BP/W Weighting

[deich]

OK I am finally taking the plundge.... So, I am currenly diving a Hollis HD100 BC and am switching to a BP/W setup. I would like to know a good starting point as far as weight is concerned.

I am currenly using 8lbs of lead with a HP 100 and the Hollis BC

I am switching to a SS BP/ Ventura Wing/Steel STA

Where would be a good starting point as far as lead goes?

Thanks, D

 

[paddler3d]

Frankly, I'd first try no weight what so ever.

In fresh water, wearing a 8mm semi-dry wetsuit, diving a hog rig with SS PB and HP100, I'm neutral at 500psi and 15ffw.

The BP is somewhere between 5-6#'s and normal BC's seem to need a bit more weight than a BP/W combo.

You may be surprised.

 

[deich]

That's what i was thinking and quite frankly the reason i wanted to try a BP/W...

 

[Bubbletrubble]

+1 on paddler3d's advice.

You didn't mention what kind of exposure suit you're wearing (3mm, I guess).
Is your STA of the "heavy" variety? I think mine weighs about 6 lbs. If it's as heavy as that, then you may have to use a lighter one or consider going STA-less if your wing can accommodate that configuration.

What's a Ventura wing?

 

[deich]

yeah it will be a 3mm exposure suite... that will not change... The STA may be a pound at the most...

Did i say ventura.. I meant Dive Rite Venture i believe the lift is 30#

 

[Bubbletrubble]

OK. If that's the case, then, as paddler3d wrote, you're probably very close to being optimally weighted without any additional lead.

 

[Van Isle]

I removed 9 lbs of lead from my ballast when switching from a small Seaquest ProQD to a 5lb SS plate and hog rig. The BC alone was ~3-5 lbs buoyant.

You might be a touch over-weighted with no lead, maybe lose the STA? Test and let us know!

VI

 

[deich]

I will let yall know for sure... My buoyancy was near perfect with the old bc.... lets hope i am close

 

[scuba_sirhc]

don't forget that in your rig there will be other hardware which will contribute to your weight eg d-rings, ss cam straps, ss belt buckle. My guess would be probably u wouldn't need any additional weights.

 

[fisheater]

My switch from a Zeagle to a DSS BP led to ten less pounds of lead.

YMMV.