BP/W ditchable weight?

[MXGratefulDiver]

I have those same XS pockets, never thought of mounting them upside down. I'll change that tonight since I wanted to be able to ditch my weight if need be.

Why? It's simple enough to remove weight if you need to "ditch" ... you simply open the flap and take out the weights. If the velcro is on the bottom, you're putting it under load and risk losing weight when you don't intend to.

I learned long ago not to trust ditchable weight systems that rely on velcro ... the stuff weakens with use.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[xiSkiGuy]

Why? It's simple enough to remove weight if you need to "ditch" ... you simply open the flap and take out the weights. If the velcro is on the bottom, you're putting it under load and risk losing weight when you don't intend to.

I learned long ago not to trust ditchable weight systems that rely on velcro ... the stuff weakens with use.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

I agree that I wouldn't rely on weakend velcro or put much of a load in the pocket if mounted upside down. I've only got 2lbs of soft weight in each pocket (plus SS BP and STA = 12lbs with a 7/5mm)

 

[radinator]

I've got Tobin's single SS rig, and I use the XS Scuba soft weightbelt with 8 pounds with my 7 mil suit and 100 cf steel tank. I also put it under the crotch strap and pull the weight out of the pockets.

If you're gonna do the pockets upside-down, be SURE to use soft weights - your toes will thank you. Velcro is not reliable under strain.

 

[dirthead]

With my DSS single tank rig, I have used xs scuba weight pockets on the waste strap. The worked pretty well with a 3mm suit, but with a 7mm suit and more weight, I was too top heavy. I then tried an xs scuba weight belt. It was better with the 7mm suit, but just didn't feel right. Now I have a DUI weight and Trim 2 and couldn't be happier. It places the weight lower on my waste then the weight belt and just feels secure and balanced. I agree with Rick Inman about the yellow pull dumps. I don't like them much either and tuck them in just to get them out of the way. I bought mine off Ebay for $78 I think. Compared to the weight pockets from DiveRite or OMS, that's a real bargain and the system trims me out with the 7mm suit much better.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Thinking about getting the DSS single tank rig - do most people wear just a weight belt? Or ditchable weight pockets on the waistband? We use 7mm wetsuits here, so I need a lot of weight. With a jacket BC I wear most of my weight on a belt, then use the pockets to adjust. What's the best way with a BP/W setup?

Hi zb,

I do use the XsScuba pouch type weight belt. They are fairly comfortable, easy to add or subtract weight from, and do offer the chance to ditch part of your weight if you should ever need to.

If you need a lot of weight consider adding some to the back plate. We offer bolt on weights that add 8lbs.in addition to the 5 lbs of the plate itself.

Keep in mind that you will likely drop some weight moving to a BP&W as most jackets are 2-4 lbs positive even when the bladder is empty.

Let me know if I can answer any questions.


Regards,


Tobin George

 

[zbskii]

Tobin - just one question: do you take visa?

How come you guys wear your weight belts under the crotch strap? I don't think my divemaster would be to keen on wearing non-ditchable weights. I'm not too worried about ditching underwater, it seems most dangerous when you're on the surface.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Tobin - just one question: do you take visa?

You betcha!

How come you guys wear your weight belts under the crotch strap? I don't think my divemaster would be to keen on wearing non-ditchable weights. I'm not too worried about ditching underwater, it seems most dangerous when you're on the surface.

Less chance of loosing the belt if it's under, and it's a bit easier to don. One of the reasons I like the XS Scuba pouch belt is that I can ditch a bit at a time, if I ever need to. Haven't yet, though.

A better question is what problems are solved by ditching, and what problems are created?

Regards,


Tobin

 

[Blackwood]

Tobin - just one question: do you take visa?

How come you guys wear your weight belts under the crotch strap? I don't think my divemaster would be to keen on wearing non-ditchable weights. I'm not too worried about ditching underwater, it seems most dangerous when you're on the surface.

Divemaster, shmivemaster

If a DM gives you grief, ask him this: if I wear it over my crotch strap, what do I do when I have to remove my BC under water (as learned in OW)? I’ll have to first remove my weights, and then my BP and tank, which may very well make me uncontrollably positive. (Note: weight integrated BCDs have the same problem).

It is ditchable... moreover, it is ditchable piece by piece as well as all at once (for all at once, you just have to undo two buckles instead of one).

How is ditching weight at the surface dangerous? Unless you are talking about “for other people,” it isn’t. Accidental ditching underwater can be extremely dangerous, though, as can ditching too much weight.

 

[zbskii]

Divemaster, shmivemaster

How is ditching weight at the surface dangerous? Unless you are talking about “for other people,” it isn’t. Accidental ditching underwater can be extremely dangerous, though, as can ditching too much weight.

At the surface seems the most common time you'd wanna ditch. If your bc fails at the surface you could easily drown. Try jumping in a pool with 20lbs of lead and see how long you can stay afloat. Now imagine you're really tired after a dive.

 

[Wijbrandus]

I'll throw in another vote for the DUI Weight & Trim. Not only does it making packing lead much more comfortable, but you really CAN adjust your trim with it.

Weight belts are for the birds. In my case, it better be a damn big bird too.

Go with a harness.