BC-Integrated weights held by only velcro?

[ChameleonAmy]

Just got a Tusa Women's Platina BC for Christmas. It seems like a great BC, but I'm a bit curious/concerned about one aspect of it.--The integrated weights are held into the BC by only strips of velcro. I'm new to SCUBA, so forgive my ignorance, but doesn't velcro have a tendancy to lose it's grip over time? ....I realize it's important that those weights be easily releasible, but I'm a bit concerned about too much of a good thing--i.e. losing some or all of the weights during a dive. Does anyone have any positive-negative experiences with this BC or similar BCs relying solely on velcro to hold in those precious weights? Advice welcome :14:

 

[lee08]

If you use more than a couple pounds of weight in each pocket there is a very good chance the velcro won't hold.

 

[stiebs]

I have a SeaQuest Balance which only has a velco tab holdind the weights in. When diving in a 2-piece 7mm wetsuit, I carry 10lb in each pocket, plus 14lb non-ditchable, and have not had any problems.

Even when it starts to age, velcro still holds a lot better against sheer force than lift force. Ie, it will come apart quite easily if you lift the tab away from the jacket, but if you try and pull it away sideways it requires much more force.

If the thought of losing your weights keeps nagging at you, you could try making a loop of bungy cord that fits around the pocket keeping the lift tab flat against the BC. This will stop the flap from being inadvertently lifted, but provided the bungy has enough elasticity, pulling the tab away with force will still allow you to ditch weight.

Just a thought, never actually tried this or seen anyone doing it.

 

[expatriotboy]

I have a Dacor Nautica BCD with weight drop pockets that are secured partly by velcro strips. I've found the BCD great and appreciate how well the drop pockets (as well as the back "flap" pockets) balance weight. But I did lose one of the drop pockets ... without even realizing it happened. The pocket --with a 5lb weight -- just slipped out! So your concerns are valid.

 

[Jason Ooi]

Hi,

I have a Seac Sub Pro 2000 with Velcro strips by both, I found is great and balance weight.
Concerned how much weight and did you put it right position. My friend have one same with you but no problem at all.
Cheer
Jason

 

[WPBdiver]

Yes, your concerns are valid. I have a Seaquest Pro Unlimited with the velcro only pockets and have lost two of them on separate occasions. Luckily, I was a bit overweighted and was able remain in control of my ascents. Real spooky though. I see that the newer models now have a clip device in addition to the velcro. I asked my LDS if it was possible to retro this onto my BC or replace the velcro and they advised against it. I now keep no more than 5lbs in each dumpable weight pocket and add weight as needed to my BC pockets. I have not had a problem since.

 

[cinder4320]

I understand how this could be a problem but my weight pockets take some force to push them in once they are weighted. If I'm on a rocking boat I will most likely need help getting them in. They pull out much easier but they are still snug. I dont think I could lose them even if the velcro wasn't there! Of course I have a size small BC so everything is a bit tinier.

Miranda

 

[scubatoys]

If you just got it for Christmas, hopefully the purchaser got a real good deal on that one.... That BC was discontinued by Tusa about a year and a half ago when they came out with a new clip weight system because of the velcro problems everyone has mentioned.

We have a few of those kicking around still too... and if someone wants a good bc for a couple hundred bucks... they will work out fine if you don't put too much weight in the pockets and make sure you get the velcro put together properly each time.

The other option would be see if the place it was purchased would take it back for the newer model.

 

[Wayward Son]

Or, just don't use the IW pouches & wear a belt instead.

 

[Damselfish]

I imagine some velcro designs are more reliable than others and less weight is less likely to cause a problem. But the velcro can be a problem, I've seen it happen (and recovered some pockets under boats including a buddy's at least once.) There's a reason designs like that have been going away and I wouldn't buy one at this point. Since it's new, personally I would return it and look for something else unless maybe it was a ridiculously good deal and I couldn't spend more.

You could always use a weight belt if it seems you will have problems, though it's a shame to have (usually) more bulk and less pocket space in the BC then still use a weight belt.