Integrated weights or weight belt?

[landlockeddiver]

I have some ongoing back problems but don't want to give up diving just yet. My problem area is low back or hip level. Last time I went diving I used a weight belt and came home in misery (I'm a pretty good sized guy and require a fair amount of weight). The weight belt sits right around my waist and if I'm lucky enough to maintain a horizontal position the weights are putting alot of pressure on my trouble spots. Of course I feel great while under water but once on land, it's a killer. I'm willing to buy a new BC if you knowledgeable folks think it would help. That's alot of money to spend for naught. Surely I'm not the only diver with back problems am I?

 

[spectrum]

If you are diving with a lot of weight then it would make for a very heavy and awkward BCD, if it can even hold it all. Consider putting the bulk of your weight in a DUI Weight & Trim II. This will let you carry the weight as a harness while upright and allows you much more control over where on your body it hangs when you are prone.

Pete

 

[altitudemike]

Sometimes I put on all my gear in the water approx chest deep, it's so much easier. Try it you may like it a lot & I'm weight intigrated.

 

[nereas]

The latest thing on the market is a weighted backplate. These go up to 14 lbs, I believe. If you connect 2 of them with an STA, guess what? Your weight belt drops to the minimum of 6 to 10 lbs.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

I'm not sure how much weight you are talking about. MY wife has back problems and does fine with a Zeagle range which has weight inegration and the weight is on your sides.

A backplate and wing setup with a steel plate might also be a solution. (I have never dove one but there are people on the board that ar fanatical about them)

 

[Green_Manelishi]

The latest thing on the market is a weighted backplate. These go up to 14 lbs, I believe. If you connect 2 of them with an STA, guess what? Your weight belt drops to the minimum of 6 to 10 lbs.

This only works if the user needs all the weight that high on their body. Some, for trim purposes, need weight a bit lower; like around or near the waist.

 

[KazooDiver]

Why don't you go to your local dive shop and talk with them...they may have some different designs you can rent to try out or may be the will let you just try some out to see which one is best for you... Heck it is worth a try.

 

[TheHobster]

i have had back surgery but been blessed with the need for minimal lead - I really do not like weight integrated as it is a bear to put on - also, i wear a backplate wings in OW and love it - I would suggest steel tanks for their buoyancy, BP and non ditchable weight as much as possible; or the harness is an excellent option as well

 

[Fabulous]

I have a back problem or did, after two operations all is fine so far.

I used to wear a weight belt but found my back suffered. Bought a weight integrated BC (Black Diamond) and find it is much easier getting in and out of the water. Haven't lost any weights yet or come close.

I make sure that my buddy knows how to access them and fling em.

 

[ArcticDiver]

DUI makes two different rigs. The Classic adjusts very flexibly. I finally went to one and will not go back. It lets me put my weight exactly where I want it and is very comfortable. Plus, if I need to take my rig off I still have the weight and won't play rocket.