My first BCD.

[dtcooney]

:doctor: I'm looking to buy my first BC and had the Scubapro 2000 with intergrated weights in mind. so far I've been strapping on about 14kg/30lb of lead(diving in cold water of the west of Ireland in a thick wetsuit) I was wondering just how much weight the weight pockets on the BC are able to take? Also wether solid weights or shot filled pouches would be better. Thanks

 

[astrofunk]

The weight pouches on my Scubapro Knighthawk can take about 10 lbs / 5 kg each. I imagine the weight pouches on the BCD you describe are the same. The Knighthawk also has trim pockets which can take another 4 lbs / 2 kg or so, bringing the grand total up to roughly 30 lbs.

I use a mixture of soft and hard weight. In general, I prefer the soft weights (seems like they can be squished a little more conveniently into the shape of the pouch). However, I have a bunch of 2 lb fishing weights which are very convenient for adjusting trim, or making last minute adjustments, or lending out to buddies.

Are you diving a steel tank? You could probably get 2 - 3 kg off your belt by switching from an 80 AL to an 80 steel. That might make the integrated pouches a little closer to sufficing for you...

- steve

 

[dtcooney]

:doctor: I had a good demo of the scubapro glide 2000 in my LDS and managed to easily get 30lb of shot bags into the weight pouches. Since I'm new to Diving I've been using the dive school tanks which are 12litre(80 cubic inch) steel. I haven't thought too much yet about my tank. I was going to get the other gear first and pick up a tank before I do my dive master course.

 

[ScubaRon]

The specs say: 10 lbs in each of the Quick Release pockets and 5 lbs in each of the trim pockets. Total 30 lbs.
ScubaRon

 

[Gator Diver]

are easier on the foot if you drop them...that is
the main advantage....otherwise I dont think
it really makes a difference