How much weight do you drop when using a BPW?

[wunat]

I had the same questions every time I make some changes in my dive gear. I get the answer simply by doing a weight check in a pool. This also allows me to make weight adjustments, not only how much weight to carry on but also where. I am not sure if it's the case for others, I find the BP gives better distribution of the weight along our back when compared to a BC jacket. To add aids when floating on the surface, I added trim weight pockets on the tank cam straps-it helps me stay vertical comfortably on the surface.

In fact I do a weight check in the very first dive I have on each trip since it is typical I might gain or loss some fat during my times away from the water.

Personally (no necessary the right answer), I would go for the aluminum BP since you do dive tropical and it saves you some weight loads it you are travelling to.........let's say the Carribeans. Might Add some weight when you will be diving in dry suit. In the future, you might simply decided to buy an additional stainless BP and maximize the benefit of a BP+Wing setup. In the end, such system provides divers with great flexibilities to cope with different requirements.

Lastly, hope you will enjoy the switch over to BP+Wing as much as I do.

 

[DrSteve]

With Herman's numbers I think I finally have it!
In Coz with a thin full wet suit = 16lbs. I needed 4lbs to counteract the Ranger (possibly a bit more as this is salt water). So my actual required weight was 12lbs.
With a 6lb plate I would need about 4-8 lbs of extra weight.
Diving in the mid Atlantic I'd need about 10-14lbs extra weight.
Diving with a shorty wet suit I'd need the Al plate to give me 4-8lbs ditchable.

Ergo I need to get both for maximum versatility...either that or some big weights to attach to the plate in the form of a weighted STA, when I dive in the mid Atlantic with a full 7mm suit.

 

[kidspot]

So the DIR guys are advocates of not carrying ditchable weight.

actually no - DIR advocates a balanced rig - one in which you can ditch enough weight to offset the gas in your tanks without going into an uncontrolled ascent. In DIR-F I was told this is usually about 8lbs for an al80. The idea being you don't have all your weight on your belt or in your rig, rather you can ditch just the right amount if need be to swim your rig to the surface. This way you do not lose control of your ascent and you are not left to the mercy of negative bouyancy pulling you down down down...

As to your original question, you can get a plate from .7lbs (DSS plastic) all the way to a 20# FredT Heavy plate. - Some have adjustable weighting like the DSS system of weight plates or on other plates a channel weight. There's just a lot of options in a BP to let you get your rig "just right" for you.

Aloha, Tim