BP/W typsy rig

[oversea]

I have been diving a BP/W for this entire season with a drysuit, undergarments etc. This past weekend I took my rig for a shore dive but this time with a 5mil wetsuit (sometimes the drysuit is too much of a hassle). The shoulder straps were a bit loose but went anyway. I felt very unstable besides being heavy. In my drysuit, the BP/W is a dream come true. Now, there are some variables that could have affected this. I switched from an al80 to a steel 119. I have a 4lb p-weight bolted in the v of the plate and the plate/sta weighs 11lbs. I removed 5lbs from my belt than normal because of the steel tank. From what I can figure, most of my stability issues were from the loose shoulder straps, but I also thought about the extra tank weight combined with the plate and p-weight and its effects on my balance considering the weight is all on my back. The straps are loose because it is a 1 piece hog harness and don't want to change it as it is perfect for my drysuit. Based on my observations, I decided to rig an alumnium plate with a comfort harness I have had, for use exclusively with thinner wetsuits and travel. mostly to reduce the unecesary weight on my back but also for an adjustable harness. Based upon what I wrote (assuming it is understandable) does it sound like I am on the right track? Does a steel tank throw off ones balance a great deal? Or should I even notice a difference?

 

[jonnythan]

I switched from an al80 to a steel 119. I have a 4lb p-weight bolted in the v of the plate and the plate/sta weighs 11lbs. I removed 5lbs from my belt than normal because of the steel tank.

There's your answer...

 

[oversea]

There's your answer...

What, the extra weight of the tank?

 

[jonnythan]

You moved a bunch of weight from your hips to standing a few inches off your back. Thus there's more torque trying to roll you on your side whenever you tip to one side or the other.

 

[JeffG]

You changed your entire weighting system (tank included in that). Its going to behave differently. My double Al 80's and my Double 130's behave quite differently.

 

[oversea]

You changed your entire weighting system (tank included in that). Its going to behave differently. My double Al 80's and my Double 130's behave quite differently.

So my goal should be to relocate the weight from my back to hips as much as possible? I would think losing the p weight and possibly a lighter sta may help. Then compensate with additional on the belt as required.

 

[jonnythan]

So my goal should be to relocate the weight from my back to hips as much as possible? I would think losing the p weight and possibly a lighter sta may help. Then compensate with additional on the belt as required.

No, the goal is not to make every configuration the same... it's to realize that different configurations behave differently, and to be able to handle your various rigs, changing each one as necessary. IMO of course

 

[JeffG]

So my goal should be to relocate the weight from my back to hips as much as possible? I would think losing the p weight and possibly a lighter sta may help. Then compensate with additional on the belt as required.

As a last resort. A slight change in your body position can do wonders. I would try that first.

 

[oversea]

As a last resort. A slight change in your body position can do wonders. I would try that first.

I will be in my drysuit this weekend. The only change I intend to make is remove approx 5 lbs to compensate for the difference between steel and aluminum. I will propably remove the pweight and see how it feels. while diving dry with an al 80 I have and 11lb plate/sta, 4.5lb p-weight and 14lbs on my belt. I have a feeling that I may find I am still abit heavy. It is just a hunch but we'll see.

 

[mwpowell]

It is not clear what you mean by typsy. If the rig is sliding back and forth from side to side, then the shoulder straps are too loose. If you are having trouble with your trim (e.g., head heavy), then you may need to adjust your weighting system. The location of your tank straps will make a significant difference in your trim. Also, as JeffG already mentioned, body position is important. If you can, go to a pool and experiment. It will be worth it.

Good luck,

Mike