BP/Wings -- better solution than weightbelt?

[raposarose]

I purchase a BP/Wings set-up and now I need to stop renting a weight belt.

I want to find a solution that is more comfortable than a weightbelt, but is not bulky so that it negates the benefits of having a BP/Wings set-up in the first place.

I have not heard great reviews of Halcyon's integrated weighting system here. I suppose that is one option though. I know someone who suggested some kind of little pockets from XS Scuba that can attach to the harness. I have also seen XS Scuba's pocket weight belts and I have thought about just buying one of those and then putting the weight pockets on my harness instead of the belt. I guess there is also the suspender type weight belt that I have seen out there.

What do you all suggest? I have to figure out the most comfortable but still streamlined way to distribute about 20lbs.

Thanks in advance,

 

[Northeastwrecks]

Personally, I prefer a weight harness. Andy's makes one with 2 pockets on each side. You can drop weight sequentially and without the crotch strap interfering.

DUI makes one as well. I've never used it.

 

[IndigoBlue]

raposarose once bubbled...
I purchase a BP/Wings set-up and now I need to stop renting a weight belt.

I want to find a solution that is more comfortable than a weightbelt, but is not bulky so that it negates the benefits of having a BP/Wings set-up in the first place.
...

What do you all suggest? I have to figure out the most comfortable but still streamlined way to distribute about 20lbs.

Thanks in advance,

With twin steel tanks and a steel backplate, you probably only need about a 10 lb weight belt. That is not a lot. You almost do not even feel it.

20 lbs sounds like you are trying to configure a single tank with a backplate.

 

[raposarose]

Yes, you are right, I am wearing a 2-piece wetsuit and diving in cold San Diego water. I have been doing single tank diving, usually AL80 because a lot of the rental places nearby don't have steels.

Thanks,
Raposa

 

[jonnythan]

Check out http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41786

 

[ElectricZombie]

Get a "V-Weight" that goes behind the BP. Halcyon sells them.

I can't stand the ACB weight system and don't consider it DIR.

 

[caveseeker7]

The V-weights don't work for me as I still use the very negatively bouyant Scubapro 72cu.ft. tank, so much of my weight is in the back. I use the DUI weight harness to get the weight off my hips. The original one, were the pockets can be moved along the belt for baalance. Works very well, and a nice side effect is that the bp/w/tank is now easier to haul around.

 

[tech3324]

raposarose once bubbled...
What do you all suggest? I have to figure out the most comfortable but still streamlined way to distribute about 20lbs.

Thanks in advance,

I'm diving with a 7mm wetsuit and LP steel 80. Went from 18# on a weight belt with a jacket style BC, to 8# with a SS BP, STA, and wing. The 8# of soft weight in a weight belt is barely noticeable. You may not need nearly as much weight as you think after switching to a BP setup.

 

[Robert Phillips]

I dive the cold Orange County waters in a one piece 7mm suit with an al 80. I use a pocket on both cam straps, one on either side of the tank, as close to the backplate as I can get them, for trim. I have 5lbs on the top band and 4lbs on the bottom band.
I was using a weightbelt with 10lbs, but I got a great suggestion from Marc Hall from SDUE. He suggested puting two more pockets (the same type from XS Scuba) on either side of the waistband of the harness. The left side stays in place from the d-ring, but the right side gave me a problem at first. So I used a six inch piece of shock chord and tied it to the backplate to keep it on the harness. Now it doesnt slip off when I take the harness off. I have 5lbs of solid lead wieght in each pocket, and if I need to ever ditch weight all I have to do is pull up the velcro flap and grab the weight and toss it. No more weightbelt and no clutter.
If you want, I can post some pictures of how it's set up.
Let me know.

 

[raposarose]

Marc Hall made the same suggestion to me, but I was a little unclear about it. It would be great to see a photo example, Robertphillips5. Do you know a good place to purchase those pockets in San Diego or Southern California?

Thanks for your response! I appreciate all of the other responses too.