Harness weight belt systems tested

[String]

Dont suppose anyone here has used a Bowstone harness? Ferreting around usenet and other places and these seem quite popular.

Although i dont want one neccesarily easy to ditch underwater (ie accidentally release) i do need a system where removing the weights on the surface and refitting on a boat is possible as its the only way to pass the things back onto the boat before climbing aboard.

I know the ND ones have a red pull cord thing but dont know about the others.

It seems that Beaver is one to avoid like the plague.

 

[jbb]

I've been trying Halcyons ABS pockets. I got the small ones that handle 10# each but the max i can get in is about 8# in shot form. They aren't as easy to get in and out and I have to put the weight in before i put the whole rig on.

I'm considering either going back to a weight belt or making my own solid lead weights to put in the ABS pockets.

I saw a post a while back somewhere where a guy recommended putting a garden hose ring around the inside of your dry suit thereby creating a nice pair of hips thay us guys are lacking. He said once you don your dry suit and put the weight belt on that it wasn't so critical to get the weight belt super snug. Anyone ever heard of such a contraption?

Jason

 

[rcohn]

I have a terrible time with them.... I really don't know why, but I can make a few guesses. First, I end up needing quite a bit of weight (particularly in salt water). My body gives new defintion to bouancy!

And... as you may or may not know...The extra padding.... (ok, FAT!!!) does not hold a belt like muscle, which does not move around under water. When I'm in the boat, I have my belt cinched as tight as I can get it... but by the time I've been in the water for a bit, it is falling off (redistribution of body due to natural bouancy) It is constantly having to be shifted and readjusted... (including adjustments from instructors and my husband, so it's not just my incompetence). Half of the time I swim like I'm narced becuase my weights are rolling around.

You can also consider a depth compensating weight belt. There are several types including standard webbing with a depth compensating buckle or rubber belts.

I use a Marseillaise Weight Belt which never slips or need readjusting.

for one source see:
http://www.spearfishinggear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MWB&Category_Code=WB

Ralph

 

[AmyJ]

I would really like to hear from those of you that said you were getting a new harness..... Do you like it? What do you like about it? I'm still not sure I totally understand the differences in how each of them works. Thanks

 

[rickyd]

I just ordered the Trident suspenders/harness; retails for $20. (their part number WB80 ) I plan to move the integrated weight pockets from my Transpac to the harness. I'll let you all know how it works out.

 

[hex92]

I got my Weight and Trim 2 last week. I haven't had a chance to dive with it yet, but I think I am headed out to the quarry this weekend (if not, Hatteras the weekend after). I can tell you this much now: it feels 100 times better to have 22 lbs in the harness than it did to have it in a weight belt. Getting that weight off of my hips and onto my shoulders makes a big difference. After I get it into the water I'll post back.

 

[BuoyantC]

For two more cents worth... I got a belt suspender when I first started to help keep my weight on. But BE CAREFUL! Mine had two weight belt style buckles at chest level, and one around the waist. This was great to support the belt, but first giant stride in deep water, and the water tripped both chest buckles. There I was hanging onto my weight belt at my knees with straps up under my BC!
Weight integration solved that problem for me. I think the harnesses are fine, but I'd look at how they make the weight ditchable.
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D.C.C.

 

[String]

Hmm i do maybe 5 giant stride entries per year when on holiday. My main issue is making sure torch, reel and other kit doesnt smack me in the face with the backward roll

" I think the harnesses are fine, but I'd look at how they make the weight ditchable."

As i said my problem is i want them near impossible to ditch under water but easy for me to detach on the surface to hand back up to the boat.

As for weight harness, decided to buy one today, drove the 100 mile round trip to my "local" dive shop only to find the place only opens wednesday > saturdays. Guess i need to waste more time trying again tomorrow.

 

[AmyJ]

As for weight harness, decided to buy one today, drove the 100 mile round trip to my "local" dive shop only to find the place only opens wednesday > saturdays. Guess i need to waste more time trying again tomorrow.

I hate when that happens!! Anyway... wondering what you decided on and why... will you let us know?? Thanks!

 

[String]

I'll let you know when i get one but the prospect of trying again tomorrow isnt appealing - dive trip friday and other preparation to do/places to go before then.

If im in a better mood tomorrow i'll try again