BP/W + XS Scuba pockets

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I too use the Xscuba pockets http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemIndex_371/CategoryID_976/Context_974/Sort_Price/DescSort_0/XSSTWBK.html and have also seen divers (including DIR divers) mount them upside down to simplify ditching. They do hold very secure and I find them very comfortable on my harness waist belt. The one on my right side sits between my can light and BP.

The downside as Tobin pointed out is they make donning a bit more difficult (one more thing to keep out of the way while you get into your harness.) But it's been well worth it for me personally.

btw PerroneFord - remember that DIR divers stay in horizontal trim, so it doesn't matter if the pouch is up or down, the weight pouch is in the same orientation either way - facing back or forward, not actually down except at the surface...

Aloha, Tim
 
PerroneFord:
I am almost scared to ask who suggested this to you, but from what *I* have seen, I'd be very hard to convince that weight pockets held on by velcro only is anywhere NEAR DIR. Obviously this is only my opinion, and I am still trying to learn about DIR, but this just strikes me as "questionable".

That said, several manufacturers seem to produce these kinds of pockets so apparently they work. I guess it all comes down to you and what you are comfortable with. I've never found a weightbelt to be that big of a hassle.

As Tobin already pointed out, they slide on to your waist strap on you harness and are NOT held on by velcro.
 
Instead of trying to reach into the pockets to get rid of the weight, or mount them upside down, use hard weights and just push up from the bottom of the pouch. The weights will fall right into your hand.
I tried the reaching into the pockets when I first rigged them, but it is almost impossible to do with heavy gloves. The way the pockets are made, just applying upward pressure on the bottom folds the pocket neatly and forces the weight out nicely. With soft weights this method does not work well.

Perrone, you might want to take a Fundies class before you start telling others what you think is DIR or not. I don't mean this as a jab or an insult, so please don't take it that way.
 
boomx5:
As Tobin already pointed out, they slide on to your waist strap on you harness and are NOT held on by velcro.


This was my only contention. I guess others missed the fact that I thought this was how they were retained.
 
Scubaroo:
Well seeing as this thread is in the bouyancy compensator forum, and not the DIR one - who cares.

Well, apparently no one. It only mattered to me because:

1. He mentioned it had been shown to him by a DIR instructor

2. I misuderstood the method of retaining as being velcro only.


Take it easy man.
 
Robert Phillips:
Instead of trying to reach into the pockets to get rid of the weight, or mount them upside down, use hard weights and just push up from the bottom of the pouch. The weights will fall right into your hand.
I tried the reaching into the pockets when I first rigged them, but it is almost impossible to do with heavy gloves. The way the pockets are made, just applying upward pressure on the bottom folds the pocket neatly and forces the weight out nicely. With soft weights this method does not work well.

That is the way I've practiced ditching the weight. I trust the velcro well enough, but I still would be reluctant to wear them upside down. It seems easier to somehow accidently open with my arm while on land or at the surface. Unlikely, I know, but when I am vertical then at least gravity is on my side with them right side up.

So Robert, how's it going? How was DIR-F?
 
raposarose:
That is the way I've practiced ditching the weight. I trust the velcro well enough, but I still would be reluctant to wear them upside down. It seems easier to somehow accidently open with my arm while on land or at the surface. Unlikely, I know, but when I am vertical then at least gravity is on my side with them right side up.

So Robert, how's it going? How was DIR-F?

Fundies was... ah...rough!!! I have come a long way in the las year and a half though! I have a good group of (fairly) regular teammates that I dive with on a (fairly) regular basis. I'm slowly working my way up to Tech 1 (gear and skill wise.) Now if I could only get the ocean and the weather to cooperate, I could be getting in as many dives as I'd like to be doing!!!

I've had the weight pockets on my harness for over two years and the velcro(tm) is still holding up as new. I keep thinking about getting a weightbelt, but then I don't :D
Why wear a 4lb weightbelt when the way I have it now works perfectly? I suppose if GI3 told me I was a stroke and was going to die. Or not.


See ya!
Robb
 
btw - being "cheap" and "frugal" I found a less expensive option to the XS Scuba pocket and bought a 6 pouch weight belt from http://www.scubal.com/content/index.php?proid=1043&catid=268&procatid=194 for $10. cut the pockets off, stiched the sides shut and gave 2 to each of my buddies who liked my XS Scuba pockets ;)

They are not nearly as nice as the XS scuba pockets, but just as usable, plus I got a free metal weight belt buckle out of it ;) for the weight belt I no longer wear lol...

Tim
 

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