BP/W & Integrated Weights

[Peter Guy]

Ssshhh -- Don't tell TSandM, but I'm thinking more and more about getting a BP/W to replace my back inflate BC. The things I like about my current BC (Balance) is its overall usefullness and general simplicity -- not to mention its weight.

However, without having yet tried a BP/W, I can see they should have significant advantages also, especially when it comes to fit -- not to mention when I start using doubles....

BUT, I really, REALLY hate weightbelts -- and I really, REALLY like the Balance's integrated weight system which puts the load on my shoulders AND allows me to pull and replace them very easily (and with a positive lock, NOT Velcro).

QUESTION -- What weight systems are there that I can use with a BP/W that will allow me the same/similar weight distribution/ease of use as the Balance? I've looked at DUI's and while it has the weight distribution, putting the pockets back in after taking them out looks to be a real PITA.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

Well of course a real advantage of a BP/W is not needing much weight on a your weight belt. Even for cold water you should be able to get your ditchable weight down by using heavy backplate for p-weight. DiveRite has weight pouches which could be used with a standard harness much the same way as a weight integrated BC. But if you get the weight belt down to 6 pounds or so it is quite managable. Of course it helps to get a good buckle and most of the ones on the market are pretty awful. I have a buckle from Deep Outdoors which is quite solid. Good luck.

 

[JeffG]

Ssshhh -- Don't tell TSandM, but I'm thinking more and more about getting a BP/W to replace my back inflate BC.

LOL

BUT, I really, REALLY hate weightbelts -- and I really, REALLY like the Balance's integrated weight system which puts the load on my shoulders AND allows me to pull and replace them very easily (and with a positive lock, NOT Velcro).

QUESTION -- What weight systems are there that I can use with a BP/W that will allow me the same/similar weight distribution/ease of use as the Balance? I've looked at DUI's and while it has the weight distribution, putting the pockets back in after taking them out looks to be a real PITA.

Thanks for your help.

You could try these things. Even Combinations of all the options should do the trick.

http://www.halcyon.net/mc/acb.shtml
http://www.halcyon.net/mc/weights.shtml

 

[cool_hardware52]

Ssshhh -- Don't tell TSandM, but I'm thinking more and more about getting a BP/W to replace my back inflate BC. The things I like about my current BC (Balance) is its overall usefullness and general simplicity -- not to mention its weight.

However, without having yet tried a BP/W, I can see they should have significant advantages also, especially when it comes to fit -- not to mention when I start using doubles....

BUT, I really, REALLY hate weightbelts -- and I really, REALLY like the Balance's integrated weight system which puts the load on my shoulders AND allows me to pull and replace them very easily (and with a positive lock, NOT Velcro).

QUESTION -- What weight systems are there that I can use with a BP/W that will allow me the same/similar weight distribution/ease of use as the Balance? I've looked at DUI's and while it has the weight distribution, putting the pockets back in after taking them out looks to be a real PITA.

Thanks for your help.

Hi Peter,

BP&W are integrated to a certain extent, 5-6 lbs are integrated into the back plate.

You can add more mass a couple ways. Weighted STAs are one means, heavier plates, or the bolt on weight plates DSS offers. You can have 10-14 lbs in a weighted Backplate.

When you combine this weight with the reductions often possible when moving away from a jacket BC the remaing ballast necessary in a weightbelt becomes pretty manageable, 0-8 lbs is pretty typical depending on the tank you use.

20lbs + weight belts are a pain, a 6 lb weight belt is hardly noticed.

(BTW, your secret is safe with me, I wont spill the beans to TS&M )


Tobin

 

[PerroneFord]

QUESTION -- What weight systems are there that I can use with a BP/W that will allow me the same/similar weight distribution/ease of use as the Balance?

Ummm, steel tanks? Maybe even 2 of them.

 

[blatter]

Have look at weight pockets from Dive Rite - they slip straight on to the BP waist webbing and work well in that they don't fall out easily. The newer ones have a side release clip to make them even more unlikely to fall out.

 

[victor]

Is the idea to have no ditchable weight?
This seems slightly unsafe to me. I like the idea that if I am struggling on the surface I could dump my weight belt and have 10lbs positive buoyancy.
I must admit I would not fancy being under someone when they dropped their weight belt.

 

[Kwbyron]

not familiar with your old rig, but could you pull the integrated pockets off? all my weight pockets are just a pocket with a 2"loop stitched into the back for the webbing. I looked into fancier ones, but they seemed overpriced to me. Mine are Velcro pockets installed upside down, so they are fairly small and uncumbersome but I could ditch them if need be.

 

[Zeeman]

Is the idea to have no ditchable weight?
This seems slightly unsafe to me. I like the idea that if I am struggling on the surface I could dump my weight belt and have 10lbs positive buoyancy.
I must admit I would not fancy being under someone when they dropped their weight belt.

If you're struggling to/on the surface, you have too much weight to begin with IMO
. Either that, or you are using a very small wing...

z...

 

[Halthron]

You can add more mass a couple ways. Weighted STAs are one means, heavier plates, or the bolt on weight plates DSS offers. You can have 10-14 lbs in a weighted Backplate.

Not to mention a weight that sits in the channel of a backplate or in between a set of doubles. It shouldn't be hard to move up to 30 lbs from a belt if necessary.