HP100 doubles trim/buoyancy

[Ben_ca]

Should I expect these to be head-heavy? Also, what is the DIR perspective on using weight belts with doubles (yes, I know this isn't in the DIR sub-forum since my main question is about the doubles themselves)? Is that kosher or is it frowned upon? It seems like people go to great lengths to move weight to places other than the belt, and I'm wondering if there is a reason for it.

thanks.

Weight belts are fine... You can do all the math in the world but at the end of the day you'll have to jump in the water anyway... so come out this Sat AM.... Bring a bunch of weights and come find me at the Breakwater.. I'll help you trim it out

 

[Phil K.]

I dive double PST E7s regularly. My rig is balanced diving dry with AL plate and about 1/3 of an 11lb v weight on the lower band plus salvo cannister light and full DIR kit. A ss plate made me head heavy. However, when I switch to double AL80s my rig stays balanced if I switch to a s/s plate and leave the rest of the rig as is. I also benefitted from switching from an Explorer 55 wing to an Evolve 40. The additional lift capacity of the 55 wasn't necessary for the E7s and the added bulk interfered with trim. Also, the donut shape of the Evolve's bladder helped me with two things: (1) it made dumping air on ascent from the wing a lot easier (eliminating the need to make a slight roll manuever that was necessary with the horseshoe shaped Explorer and (2) it gave me additional lift over my hips, which given my size and weight (5'9"/190lbs) further improved my trim.

 

[Meister481]

I use the worthington hp 100's, ss plate, drysuit and no weight with a T-200 undergarment. It is a bit top heavy, but manageable if you drop the bands and raise the wings a bit. I'm considering putting a small amout of weight on or buying a custom plate to make it better but I'm able to manage now. Shutdowns are tough but I can do them.

 

[rhlee]

I went out today under the expert guidance of Ben_ca and Ted (I forget his SB handle) and tried them out. Turns out that the SS plate plus 10lbs on the belt worked out just fine for me. I felt stable (after tightening my harness an inch) in the water and was told my trim was good. A weight check at 500psi showed that the overall weighting was fairly close to dialed in (perhaps a few pounds heavy), though I was wearing a borrowed canister light (envy envy).