Horizontal Position Problem

[Hapiguy314]

Hi Folks,

I'm hoping to get some advice on how to maximize a more horizontal position while cruising. I dive with a Ranger LTD BCD, use 20 lbs on the front weight pockets, 6 lbs, on the back pockets, and just rent the tank (usually AL80s). I currently weigh at 165-170 lbs (depending on how much I ate )

My problem is that when I cruise, due to my weights (I'm guessing), I'm always slightly inclined unless I try super hard to be horizontal (which ends up consuming more of my air).

Some folks at Catalina suggested to use a Steel tank and/or Back plate and lose some of my weight pocket weights to allow a more even distrubution of my weights... Well, A steel tank is sorta out of the question (too expensive for my style of diving where I normally just rent - not to mention I'll probably buy 2 tanks immediately when I decide to own my tanks) but am wondering if the Steel Back plate is worth getting. My LDS guy is really great at suggesting stuff I need and stuff I dont need and he claims that I have better uses for $150 rather than buying a SS Backplate.

If the SS Back plate is avoidable, is there any attachment to the Ranger where I can have the weights higher in my back so that I'm pushed downwards more from the top instead of being dragged on my waist down causing me to cruise at an angle? Or will the more horizontal position just come along with more diving and better weight adjustment. Maybe when I can dive at just 20 lbs of lead - it'll be easier to achieve that horizontal position while cruising.

I usually have just as much air as the rest of my buddies in the end but it's just that I cruise at a 45 degree angle unlike them who are usually at a near perfect horizontal position.

 

[loosebits]

Not sure what you are using for exposure protection but it sounds like you are incredibly overweighted. I wouldn't worry about trim until I got my weighting right.

An SS plate will definitely help but you can have proper trim without it but you'll need to close the gap between the amount of lead you have in your front pockets and your trim pockets (probably could do with ditching some of the front pocket weight). Moving the tank further up will probably help also.

 

[Charlie99]

The most common reason for cruising at 45 degrees is a combination of problems of distribution of weight, but more importantly it's related to NOT BEING NEUTRALLY BUOYANT.

If you are finning at a 45 degree angle and staying at the same depth, then you will probably sink if you stop finning. If that is the case, then you aren't staying neutral and need to first learn how to properly adjust the amount of air in your BCD.

Once you can do that, and can hang motionless, just going up and down a bit as your breathe, THEN you can start moving weights around to help your trim.

Being overweighted is not directly a cause of this sort of problem, but if you are overweighted, you will need to have excess air in the BCD bladder, causing you to have to continually make adjustments as you ascend and descend.

 

[Meng_Tze]

The most common reason for cruising at 45 degrees is a combination of problems of distribution of weight, but more importantly it's related to NOT BEING NEUTRALLY BUOYANT.

If you are finning at a 45 degree angle and staying at the same depth, then you will probably sink if you stop finning. If that is the case, then you aren't staying neutral and need to first learn how to properly adjust the amount of air in your BCD.

Once you can do that, and can hang motionless, just going up and down a bit as your breathe, then you can start moving weights around to help your trim.

Being overweighted is not directly a cause of this sort of problem, but if you are overweighted, then you will need to have excess air in the BCD bladder, causing you to have to continually make adjustments as you ascend and descend.

And once you have this down and still have an issue with trim.... some weight pockets on the top tank band will help..

 

[Hapiguy314]

Not sure what you are using for exposure protection but it sounds like you are incredibly overweighted. I wouldn't worry about trim until I got my weighting right.

I just got a new 7mm Wetsuit (by Akona) and it hasnt been crushed yet (only about 10 dives in it so far). I'm guessing that after 25-30 dives, I can begin to dive with 22 lbs of lead weight.

Thanks for the advice about evening out the weight between front and back pockets. Hopefully someday, it'll be 10 on front and back

I also saw this and maybe it's a cheaper approach than getting a back plate?

Tank-mounted Trim Weight Kit

Since the Ranger has 2 tank straps, I thought that maybe I can use these on the upper straps?

 

[Hapiguy314]

And once you have this down and still have an issue with trim.... some weight pockets on the top tank band will help..

You sir are fast - you just read my mind Thanks also for the tip - now to find something that Zeagle offers for this or another market...

 

[Hapiguy314]

The most common reason for cruising at 45 degrees is a combination of problems of distribution of weight, but more importantly it's related to NOT BEING NEUTRALLY BUOYANT.

Sorry I missed this msg... I don't think my neutral buoyancy is the main issue as I dont have any problems just staying at a constant depth without having to fin. Taking still pictures usually is my indicator - and I dont have any problems taking pictures without having to move and/or fin. Usually my bc is nearly empty when my depth is >50 feet (which I prefer to stay at since I see more sea life at this depth for the places I visit). I would put some more air if I go wreck diving though...

However, I wouldn't say my buoyancy is perfect Thanks again for the tip Charlie99

 

[MtnDiver]

You could also try just moving the existing trim pockets to the top tank band and/or changing the position of the tank within the bands (move it higher).

 

[merxlin]

26# sounds heavy to me. I weigh 185 and use 20-22 with a 7mil and all the cold water goodies. If you are comfortable with that amount of weight, as has been suggested, move some weight up (maybe 18 fron t and 8 trim) or reduce the weight in your front pockets. I do know that the more weight you carry, that harder it is to get your trim right.

 

[TheRedHead]

Get rid of the trim weight in the back and move your tank higher. You're obvioulsy foot heavy and I also suspect overweighted. A Zeagle Ranger wing traps a LOT of air and I bet your have air in your wing even when you think it is empty.