My current BC is NOT a weight integrated BC, but it has two large storage pockets. Because I have constant problems with my weight belt slipping. I would prefer to have less weight on the belt so less is pulling it down and I have more space on end of the belt to cinch it up when my wet suit compresses at depth. Therefore I have tried putting weights in the pockets. Could this damage the BC or are there other reasons why I might not want to do this?
Could weights in pockets damage BC?
- Thread starter badger70
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Wayward Son
Contributor
Weights can & do fall out of pockets.
Sideband
Guest
Don't use regular pockets. Weights can VERY easily fall out and then you are on an unstoppable ride to the surface.
Joe
Joe
Unless there's a good amount of velcro holding the pocket closed. I used to do it all the time before weight integration.
Sideband
Guest
That still doesn't make it smart.MantaRey:
Joe
Damselfish
Contributor
I did this occasionally with my old BC that had completely enclosed zipper pockets, works fine and there was no way for them to fall out. But any kind of velcro closure pocket I'd worry about them sneaking out.
The flip side to the problem of them falling out, is that it will be more difficult to do an emergency "dump" of the weights if you really did need to do so.
When the ripcord system on my Brigade malfunctioned, I did exactly what you talked about, and put the weights in my regular pockets. I was concerned about damaging the BC, or those pockets, which were not intended for weights, but the more experienced divers on the boat were really concerned about not being able to "dump" them.
Tom
When the ripcord system on my Brigade malfunctioned, I did exactly what you talked about, and put the weights in my regular pockets. I was concerned about damaging the BC, or those pockets, which were not intended for weights, but the more experienced divers on the boat were really concerned about not being able to "dump" them.
Tom
Damselfish
Contributor
You don't want to put alot of weight in pockets not intended for it. Even pockets intended for weights have limits. And obviously not all of your weight if you want some more easily ditchable weight. (Note that many people do dive with at least part of their weight non-ditchable. In the very rare case you would want to ditch weight, ditching part of it should be plenty to establish positive bouyancy.)
OP doesn't say how much weight total they're dealing with. Another possibility is to put some weight on the tank strap or on a pocket made for that purpose on the tank strap. (Non ditchable, but more secure than a lightly velcroed cargo pocket.)
OP doesn't say how much weight total they're dealing with. Another possibility is to put some weight on the tank strap or on a pocket made for that purpose on the tank strap. (Non ditchable, but more secure than a lightly velcroed cargo pocket.)
Thanks for the advice. My largest pocket (and the one I have tried putting weight in) is is zippered with a beefy zipper. In salt water I need about 21 pounds and what I tried was puting all the weight on the belt except for one 3# or 5# weght in the pocket. The tank strap is a good idea too. With my zipper pocket, it is unlikely the weights will fall out but it is a consideration how quickly I could ditch it if necessary.
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