bp/w weight pockets or weight belt

[Scared Silly]

I too would say go with a SS backplate. That will give you about 4lbs more ballast. Like TS&M I also use trim weight pockets on my cam bands. I really like that, especially in warm water as I do not screw around with weights. For colder water I can add up 6-8 lbs in each plus once I add a can light I have enough ballast.

 

[Colliam7]

ok so i have a bp/w setup (hollis solo harness-Dive rite al bp- and dive rite rec exp wing) ... with a drysuit and bp/w what do people prefer for a weighting system, pockets or a weight belt and what are the benifits of each setup?? I only dive fresh cold water, and i have tried both systems out in the past but am stuck on a decision

My personal response to your specific question is, 'Both'. I have used 1) a SS BP, 2) a weight belt, 3) a DUI Weight and Trim harness, 4) weight pockets on the tank cambands, and 5) steel tanks with my drysuit when diving a single tank, and have found that - for me - the best approach is a combination of weight on me (weight belt or DUI harness), and weight on the rig. With a single tank, and my trilam suit, and a thick undergarment, in cold water, I require enough weight that I don't want to put all of it on the rig. So, I use a SS BP, a HP steel tank (120 or 130), and a weight belt. The weight belt is worn under the crotch strap (but outside the suit). It is still quite 'ditch-able', even if I have to work it out from under the crotch strap a bit -= it doesn't just fall away when I release the buckle. At first I found a weight belt and a drysuit to be a challenge, but that was because I wasn't tightening the belt enough to stay in place. When you use a weight belt with a dryusit, unless you have a small waist (I do not) and the belt naturally will stay in place above the hips, you may have to cinch the belt somewhat tight, to keep it from slipping down. This may restrict the flow of the air to the lower part of the suit. I find it reasonably easy, though, to periodically position myself to allow air to move to the legs. I mention it only because it is something that you may need to do, if you use a belt. I can add ~ 4-8 lbs to the rig, with weight pockets on the cambands. I do not particularly care for my DUI W & T harness - I just find it a bit bulky and cumbersome, although the weight is 'ditch-able'.

You don't need a SS BP - the AL one will work fine.

True, it will work. But, if you are diving a drysuit in cold water (per the OP), even fresh water, most people find that a SS BP is a bit more functional, in terms of taking weight off the waist. I suspect that is why several posters recommended a SS BP. However, since the OP has an AL BP, I would agree that there is no reason why it would not work with a drysuit. If it was me, I would acquire a second, SS BP.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I have a hammerhead STA that weighs 5lb and a SS plate that weighs 5.5lb. This should make a weight belt much more manageable. Everyone that I know has been telling me how awful it was waring a weight belt, but after really trying it for myself I found it is not that bad.