configuring equipment for dry suit diving

[Doubles]

Greetings, I just started my advanced nitrox/deco procedures class. I purchased a dry suit and spent several hours in a pool feet up. I'm sure it was funny to see. I was using rental Zeagle ss bp, oms bladder and tried double 100 and 120 steel tanks. I just couldn't seem to make enough adjustments to go horizontal. I am 5'5 and 165.
I have since purchased a Zeagle aluminum bp, Manta bladder, and double Genisis 100 steel tanks. I really want to avoid gaiters or ankle weights. The dry suit is a Zeagle (otter) neoprene.

Looking for tips and suggestions

Cheers

 

[Warren_L]

I was having trim problems when I first started diving with my twin 120s. Kept getting head down all the time. You can play around with the position of the wing and backplate. I assume you moved the bands around as well? I also went to a set of jet fins as well, which were more negative than my other fins. If you need some weight to get down you could also try a channel weight as well to position more weight further back if you're having head down problems too. As well, make sure you're arching your back when your in the water.

 

[Doubles]

I was having trim problems when I first started diving with my twin 120s. Kept getting head down all the time. You can play around with the position of the wing and backplate. I assume you moved the bands around as well? I also went to a set of jet fins as well, which were more negative than my other fins. If you need some weight to get down you could also try a channel weight as well to position more weight further back if you're having head down problems too. As well, make sure you're arching your back when your in the water.

Thanks Warren, I moved the back plate, actually tried double 80's, 100's and 120's and moved the bands. I am hoping the aluminum bp will help a little doubt it will be the end all cure

 

[Warren_L]

What exactly is the problem you are experiencing?

 

[Doubles]

I seem to be extremely head heavy. I really have to struggle to be in any position other than head down. I came close to "feeling" balanced with the 120's slung real low, but I couldnt perform a shutdown. I have little to no air in the suit

 

[IceDiverInCA]

Greetings, I just started my advanced nitrox/deco procedures class. I purchased a dry suit and spent several hours in a pool feet up. I'm sure it was funny to see. I was using rental Zeagle ss bp, oms bladder and tried double 100 and 120 steel tanks. I just couldn't seem to make enough adjustments to go horizontal. I am 5'5 and 165.
I have since purchased a Zeagle aluminum bp, Manta bladder, and double Genisis 100 steel tanks. I really want to avoid gaiters or ankle weights. The dry suit is a Zeagle (otter) neoprene.

Looking for tips and suggestions

Cheers

I can see why you want to avoid ankle weights but why do you you want to avoid gaiters? I like them because they streamline between my knees and ankles which makes it easier to kick.

 

[Warren_L]

I seem to be extremely head heavy. I really have to struggle to be in any position other than head down. I came close to "feeling" balanced with the 120's slung real low, but I couldnt perform a shutdown. I have little to no air in the suit

I had the same problem too. Every time I stopped I'd start doing somersaults. I moved the bands higher on the tanks and moved the wing up a little, went with the Jet fins and all seems to be good, though I do have difficulty with reaching the valves. I've been working on doing some stretches. I suspect my drysuit and undergarments may also be causing some mobility problems as well. There was a thread talking about reaching valves...

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=87251

 

[Doubles]

Thanks again Warren and IceDiverinCa. Zeagle makes an add-on weight pouch for the bp, I may have to go that route. I want to be able to reach the valves.

The other thread was very interesting, I am working on stretching exercises.

The reason I don't want to use gaiters is more of a religous argument. I know others don't need them, my dive instructor just hovers in a perfect horizontal position while I do head stands. I hate to be outsmarted by some inanimate object. If everone else can make work, then so should I...

Cheers

 

[IceDiverInCA]

The reason I don't want to use gaiters is more of a religous argument. I know others don't need them, my dive instructor just hovers in a perfect horizontal position while I do head stands. I hate to be outsmarted by some inanimate object. If everone else can make work, then so should I...

I don't need them either, I just like them for streamlining. I guess that's not within the scope of your question.

 

[matt_unique]

Greetings, I just started my advanced nitrox/deco procedures class. I purchased a dry suit and spent several hours in a pool feet up. I'm sure it was funny to see. I was using rental Zeagle ss bp, oms bladder and tried double 100 and 120 steel tanks. I just couldn't seem to make enough adjustments to go horizontal. I am 5'5 and 165.
I have since purchased a Zeagle aluminum bp, Manta bladder, and double Genisis 100 steel tanks. I really want to avoid gaiters or ankle weights. The dry suit is a Zeagle (otter) neoprene.

Looking for tips and suggestions

Cheers

Why do you want to avoid ankle weights? Use whatever tools you need to solve your trim problems. If you are top heavy, and harness/tank adjustments do not do the trick, you need weight down below. Simple as that.

There are other extensive posts which describe the reasons why some divers feel they are problematic, and other posts from divers who feel these reasons are nonsense. So you need to make your own decision on what works for you.

--Matt