configuring equipment for dry suit diving

[mempilot]

Place the bands high on the tanks, effectively moving the mass down. Position the bp one hole lower on the bands, effectively moving the mass down some more. Use an AL bp with your doubles. Use negatively bouyant fins like Jets. Make sure that your foot pockets don't have excess airspace in them. Use thicker socks. Place a 2lb soft weight in your thigh pocket on the drysuit.

All these these alone or in combination will help.

I dive a Zeagle (Otter) Expedition GS with double Faber98's, AL bp, no weight on the belt, and 2lb soft weight in my thigh pocket. I wear ski socks in my boots that fill up the dead space. I use very little air in the suit - just enough to keep the squeeze off. This allows for more air in the wing bladder, countering the mass of the tanks.

 

[matt_unique]

Place the bands high on the tanks, effectively moving the mass down. Position the bp one hole lower on the bands, effectively moving the mass down some more. Use an AL bp with your doubles. Use negatively bouyant fins like Jets. Make sure that your foot pockets don't have excess airspace in them. Use thicker socks. Place a 2lb soft weight in your thigh pocket on the drysuit.

All these these alone or in combination will help.

I dive a Zeagle (Otter) Expedition GS with double Faber98's, AL bp, no weight on the belt, and 2lb soft weight in my thigh pocket. I wear ski socks in my boots that fill up the dead space. I use very little air in the suit - just enough to keep the squeeze off. This allows for more air in the wing bladder, countering the mass of the tanks.

Keeping in mind the first priority is to ensure you can still reach/manipulate your valves. Trim is definitely a secondary consideration to having proper valve access.

The original poster mentioned a neoprene drysuit and with thick thermals mobility is reduced in comparion to a trilam for example.

--Matt

 

[mempilot]

Keeping in mind the first priority is to ensure you can still reach/manipulate your valves. Trim is definitely a secondary consideration to having proper valve access.

The original poster mentioned a neoprene drysuit and with thick thermals mobility is reduced in comparion to a trilam for example.

--Matt

I figured this was a given. Just trying to keep the post shorter. I usually give the poster the benefit of the doubt rather than stating the obvious.

In regards to adjusting trim, the advice works for either trilam or neoprene.

 

[matt_unique]

I figured this was a given. Just trying to keep the post shorter. I usually give the poster the benefit of the doubt rather than stating the obvious.

In regards to adjusting trim, the advice works for either trilam or neoprene.

I hear ya....

My reference to neo was relating to the reduced mobility with the thicker material and fit of the suit.

 

[Tavi]

Switching from a Stainless Steel to an Aluminum backplate changed my trim from head down to just right.

 

[pescador775]

The problem may be due to physiology. Some people cannot hover horizontally, period. I suspect that the bone density and leg muscle mass is insuffcient to pivot the body correctly. At the same time, the chest/lung volume is not enough to raise the torso. Also, distribution of fat could be a factor. Ten pounds of fat has almost a pound of buoyancy, and that is a significant amount when considering final trim while hanging submerged. IOW, distribution of these elements with their differing buoyancy, is probably a strong influence on final trim. Artificial means may be necessary for these people, including weights or bladders, strategically placed. The most common solution is ankle weights. I have personally seen this when nothing else worked.

 

[DEEPLOU]

I still use ankle weights. But instead of weight belt, I use the DUI weight harness. Since it is not being held up by the hips like a belt, I (and you) can just lengthen the shoulder straps and let the weights hang lower on your torso.

 

[Doubles]

Lot of great tips here and I appreciate everyone taking the time to help out.

Being able to get to my valves is very important and I will not make any adjustments that would prevent that.

And someday I may end up with gaiters and/or ankle weights. But I would like to pursue all other avenues first, again it's that crazy thing I have about being out smarted by some inanimate object.

I have no problem being horizontal in my Ranger BC with 6lbs of weight and a single steel 100. But from what I have read here, I have about 2 lbs of extra bouancy around the ever expanding waist line.

Cheers

 

[Doubles]

Well I finally whipped the dry suit. The aluminum back plate made a big difference, really thick socks helped out as well. Of course the best help is having a very patient and dedicated instructor, that is the best solution to all problems, so I feel that I am more fortunate than most!!!!

Thanks again to all who posted suggestions

:Þ)