Extra weight with bp/w?

[stangguy327]

I am currently looking to switch from my black diamond bc to a bp/w set up. I am curious to know where you guys are putting extra wieghts (if you need them) on your rig. I had integrated wieghts on my bc and really like not having a wieght belt. I would more than likely be diving doubles as well as singles with the same rig, mostly with a drysuit.

 

[ae3753]

With regards to adding with to a bp/w, keep in mind the concept of a balanced rig.

That said, there are a variety of options:
1) Heavier BP
2) Weighted Single Tank Adapters (STA), if diving singles
3) V-weights, if diving doubles
4) Integrated weight plates, like DSS's
5) Weight pockets on cam bands, like XS Scuba's
6) Integrated weight pockets, like Halcyon or Dive Rite

Personally, I'd go with a weight belt. the BP/W has a lot less inherent buoyancy than your Black Diamond. As the result, you might need less than you think. I find that integrated weight pockets are bulky and unnecessary.

Good luck.

 

[TSandM]

There is also the DUI Weight & Trim harness, which is what my husband uses. It gives you some of the advantages of integrated weights, without having to fit them on the waistband of the harness. (And you also have some flexibility to move the weights up and down to put them where you need them.) It's a little bit of a pricey option, though.

 

[jtpwils]

I have a DUI Classic weight and trim.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

If you are diving steel doubles you won;t need any extra weight. Unless you have ALOT of " natural buoyancy". How much weight are you using now? Normally you can drop at least 6 lbs just switching to a steel plate. I was able to drop an additional 4 due to the inherent buoyancy of the bc I replaced. There are weight systems that can be bolted on to the plate (Deep Sea Supply), weight pockets that slip onto the webbing, weight harnesses, and my personal preference- A WEIGHT BELT! Once you go to a BPW and find that the amount of weight you need on a belt is much less than what you needed before. And since the goal is to be as properly weighted as possible it is not necessary to have alot of ditchable weight. Also the majority of BPW divers that wear a belt have it UNDER the crotch strap so that it does not come off accidentally. You don;t ever want to drop all your weights at depth. The only place you really might need to is on the surface and ditching a belt at the surface is not that big of a deal. I have XS pockets on mine that are mounted upside down so that all I need to do is pull a flap and I can drop any amount without losing the whole thing.

 

[snowmaker]

With steel doubles you will not need any extra weight. With a single tank it may depend on the tank and other setup. Some of the STA are heaver then others. When I went to a BP/W I thought I would hate wearing a weight belt again but I find a nice one with pockets and don't give it another thought. DUI makes a nice harness style weight belt too.

 

[awdemeo]

hey their i made the switch just recently i use an oxycheq weight harness you can also get weight pockets that will fit on yoru harness Dive rite makes some nice ones i personaly like the weight harness cause it destributes the weight better feel free to PM with any questions in detail

 

[diver 85]

get a weight belt IMO.......

 

[stangguy327]

Thanks for all the quick reponses. I think i will need something that can put the weight in front of me, when I have used to much weight mounted to my tank in the past I felt like a turtle who could flip over easy. Pockets that attach to the harness sound like i am going back to a standard bc, I would like to get away from that. I may just give the old weight belt another try.
I usually use 18 pounds with a neo drysuit in fresh water and 24 pounds in salt with my steel tank. Not much natural neoprene on me, Do you think that an aluminum bp would be a good idea for doubles?

 

[TSandM]

No, I wouldn't go to an Al backplate. Adding an additional steel tank (roughly -2), bands, manifold, and extra reg (- 5 to 8) will drop about 10 pounds off your weight belt, but it won't get you to zero.

The statement that one doesn't need weight with steel doubles is an overgeneralization. I still use 18 pounds with my double 85s (12 on belt, 6 lb V-weight, Al plate).