Integrated weights falling out

[PAdiver93]

I had that issue numerous times with the dacor rig 3. I ended up sitting down with my local LDS owner and we designed a system for quick release though they where securely attached and would not fall out again. we sewed on some extra webing and used the clicps from back packs to make sure the weight stayed. You cna try that out if seaquest wont help. I did mine because dacor is pretty much non existent and the rig is still in mint condition to warrent me buying a new one.

Forget the weight fall out problem - where is your LDS - I want a caring LDS like that too!

 

[ch0ppersrule]

no problems with mine (diva lx), daughter didn't have any problems with hers (only 4 dives, but no problems).

 

[JOHN DE KLERK]

My daughter and I have both got new BCDs - Her BCD is a Cressi and has got velcro - but a very celver back fold design which is placed in such a way that you have to be deliberate in your action to release them - up and out. My BCD is a a Sea Quest Balance, and does not have a velcro system, but a a SureLock system, which is a mechanical clip. The design is rather clever in that there is a definite click when engaged, and your also need to be deliberate to release it. So far we are delighted with our purchases!

 

[clarktenk]

When I used to dive with weight integration I could put in as much as 10 pounds in each without a problem or having to worry about losing them. It is probably poor design. Try checking out the Dive Rite Transpac and weight integration. That's what I used and never had a problem along with about 50 other divers I've seen using it in the last few years that I ersonally have known and also love their bc's.

 

[Santa]

I own an oceanic chute 3 with a velcro + lock mechanism. I've use up to 16 kiloes in these and never had anything vaguely resembling a problem. Possibly t he velcro could wear down over time but so far no sign of it.

Suppose it's a question of the quality of the fabric and efficiency of the locking mechanism.

I'm not really for such makeshift solutions but Is it possible that if you use chubbier weight's the lead pocket might stick better in the bc?

 

[SadiesMom]

I only put 3lbs in each integrated weight pouch, i used lead weights not soft. I just can't believe the velcro has already lost its grip. Either my jacket is faulty or it really is (as a couple of people have suggested) a very bad design.

I may see if I can upgrade to the new XLT that has lockable pouches that don't rely on velcor though.... lets hope seaquest have a good customer service centre.

Thanks for all your help

I'm also surprised that your new Diva had the velcro pouches. I thought they's switched all the Divas to the SureLoc system..hmm. I own a Dive LX that I bought in the fall of 2003 and to my understanding that was *right* before they came out with the SureLoc system and mine was one of the last ones with the velcro that my shop sold. However, I used to load mine up with 10 pounds on each side and NEVER dropped a pouch - I'm really shocked that you've lost a pouch *twice* with only 3 pounds in it! Sounds like bad velcro to me - or (forgive me) you're not really making sure that the velcro is really secured (but given that it happened once, I'd assume that after that, you were checking it well after that).

If that doesn't work, you may want to snag a DUI weight and trim harness (there's actually one in the Gear For Sale section for $25!!!). I moved to that not because of the velcro, but because I dive cold water and have to wear a lot of weight and the integrated pouches were difficult to handle and insert with that much weight in them and it was *much* more comfortable to have the weight on my shoulders on land than in the BC. Now that I dive dry, it's also much more adjustable in terms of how low I can wear my weight to adjust my trim (necessary in my dry suit). It seems a bit of overkill for diving with so little weight - honestly, with that little, I might just bag it and go to a regular weight belt.

Best of luck in talking to Seaquest...personally, I think you'll probably do OK with them as your first option - but it's good to know you have others just in case....

 

[Chad Carney]

The Jury may not be in yet on clip system weight releases. The strong ones are probably too hard to release for liability reasons, and the weak ones may be too far the other way.

A recent student of mine with a brand new Seaquest Balance had a weight pocket fall out with just 2 lbs in it, on his first dive. The Sure Lock system clip somehow came loose. My guess is his arm might have brushed it open as the release knobs are right at the front side. With care it did not happen again on the remaining 3 OW dives.

BTW ineach pocket, the thread originator had 3 kg which = 6.6 lbs.

Seaquest is a quality brand and I'm sure they will do what is necessary to fix any problems.

Zip touch (Velcro) weight systems, can work well for small amounts of lead, say 10 lbs or less if they are designed correctly and used properly. Most of Zeagle's trim weights are held in this way with a small portion, about 3/4", of the zip touch not sewn flat to the vest, so it pulls at different angle. It's best to attach them when dry and leave them attached for max adhesion. Most Zeagle weight systems intentionally load and unload through a separate zipper.

Chad

 

[Jeanne425]

I have the seaquest Diva BC also. The weights are always falling out. Normally I always check the velcro and readjust it on dives. I lost one on my last trip and I'm having trouble replacing it.

 

[m3830431]

Not familair with the BCD put Iwould try to add a snap if possible. Velcro is unreliable with that much pressure on it.

 

[Dave McLean]

Velcro can be tricky in that it 1) Has to be clean 2) Patted down well 3) Held in "Sheer" not in peel - thing of your hands palm to palm sliding along each other for "Sheer." Make sure that your weight pockets are rigid so that they don't flop out of the holders and put the Velcro in Peel. You can do that with some extra plastic from the plastics store, or even go to Home depot, get a coupla paint sticks, chop 'em off and stick them in the pouch with your weights.

The new plastic clip design systems that release weights are pretty darn nifty. Whoever invented them should get a prize. (Nice going Charlie!)