how much weight?---new circumstances

[SeaHorseWoman]

Next time I dive--in about 2 weeks--I think I can take off some weight. I know the best thing is to do a weight test, but could you experienced folks suggest what I should test with?
I had been wearing a 5mm farmer john, 5mm shorty, and a 3mm hooded vest. Next time I'll probably still wear the vest/hood, but a 5mm full suit (my own!) that has 3mm arms. Less suit. Also, instead of the rented jacket BC, I now have a Zeagle back inflate BC. I also lost about 3lbs since the last dive.
I"m 5'7" and weigh 148 lbs.
I started with 24 lbs, went down to 22lbs very successfully the last dive I did, I want to know if I should reduce that and by how much.
Thanks,
BarbaraSHW

 

[TSandM]

There are too many variables to be able to say anything very useful.

It's pretty easy to get in the water with a full tank and weight yourself neutral at the surface, and then add the swing weight of the air in the tank. Given the information you offered, I'd probably start with 20 lbs and see which way I needed to go from there.

 

[SeaHorseWoman]

Thanks Lynne, that's what I was thinking, but thought there might be something I didn't consider---reality check complete.
Happy Trails
BarbaraSHW

 

[spectrum]

Sounds like you are getting rid of 5mm on your core and 2mm from your arms. That will be significant.
The BC may have some impact but I can't say which way.
The body weight will have minimal impact. If weight training ahs built muscle it will be more significant than simple weight loss.

I agree with TSandM, get neutra; pre-dive and add the swing weight of your air.
.08LB per CF so 80 CF = 6.4 pounds
Since you won;lt be draining the cylinder 5-6 pounds will be needed.

Repeat the check at the end of the dive with the cylinder at 500 PSI. This will give you the best answer since your gera will all be saturated and any stowaway air will have escaped.

If I were a betting person "d wager that you will got from 22 to 18 pounds. 16 would not amaze me depending on the BC factor.

Congratulations on the new gear!

Pete

 

[redacted]

I'd estimate that going from a 5mm 2-piece to a 5mm full will reduce you bouyancy 4 to 5 lb. Eliminating the 5mm shortie will drop another 4 or 5 lb. So I woulds expect and 8 to 10 lb reduction. To be safe, l start out 6 lb lighter and be ready to drop another 2 lb on your next dive and another 1 or 2 on the dive after that.