BP/W - why I should use a weight belt
- Thread starter akchan
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I don’t use a weight belt, I have ditchable weight (about 1/2) on the rig waist belt and use my own H harness to support the weight, try different things and see what works best for you.
I have two trim pockets on my upper tank band and two more on the waist belt(which I can pop the weights out of if I have to). No need for a separate weight belt and one less thing to put on in a crowded panga. It makes me cringe when I see divers riding sitting on the edge of the pangas with their weight belts on, but no BC.
VsubT
Contributor
diving dry about 90% of the time, with SS backplate and heavy steel doubles I don't need any more weight, possibly a buttweight depending on tanks.. the rest of the time is either super casual skin/rashy with alu, then just the steel backplate is enough, with 5mm/single alu I would add 1-2 kg max in camband pockets
regarding crotch strap..always
regarding crotch strap..always
Warm water diving
I put 6 pounds on my upper cam band. That helps me maintain a slightly head-down trim position, keeps my feet away from the reef, and makes it easier for photography.
If I need any more weight, it goes on my belt, under the crotch strap.
I put 6 pounds on my upper cam band. That helps me maintain a slightly head-down trim position, keeps my feet away from the reef, and makes it easier for photography.
If I need any more weight, it goes on my belt, under the crotch strap.
For warm water diving I use properly sized back plates and that is all. I have both a 10# and a 5# plate. I use the 10# plate with my 5mm wetsuit and the 5# plate with my 3mm wetsuit. Most all of my dives are with an HP steel 100 single. If diving an AL80 I use my 10# plate with my 3mm wetsuit. I don't dive an AL80 with my 5mm wetsuit.
If diving dry I add a DUI weight harness along with my 10# plate and a steel tank for the additional ballast required.
Bottom line is that if you need additional ballast beyond the plate in order to have a balanced rig I find that adding it to the cam bands is a PITA for the reasons others have mentioned. A weight harness worn under the backplate harness does the trick. A weight belt works as well but I prefer a weight harness.
If diving dry I add a DUI weight harness along with my 10# plate and a steel tank for the additional ballast required.
Bottom line is that if you need additional ballast beyond the plate in order to have a balanced rig I find that adding it to the cam bands is a PITA for the reasons others have mentioned. A weight harness worn under the backplate harness does the trick. A weight belt works as well but I prefer a weight harness.
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