BP/W ditching weights

[harleythedog]

today I went ahead and decided to try on a BP/W setup from a coworker, that was a mistake. I thought I loved my ranger BC, now I am not so sure. Tried the dive rite setup, also happened to try a zeagle setup.

so this got me thinking. if you are diving with a BP/W setup, SS BP and steel tanks in tropical waters, chances are you may not need any added weight. In this scenario, there wouldnt be any way to ditch your weights and ascend in the event of an emergency, or in OOA situation on the surface, one would need to manually inflate BC. Am I missing something here ? seems like you would want an AL BP and weightbelt maybe ?

PS. yes, may switch to BP/W, not sure which one I like better, DiveRite or Zeagle.

 

[danktex]

today I went ahead and decided to try on a BP/W setup from a coworker, that was a mistake. I thought I loved my ranger BC, now I am not so sure. Tried the dive rite setup, also happened to try a zeagle setup.

so this got me thinking. if you are diving with a BP/W setup, SS BP and steel tanks in tropical waters, chances are you may not need any added weight. In this scenario, there wouldnt be any way to ditch your weights and ascend in the event of an emergency, or in OOA situation on the surface, one would need to manually inflate BC. Am I missing something here ? seems like you would want an AL BP and weightbelt maybe ?

PS. yes, may switch to BP/W, not sure which one I like better, DiveRite or Zeagle.

I don't have any ditchable weight. I would never drop my weights at depth if I had any, I just swim the rig up. As far as on the surface out of air I would manually inflate.

 

[SeanQ]

The average steel plate is about -6lbs. The tank could be a few pounds negative when empty depending on the model. Given that a BP/W doesn't have much positive buoyancy (such as padding) the rig could be between -6lbs to -12lbs buoyant with an empty tank.

Depending on the thickness of the exposure suit, this could be too much, not enough or just right. If the weighting is just right, an aluminium tank or plate would give you more options for placing trim or ditchable weight.

 

[lamont]

Yeah, the goal should be to not run OOA, and if you're OOA on the surface you should orally inflate. If you're OOA on the surface with a deflated wing and unconscious -- well, I don't optimize my gear for that situation... I'm probably dead no matter what...

 

[RV]

...snip...
PS. yes, may switch to BP/W, not sure which one I like better, DiveRite or Zeagle.

personally I like DSS
http://www.deepseasupply.com/

 

[jeckyll]

Perhaps diving aluminum tanks might be a better way to go if you are in warm waters with a SS BP

 

[Dive-aholic]

Ditchable weights are not necessary. There is no reason to have to ditch weights underwater. On the surface, if you need the added buoyancy, either orally inflate, or cut your harness off. Again, no need for ditchable weights.

While I'm here, I'll chime in with my setup - FredT bp with Oxycheq wing.

 

[Mako Mark]

I have to say that after about 10,000 hours in the water, I have never once had to ditch my weight belt.

In the tropics, you need just enough weight to get down, I use a ss bp and no weight with a 5mm steamer, if I am working hard, I might add about 4lbs just to make sure, but it makes no difference about getting to the surface.

In cold water, I would put about half my weight on a ditchable weight belt. The rest doesnt need to be ditched. Personally, I am happy to put that weight belt under the crotch strap. This allows a second chance at ditching. If it unfortunately releases, your crotch strap will catch it. If you release it on purpose, you have a second clip to release, no biggie.

 

[Halthron]

There's only two reasons I see to have ditchable weight, assuming single tank diving.

1) Because someone is very overweighted
2) To account for the compression effects of neoprene at depth.

Answers:

1) Properly weight yourself
2) If you're from the cold climates, you may use only a skin.

You won't find many steel tanks in my neck of the tropics.

 

[scuba-charters]

I use an aluminum BP (halcyon) and the smallest wing (pioneer). I usually don't need more then 8lbs extra weight. I've seen some new weight pockets that go on the harness, that are ditchable. In fresh water I don't need any weight at all, but have to wear the weightbelt for teaching.