Correct weight - feels good

[Yellowdog]

I just got back from a trip to Cozumel and for the first time felt comfortable with my buoyancy and what a great feeling. For reference I am 6'1", 230lbs, ( probably 15lbs more than ideal for my large frame ) and I was drift diving with a shorty wetsuit and 14lbs of weight. I am not even sure what changed except for maybe a bit more experience after 25 dives. I was able to descend easily but had no trouble controlling my depth with just a little deeper or shallower breath. I never had to add air or adjust my BC after my initial 100% deflation. No problem with holding my 15' safety stops. What a relaxing feeling not to be constantly thinking about buoyancy. I was continually using less air than the rest of my group and my dives were relaxing and fun.

 

[fisheater]

Getting your weighting nailed is more than worth the effort involved.

Well done!

 

[TSandM]

You may find that, on your next trip, you can cut the weight down even more. 14 pounds with a shorty still seems like quite a bit.

 

[The Chairman]

Good for you!!! It's like gear: FIT AND COMFORT! If it works for you, then keep diving it.

 

[Yellowdog]

You may find that, on your next trip, you can cut the weight down even more. 14 pounds with a shorty still seems like quite a bit.

So how much weight should a 230lb, 52 year old, 6,1" man in reasonably good shape ( work out every day +- ) use in a shorty, in warm salt water and an AL80?

 

[TaylorP]

So how much weight should a 230lb, 52 year old, 6,1" man in reasonably good shape ( work out every day +- ) use in a shorty, in warm salt water and an AL80?

I'm 6'3 200 lbs and with 2 sidemount'd 80's and a 8 mil suit I use 8 lbs.

 

[NAM001]

Now get on the scale with your entire rig on and subtract 1# for every 40 to convert back to fresh water weight requirements. And log that data.

i just got back from a trip to cozumel and for the first time felt comfortable with my buoyancy and what a great feeling. For reference i am 6'1", 230lbs, ( probably 15lbs more than ideal for my large frame ) and i was drift diving with a shorty wetsuit and 14lbs of weight. I am not even sure what changed except for maybe a bit more experience after 25 dives. I was able to descend easily but had no trouble controlling my depth with just a little deeper or shallower breath. I never had to add air or adjust my bc after my initial 100% deflation. No problem with holding my 15' safety stops. What a relaxing feeling not to be constantly thinking about buoyancy. I was continually using less air than the rest of my group and my dives were relaxing and fun.

 

[TSandM]

Well, most people are, in and of themselves, close to neutral. A BC might be as much as 3 lb positive, and the Al tank is 4 pounds positive when empty. I can't imagine a well-used 3 mil shorty being more than a couple of pounds positive. So . . . maybe 10 pounds?

 

[flyin01]

It sounds like you have it figured out. If that weight is working for you then use it. If you feel like eexperimenting then drop 2lbs and see what happens.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Well, most people are, in and of themselves, close to neutral. A BC might be as much as 3 lb positive, and the Al tank is 4 pounds positive when empty. I can't imagine a well-used 3 mil shorty being more than a couple of pounds positive. So . . . maybe 10 pounds?

Not Americans... Most people can float on their backs reasonably well in salt water with a moderately full breath. A large man could easily have 4-6 lbs of natural buoyancy at the surface..