going from a 3/2 to a 7mm...~ how much weight to add

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Culcuhain

Contributor
Scuba Instructor
Divemaster
Messages
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Location
St Paul, TX
# of dives
100 - 199
looking at my reference cheat sheet, it looks like I need to add about 8#. does that seem right?
 
The best is to do an in-water check. Buoyancy is a vital part of diving and estimates/cheat sheets and guesswork around weight will only land in you in trouble. Get wet and do a proper check!!
 
8 lbs. 10 lbs. 20 lbs. Who knows? I think the only thing we can say with some certainty is that you'll probably need more lead weight when diving the 7mm wetsuit vs. the 3/2mm wetsuit.

+1 to what ajduplessis wrote. Please do an in-water weight check! There is no substitute for it. Afterward, be sure to record environmental conditions (salt vs. fresh water), your gear configuration (incl. exposure protection, tank, etc.) and weighting requirement in your divelog.
If you can't remember how to do a weight check, consult your basic OW manual.
Unfortunately, I've spoken to lots of certified divers who don't have a clear idea about how to do one properly.

No rule of thumb or generic weighting cheat sheet will be that helpful.

If you didn't specifically construct the weighting cheat sheet with your own personalized gear, then the cheat sheet is worthless. Throw it in the trash.
 
I plan on doing the weight check, I just need a starting point.
 
I plan on doing the weight check, I just need a starting point.
People conduct weight checks in different ways. It might be more convenient to: (1) start too heavy and remove weight or (2) begin too light and add weight. :idk:
Spending time trying to figure out a "starting number" is wasted time, IMO.

Other things to consider:

  • Is the 7mm wetsuit new? Positive buoyancy of a new 7mm wetsuit can be significantly greater than that of an old, well-used 7mm wetsuit.
  • Are you certain that the rest of your gear (tank, in particular) will be identical? Changing from an AL80 tank to a steel tank can make a big difference in weighting requirements.
  • Are you going to be diving in the same kind of water (salt or fresh)? If not, you'll have to adjust for the different density of the water.
 
The only way to know is to try it out. I have seen formal and informal weight checks. Try out a weight and adjust as necessary. Just be sure to have fun, while you're doing it! :D
 
tI think that Bubbletrouble raises an important fact o consider- the age of the wetsuit. My wife wore a 3 mil in the trip to Mexico from which we just returned, and it was new. We added 2 lbs just because she went from a 150 dive plus suit to a brand new suit. As has been said, there is no substitute for an in water weight check. I would suggest l in doing that check that you let the suit get permeated.
A 7 mil will take a little time to do that. If you jump in, do an immediate weight check, and proceed, you will probably be a bit overweighted- especially if it is a new suit. As to starting point, start at +3 or +4 pounds from what you used with the 3 mil rig, and add if necessary. 8 seems like too high a starting point to me, all other factors being equal.
DivemasterDennis
 
Also, brands differ and within brands there is difference between different models.

You could take your old suit and see how much weight it takes to sink it; then take your new suit ....

A 33 gallon trash can would probably work ...
 

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