LIft vs weight

[wilson23]

greetings all,

we are headed to catalina for the first time next wekend. I am very interested in using my Zuma BC for the trip, which I have only used for tropical locals, but have questions regarding lift. According to the aqualung website the large zuma has 36lbs lift with a max 20lbs of lead rating. how do these numbers correlate? Last time I used a 7mil with hood and gloves I used about 22lbs lead. Will the zuma have enough lift to compensate for this?
BC Size and Lift Chart
thank in advance for the knowledge!

 

[gcarter]

greetings all,

we are headed to catalina for the first time next wekend. I am very interested in using my Zuma BC for the trip, which I have only used for tropical locals, but have questions regarding lift. According to the aqualung website the large zuma has 36lbs lift with a max 20lbs of lead rating. how do these numbers correlate? Last time I used a 7mil with hood and gloves I used about 22lbs lead. Will the zuma have enough lift to compensate for this?
BC Size and Lift Chart
thank in advance for the knowledge!

It is lift versus releaseable weight.

If you need more weight than that, just put it on a belt. At 22 lbs you wil be flne with that lift.

 

[mathauck0814]

I'm interpreting their statement to mean that the bcd integrated pockets are strong enough to hold 20lbs. If you need more, you'll just have to carry it someplace else (belt, ankles, trim weight, etc).

 

[g1138]

My take is the manufacturer guarantees the BC can hold up to 20lbs (ditchable) w/o causing excessive wear or the pocket clips failing and releasing your weight prematurely.
That's 20lbs total of ditchable weight, so 10lbs in each pocket.
Take a look at your pockets, often they'll have an individual weight rating painted on them.

Your BC should be able to float 34lbs according to the chart. So if you load it with 35lbs it'll probably sink below the surface.
With 22lbs of lead your BC will be able to float you even if your wetsuit compresses completely at depth. On the surface you shouldn't have a worry unless you put all the weight on your belt and slip out of your BC.

 

[wilson23]

Sounds good! Thanks guys!