Need weight suggestions...

[battles2a5]

Okay, so I am heading to the coast this weekend for some NC wreck diving. I just got a new 5mil for the colder water and I haven't had a chance to test it out. I last dove a month ago. I was wearing a 2mil shorty and w/ my BP/W I am approx 2lb negative at the end of the dive wearing no weight. I am wondering how much lead I will need to sink this new suit. I am guessing 6lbs (plus my extra 2, so a total of 8) will do the trick. It's a Mares 5mil w/ hood. Any thoughts?

 

[SparticleBrane]

Hop in a pool before the weekend and do a quick weight check.

 

[Notso_Ken]

Okay, so I am heading to the coast this weekend for some NC wreck diving. I just got a new 5mil for the colder water and I haven't had a chance to test it out. I last dove a month ago. I was wearing a 2mil shorty and w/ my BP/W I am approx 2lb negative at the end of the dive wearing no weight. I am wondering how much lead I will need to sink this new suit. I am guessing 6lbs (plus my extra 2, so a total of 8) will do the trick. It's a Mares 5mil w/ hood. Any thoughts?

Not enough info to answer. Is it a one piece or a 2 piece?

I have a 2 pc 3 mm and a 2pc 7 mm. It is a difference of ~14 pounds between the 2, off the top of my head (I'm currently in VA, and my log book is in OH--see those that don't think there's a reason for a logbook--here's one, keeping track of weight differences between different suit configs.)


Ken

 

[battles2a5]

Notso Ken- it's a 1 piece, sorry about that.

 

[battles2a5]

FYI- in case it will help anyone else, 6lb's was the ticket. I started w/ 10, dropped to 8, then 6. I could have gotten away w/ 4, but didn't want to chance being overly positive on my safetly stop.

 

[river_sand_bar]

Just remember though... saltwater is different then fresh water... I always use less weight when I am in the pool.

 

[battles2a5]

Sorry should have clarified, this was in salt water. I usually don't do a safety stop in the pool

 

[waynel]

FYI- in case it will help anyone else, 6lb's was the ticket. I started w/ 10, dropped to 8, then 6. I could have gotten away w/ 4, but didn't want to chance being overly positive on my safetly stop.

You started with 10? On your OW checkouts? I don't know your body specs, large, small, etc. but if you did you OW checkouts with 10lbs, outstanding! I went drift diving in Cozumel for the first time in February and divers with your profile were still using 20lbs in 2 mil suits so they wouldn't blow past their safety stop (no line).

I needed 16lbs in a 3/2 just to get down on checkouts. I've got 2 dozen dives and I still need 20 when using a full 5 mil with hood. Very impressive, I'm jealous.

 

[battles2a5]

Wayne, I was going from a 2mil in a BP/W w/ a SS backplate. So the plate is about 6lb's negative. So if you add the weight of the plate, I need about 12lb's total to sink me in my 5mm and hood.