First dive with BP/W. Weighting question

[dmaziuk]

If I do add trim weights, do I need to split the 2lbs left and right (1+1) or can I put a 2lb right by the plate on 1 side? I'm unsure if where I am going will have 1lb weights.

I also test-drove my BP&W without weight in the pool, and I was diving with 10 lbs on my last tropical vacation (Alu plate). Much to my surprise -- even though I prefer a couple of pounds over the "ideally perfect SB-approved" weight, that was more than I expected. So I strongly suspect you might need more than 2 1-pound weights.

I ended up putting weight pouches on shoulder straps. They do get in the way a little bit but aren't a major hindrance.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Thank you for the replies.

I was wearing a 3mm in the pool and plan to wear the same on vacation.

Do you think 3-4 personally buoyant is too little or too much? I should have tested. I intended too and forgot

If I do add trim weights, do I need to split the 2lbs left and right (1+1) or can I put a 2lb right by the plate on 1 side? I'm unsure if where I am going will have 1lb weights.

I'll try to lower the plate a bit as well.

Why not wear a weight belt. You can place the weights, wherever you want them - hips, front etc., you can ditch them instantly and your BC and Tank will weigh less.

 

[halocline]

You should not need to be overweighted to get your trim right. Lets assume for the sake of argument that when you get in salt water, you end up putting 4 lbs on the cambands and you feel that your weighting is good, but your feet are still a bit heavy. There's nothing wrong with looking for slightly positive (or at least neutral) fins to improve your trim. It'll take a few dives anyway to figure out the details of your weight placement.

 

[NAM001]

generally I use the 1# for every 30-40 # of total weight. If you are 200 and your kit is another 80# then use 1# for every 30-40 of the 280#. I would go on the heavy side of it being 1 for every 30#. This is additional weight to your current weighting, so if you are currently using 12# in FW I would add 7-9# more to it for 21-23# total. Better to be just a little heavy than light in your first ocean dive. ( boat traffic).

 

[Charred]

@Charred , as a new diver, your interest in proper weighting is commendable.
You say that you are experiencing heavy legs. May I ask what finning technique you are currently using? Flutter or frog? I think Tobin was hinting at that with his post.

Good point. I was frog kicking but not doing a great job keeping my legs in the scuba pose (legs bent). I am a long time swimmer/snorkeler so my muscle memory keeps reverting to that posture. I was at the gym last night and spent some time on a boca ball "hovering". It was eye opening how much leg position impacts your trim. It was also interesting where my center of gravity is - my belly button. Any weight I wear below that would contribute to heavy legs.

I do think I was weighted correctly with no additional weight. The 2 lbs of trim weight was countering poor posture.

As I add weight for the saltwater, I'll distribute it between cam bands and a belt.

I very much appreciate all the responses.

 

[halocline]

What kind of fins are you using?

 

[Charred]

Mares Quattro Avanti.

 

[dmaziuk]

It was also interesting where my center of gravity is - my belly button.

In the water you'll have moment arm between there and you centre of lift: center-chest, dep. on breathing, so "heavy legs" are going to be even more pronounced. One reason I like weight on shoulder straps is I can move it up or down to fine-tune. I also try to breathe into my lower abdomen as much as possible to shift my centre of lift down.

 

[Buliwyf]

Just be careful how much weight you put on the BP/W. With a drysuit I have to use a weight belt. If I put all of the weight on the unit, it won't float on it's own with a 30# wing.

Rubber belts seem best. They don't slide around.

 

[halocline]

Mares Quattro Avanti.

Unfortunately I don't think those are particularly negative. I have a pair, although I usually don't use them. I do use the full foot mares avanti with single tanks, those seem to be pretty neutral. Anyhow, if you can find a set of fins that is advertised neutral or slightly positive, try them. It does make a big difference.