Does anyone make an aftermarket add on Weight integration system?

[1KWIK_69]

I'm recently on a kick to streamline my gear. I just incorporated a power inflator/octopus onto my nearly new Aqualung Wave BCD. The Wave is a no frills BC to begin with and doesn't have weight integration. I noticed that the newly released Wave Junior for kids is weight integrated. From the pictures I've seen of it, it almost looks like it just has weight pouched inserted in the already existing velcro pockets. Can anyone confirm this? Other than having to wear a weight belt with my Wave, I'm totally happy with it.

Has anyone ever heard of a company making some kind of add on weight integration system, or has anyone ever made their own? I only carry 6 lbs of lead in fresh water and 10 in salt with my 3 mil shorty so it wouldn't have to hold a lot.

Being that I just bought this BC last year and am otherwise totally happy with it, I don't really feel like investing hundreds of dollars in a new BC that already has it when that money could be better spent towards another trip to Cozumel!

 

[TwoBitTxn]

DUI has a nice weight and trim system that is designed to be worn under the BC.

DUI - Weight & Trim Systems

It's shown with dry suit divers but it can be worn with a wet suit.

 

[John_B]

DUI makes a weight harness but that's probably overkill for six or ten pounds. You could put some of the weight in weight pockets threaded on your cam bands. Is the weight belt with a few pounds on it that bad?

FWIW, that's why I use a backplate instead of a BCD, but it looks like that ship has sailed in your case.

 

[rstofer]

I don't think there is an add-on integrated solution. You can use a weight harness, weight belt, weight pockets on whatever waist belt you may have (probably none) OR, you can slip the weights in you pockets. Just make sure your buddy knows how to get them out.

I like ditchable weight. In a rescue situation it is very important to establish buoyancy and that usually involves ditching the victim's weights.

Richard

 

[1KWIK_69]

I'm more interested in simplifying the rig. I even went the extra step of ordering a new shorter hose to connect to the power inflator/octopus so I don't have an extra long hose looping over my shoulder. I'd like to have a weight integrated BC in light of all this but I don't want it bad enough to spend the $$$ after just buying my newest BC last year. I understand the pros and cons of weight integrated vs weight belt. I know that a belt is safer if you have to remove your rig so you don't pop to the top like a cork. When I'm diving in warm water with a thin shorty, I don't need any lead to stay under for a safe ascent without my rig. Therefore I'd like to incorporate 6-10 pounds into the BC so I have one less thing (weight belt) to don for each dive. I'd still like for it to be installed in a way that makes it easy to ditch like you get with weight integrated systems. Just in case.

P.S. If I'm doing a cold water dive with my farmer john, hood and heavy gloves, I still plan to wear the belt because of the extra buoyancy.

 

[Underwater Ogre]

Pinnacle and XS scuba make an weight belt with pockets...you can add or subtract what you need...thats your best bet...I think they are around $30...and you can use it when you upgrade.
Take care,
U/O

 

[Teamcasa]

...my nearly new Aqualung Wave BCD. The Wave is a no frills BC to begin with and doesn't have weight integration. I

Has anyone ever heard of a company making some kind of add on weight integration system,

Try the WTX SureLock Weight System. You Aqualung dealer should be able to order them for you.

 

[1KWIK_69]

Pinnacle and XS scuba make an weight belt with pockets...you can add or subtract what you need...thats your best bet...I think they are around $30...and you can use it when you upgrade.
Take care,
U/O

Thanks but I already have a neoprene weight belt with velcro pockets that I've been using for more than a decade. I'm trying to eliminate the need for a weight belt on warm water dives when I don't carry much weight anyway, without upgrading from a nearly new BCD that I bought before I got the urge to simplify.

 

[1KWIK_69]

Try the WTX SureLock Weight System. You Aqualung dealer should be able to order them for you.

Cool! They're a little pricy but I bet they could easily be bolted to the plastic back plate with a couple stainless bolts. That might be an idea to consider.

 

[gert7to3]

I use the Zeagle rear weight system pockets attached to my B/P.

Weight Pouches and Systems - BC Accessories - Zeagle Dive Systems

Dive Rite also makes similar weight pockets.

Dive Rite Weight Systems - Integrated, Belt, and Trim

And XS-Scuba:

XS Scuba Pocket Weight Belts