Diva LX - Weighting issues

[malleycat]

Wow! Thanks for all the great replies! I am joining a gym today that has a pool (the only one on this Island!), and hopefully they won't mind me doing my bouyancy checks for a 1/2 hour or so. All the information you all have provided is so great -- this will certainly help me in getting my weight right, and being more relaxed when I go diving again. Yes, I am a fairly new diver, and as much as I don't want to admit it, I guess I'm not as relaxed as I should be on my decents.
Thanks again everyone...and I'll let you all know how my pool adventure goes!

a very greatful Liz. :tease:

 

[scorpiofish]

The best answer as to how much in the trim pockets is zero unless you are carrying large amounts of weight or find it necessary for floating face up at the surface.

Warhammer's rule of thumb is considered the max amount that should be non-ditchable.

Everyone is different, so get thee to a pool. It helps to have someone there to hand you weights.

Much depends on what amount of neoprene you are using. My wife, of similar dimensions, uses around 12-14 pounds in salt water with a full 3mm suit. This is pretty typical. You may be slightly overweighted.

Remember, the object is to be able to descend, not sink like a rock. Normal breath should float you to eye level. A full exhale should then allow you to descend. Remember to hold the exhale long enough to descend. The descent is a gradual process that speeds up as you get deeper. Too often divers don't think they have enough weight unless they easily drop through the water column.

I prefer no trim weights as this allows a good horizontal attitude. I also carry very little weight. The LX utilizes a "dragonfly" bladder which combines back flotation and a limited jacket/wrap air cell. You shouldn't need much trim weight. I'd guess 4 lbs. max.