good ways to add weight at shoulder level for BP/W?

[tep]

I have a new BP/W with only a few dives on it so far. I have noticed that I am not trimming out the way I would like - my head is too high.

On my old Knighthawk - I was putting 10 of the needed 20 lbs in the shoulder pockets - and I trimmed out very well.

I think that traditionally - you add weights to the upper cam band on a BP/W for this?

What about adding trim weight pockets to the top of the plate instead? I mean, the drilled holes look to be in exactly the right spot and I could use plastic bolts to attach cam band pockets there?

 

[stepfen]

I think that traditionally - you add weights to the upper cam band on a BP/W for this?

That's the most common and probably the easiest way.
Apart from this you can do whatever else makes you happy (last time I checked there was no scuba police around).
Weights on top of the plate sounds not a good idea to me as it is a pretty "crowded" area with 1st stage, hoses, tank valve etc. Hence pockets there might interfere with all these if not with your back/head/neck.

 

[Olsen_No]

Are you diving single or double tanks?
On doubles the manifolds and regulators are sufficient weight and the reason one want the bands as high a possible is to avoid more weight high up

 

[lowwall]

You could do that.

But how much weight are you adding? Your profile says San Diego, so 5mm wetsuit? Even with a 7mm and conventional BCD, 20# seems excessive. And you need a lot less with a BP/W. Generally you can take off 5 or 6 pounds of lead assuming you have a steel plate. Your problem may go away with a more likely 10 pounds on your belt.

 

[boulderjohn]

Putting pockets on the cam bands works well, and I don't know why you would do anything else. I have the two cam bands reversed so I can easily put a pocket on either side of the tank. That way I have a higher pocket and a lower pocket, and they are balanced side to side.

 

[Still Kicking]

Before moving weights, try moving tank higher. If you just need a pound or two, try an ankle weight wrapped around the neck of the tank. Not my first choice but it's another option.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

What about adding trim weight pockets to the top of the plate instead? I mean, the drilled holes look to be in exactly the right spot and I could use plastic bolts to attach cam band pockets there?

Sub Gravity makes weight pockets that attach to your back-plate.

Backplate Trim Weight Pockets (pair) - SubGravity

sub-gravity.com

as well as trim weight pockets that go on your cam straps.

Trim Weight Pocket - SubGravity

A favorite among tech divers, these simple trim pockets are perfect for dialing your trim down perfectly. Includes one belt slide, allowing the pocket a secure hold on your harness, while still being fully adjustable. Sold individually. Can carry one 3-4 lbs (1.5-1.8 kg) weight block Fits any...

sub-gravity.com

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Your profile says San Diego, so 5mm wetsuit?

Most of the divers I know in SoCal dive in dry suits. It can get warm enough for a 7mm wetsuit in the summer, but it's in the upper 40s to mid 50s in the winter.

 

[tep]

You could do that.

But how much weight are you adding? Your profile says San Diego, so 5mm wetsuit? Even with a 7mm and conventional BCD, 20# seems excessive. And you need a lot less with a BP/W. Generally you can take off 5 or 6 pounds of lead assuming you have a steel plate. Your problem may go away with a more likely 10 pounds on your belt.

I guess I wasn't clear - I need a little more than 20 in the old Nighthawk. So 10 in the trim pockets and the rest in the weight pockets.

7mm suit, by the way.

I had the 6 lb plate, then 14 in pockets on the BP/W belt. I was thinking putting 4 lbs at the top of the plate, leaving only 10 in my belt weight pouches.

I was already putting the tank higher than I did on the Nighthawk - almost high enough to make it difficult to not hit my head on the 1st stage.

Looks like I can go either way - pockets on the upper cam band, or at the top of the plate.

 

[landphil]

S

One note- those Subgravity plate pockets only work with Subgravity backplates. I have them for my Al travel plate; and they’re super nice. I run the 6mm, 10 lb stainless plate for cold water diving, which doesn’t have slots for that backplate pocket either. There, I use those Subgravity trim pockets on my upper cam strap. They are tiny, but cal fit a 5lb weight if it’s the right shape