Balancing Weights, Left vs. Right

[Marek K]

Living in Europe now, and diving in this part of the world, the smallest lead weights I can generally find are 1 kg (2.2. lb). So wanting to keep my weights balanced left-to-right (I use a weight-integrated BC), the smallest weight increment I can add -- like when using different tanks, suits, or fresh vs. salt water -- is 2 kg (4.4 lb.). That seems like a large increment... I remember in the States, 1-lb weights were available. I'd have the same problem with a weight belt. How do folks handle this? Any options, other than maybe threading a single weight centered on my tank strap? Or is it a non-problem -- either the increment, or the balance issue? --Marek

 

[BarryNL]

Living in Europe now, and diving in this part of the world, the smallest lead weights I can generally find are 1 kg (2.2. lb). So wanting to keep my weights balanced left-to-right (I use a weight-integrated BC), the smallest weight increment I can add -- like when using different tanks, suits, or fresh vs. salt water -- is 2 kg (4.4 lb.). That seems like a large increment... I remember in the States, 1-lb weights were available. I'd have the same problem with a weight belt. How do folks handle this? Any options, other than maybe threading a single weight centered on my tank strap? Or is it a non-problem -- either the increment, or the balance issue? --Marek

The short answer is that it's a non-problem. I dive with 7kg on my weight belt made up of 3x2kg + 1x1kg. I've never noticed the fact that one side is slightly heavier.

The only thing I did do is put the 1kg weight on the same side as my cable lamp which is 0.5kg negative in water.

 

[Paddy_1]

Hi folks,

I put 2x2 kg + 2x1 kg to keep my belt balanced. You can find 1 kg weights of different brands in EU (Scubapro for exemple).

Cheers

Paddy

 

[dkktsunami]

Soft weights in a weight belt. Scubapro belt has 4 pockets - one can be left empty or carry a reduced amount of weight. This can be done to offset the additional weight of a side-mounted pony bottle for example. I do use 1 lb. wieghts when necessary.

 

[miketsp]

It's strange but some divers seem to be sensitive to weight balance and others don't.
I know divers that with an unbalanced weight belt by only 1kg will become unstable, whereas a couple of times I have dived with an extra 2kg in a BC pocket and not felt any difference even though this put the weight far from my centre-line. Same thing when I once found a 3kg weight in the sand and tucked it in my BC side pocket to take it back to the boat.

 

[Wijbrandus]

I notice anytime my weighting isn't balanced.

I use my upper tank strap for odd weight. Works like a charm if your strap is long enough to secure the weight.

 

[Wayward Son]

You can always make your own.

 

[Damselfish]

I definitely notice if my weights aren't balanced. It's tricky for me because I usually only want 6-7 pounds, but I really need to divide it between my integrated weight pockets and my 2 trim pockets on the back. (And I'm traveling and not going to haul weights.) So I thread the odd one on the tank strap so it's in the middle, one of these days I'll get a pocket or something for there so it's easier. I've also done 4-2s so I'm not listing but it's really too much weight for me.

 

[Wayward Son]

If you want perfect control over the weight, you can buy empty soft weight pouches that use velcro closures here:

http://www.diversdiscount.com/resources/frameset-search.asp

Search for 'weight pouch'

They cost $2.95 in any size, just fill them with lead shot. I use them & they work fine.

Won't help if you're traveling & using rental wt, but for your personal rigs you can make them weigh exactly what you want.

 

[miketsp]

If you want perfect control over the weight, you can buy empty soft weight pouches that use velcro closures here:

http://www.diversdiscount.com/resources/frameset-search.asp

Search for 'weight pouch'

They cost $2.95 in any size, just fill them with lead shot. I use them & they work fine.

Won't help if you're traveling & using rental wt, but for your personal rigs you can make them weigh exactly what you want.

Funny thing is you can buy these here in Brazil too but it's illegal to use them with lead shot. Apparently for environmental reasons as they generate lead dust which is not the best thing to be breathing or spreading around.