchable weight that you just rocket to the surface. Like Trace mentioned above, it's about being able to lose enough weight to become neutral or slightly positive.

 

[Schwob]

They seem nicer than what I have, I have not tried these:
Weight Pocket , Piranha Dive Shop |

I have pockets similar to the below on my BP&W belt and they do the job for now and weight is ditchable, how fast
.. TBD, but i like that there is a buckle and not velcro only like with the hog pockets. Mine are a little different and good for up to a single 5lbs weight. They are insufficiently retained from sliding a bit by just the D-ring alone:
Deluxe Small Weight Pocket

I use these for trim weights on my upper cam band. they are good with 4 or 5 lbs each, big with just 2 lbs in ea. and ridiculously baggy with just 1lbs each. Iostly need 4 lbs ea...
Quick Attach Weight Pocket , Piranha Dive Shop |
I think I bought mine at DGX or DRIS, don't recall.
I like pockets for travel over threading lead ... if I do not bring lead that is...

This seems a decent price for a harness, no idea how good it is. No idea how much I would like two sets of webbings to get twisted trying to get into my BP&W... I need to try some day:
Harness Weight Belt Kit! , Piranha Dive Shop |

 

[Marie13]

It seems like trim pockets are not something that you can easily ditch, and if they aren't easily ditched, then I'm not really clear why you need a pocket, when you can just thread the weight on the camband?

How do hip weight pockets that go on my belt help with my belt problem?

The hip pockets go on your HARNESS waist belt, not the danged weight belt. Sorry if that wasn't clear.