Harness weight belt systems tested

[hex92]

I thought it worked out great. Having all that weight (22 lbs) in the harness was much better than having to deal with a belt. It fit nicely under my Transpac II. And I throught my trim was better. But I also was using a HP steel 120 and my XXL jet fins for the first time on this dive. So I did change several variables at once.

I will be able to use it again this weekend in Hatteras, but the water temp was 68 last weekend, so I will be diving wet. Which means only 8 lbs of lead.

I can tell you this: I will never use a belt with my drysuit again. Its iffy on the wetsuit since I use so little weight.

 

[String]

Im going tomorrow to try to buy a harness as the shop SHOULD be open.

2 dives this weekend i had the weight belt around my thighs when climbing the ladder back onto the boat. Its OK in the water as im always horizontal but on the surface its sliding. I WILL lose it before long.

 

[PnL]

My wife uses the DUI WT classic and she loves it over a weight belt which would always be uncomfortable on her hips. For $79 I think its a good investment considering I paid $35 for my XScuba weight belt (which I do like). I guess it depends on how much weight you use.

 

[ams511]

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.
worn with any BC (since I rent, I don't have a lot of choices).

I used to have the same problems so here are a few suggestions:

First, you should always adjust your belt after you reach depth because the water pressure will compress both you and your suit.

Second, are you using weight keepers to keep you weights from shifting? Most dive boats have extra weights but may not have keepers. So bring a few with you.

Third, are you using block weights? Shot weights or molded wieghts do not shift as much under water.

What solved my problem was using a depth compensating belt with molded weights however Scubapro does not seem to sell them anymore. Mine has dry-rotted so I need to figure out how to fix it or look at one of these type of systems too.

 

[PnL]

If the weight belt is shifting on you another solution, besides the depth compensating buckle, is to use a belt that has a 'rough' surface on the inside, such as heavy mesh that some belts use. This will provide enough friction to prevent the belt from shifting. If the inside of the belt is smooth then it will probably continue to shift as it will slide easily against the neoprene nylon outer. The other option would be to distribute the weight more evenly so it has a less tendency to shift when horizontal.

 

[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.

Well, I did 3 dives on the Peace yesterday to Santa Cruz, using the Trident suspenders. I wouldn't say I'm thrilled, but also not disapointed. Needs some time to work out.

The good side; the Transpac pockets fit pretty well, and are supported nicely. The TP pockets are oriented to have 2 web loops designed for a belt, and 1 set up for a shoulder strap to go thru, so, good solid fit. The harness as it comes, is very long, so a lot of extra webbing to play with fit, and lots that will have to be cut off. It was comfortable, as the weight is all on the shoulder. In the water, weight was solid, and trim good.

The bad side; I got it in black -- I didn't think that perhaps another color would make it easier to see the harness straps, from the BC straps. The webbing is pretty heavy duty, so it binds up a little on the BC straps. Made donning/doffing a bit cumbersome. I think some adjustments will take care of this. I didn't cut off the extra webbing. I wanted to see how it all worked. Well, there is way too much extra, that just got in the way. I didn't cut if off on the boat; I'll play around in the pool.

All in all, not bad for 20 bucks. I think with some fine tuning of position, and removing the excess material, it will work fine.

The other bad side, really lousy viz; 10-15 feet, and the plankton bloom is starting. Hope it doesn't last all summer long like last year.

But, as usual, the Peace crew made for a quite enjoyable day. And congrats to Eric, owner of the Peace dive boat, on the May 1st opening of Peace Scuba, in Ventura.

 

[Katz]

There is a user on ebay who sells home-made weight harness for $50. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1300&item=3670653144
I bought a trim weight pockets from her. Very well made.

 

[ddown]

I have used the Andy's for over a year and love it??

ddown