Got a new back inflate BCD. Any suggestions for first dive with it?

[underachiever]

But isn't there a difference in the weights you need in a pool and salt water? (most of our dives for now will be salty)
I plan on using the same total we used on the last dive with the same wetsuit. Just may put 2 lbs in each trim pocket and 12 total up front or sides(6 lbs in each pocket).

 

[vox]

The distribution of weight between the integrated pockets and the trim pockets should be set to give you an effortless horizontal position in the water, not to determine your position on the surface. (Actually, if you get the weight right for the former, the latter just comes.) So, once you have your total weight correct, do a dive, and do some hovering during it. Notice whether you tend to tip feet down or head down, and then move weight accordingly.

Makes perfect sense.

Headed to the pool to give this a go.

Thanks much!

 

[Guba]

I can only add to what others have said...you're final configuration will be the result of trying some combinations to see what works best for you.
I dive with 14 pounds. Of that, I put 8 in my trim pockets (four on each side of my tank) and the other six on my belt. At one time I used ten in the trip and only four on the belt. My point is you will most likely have to experiment a bit.
As for the tipping on the surface problem, I had a little of that when I first got the BC. However, after I added the trim pockets the difficulty was solved. Just don't overinflate the BC...use only as much as you need to stay topside.
I added a couple of small pockets low on my harness straps. One has my sausage, whistle and a spare light stick in it. The other has a folding backup knife and micro-light (my true backup light is in the BC's kangaroo pocket). While some might argue that these pockets increase drag, they ride low on the straps and nearly to my waist, so they're tucked away nicely.
Good luck with your rig. Have fun!

 

[herman]

I like a 60/40 ratio for weighting a back inflate BC. 60% up front and 40% in the back. What suits you best is somewhat of a personal choice but that's the ratio I would start with.