Inserting weight pouch in Aqualung/Apeks

[afdgf]

I currently have an Apeks Black Ice and I used to have an Aqualung so the weight pocket clips are basically the same on both. I have always had a problem inserting the weight pouch (the detachable part that you put the weight in) when they had weight in them and getting the clip to "click." If it does not click, then the weight pouch falls out (usually at the worst possible time. So far I have figured out not to wear sunglasses when I am trying to do the insertion because the sun will make the shadow inside the pocket pitch black and I cannot see anything. So I have learned to use my clear glasses until I get the weight pouches clipped. One divemaster did it by lifting the bcd with tank attached and putting it on the floor of the boat so that the weight would be going down instead of horizontally and that seemed to work. Whenever I try that on a different boat, all of the divemasters freak and think that I do not know what I am doing and insist that I do not take the tank out of the holder. If I have more than 5-6 lbs total in the pouch, then I do not have enough strength to get it myself. I have been doing hammer curls and wrist curls at the gym, but I am not strong enough yet. Does someone have a trick to this? Thanks.

 

[diversteve]

Maybe this is related?

I contacted my dealer before I went away in October as I had heard about some failures. They said the new bcd still had the rubber handled weight pockets and they weren't aware of any problems. My wifes new libra bcd has the old type rubber handled (second edition) weight pockets and we weren't impressed with the way they clipped in to be honest. She found them difficult to locate and was always getting me to fit them as she was unsure if they were locked in, I just hope the revised ones are easier to locate as well as stronger.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ma...ensators-due-drowning-hazard.html#post7268985

 

[afdgf]

Yes that is definitely related although it is sort of the other end of the process in that the pockets are so difficult to insert and clip in correctly that you sometimes get fooled into thinking that you have them locked in when they are, in fact, not. In that case they fall out. Thanks for finding that post. It is definitely validating. I have the new version of the handle so that is not the problem.

 

[StefinSB]

My wife has an Aqualung BCD and, yes, getting the weight pockets inserted properly is a pain. I don't like that system at all.

 

[claymore]

I have seen multiple Aqualung weight pouches lost on OW training dives and non training dives. I don't know if AaquaLung/Apeks weight pouches are better or worse than othere brands I am just familiar with the Aqualung weight pouches.
I tell all the students I work with to pull on the actual weight pouch not the handle to make sure it is engaged.