New setup...how much weight

[kawasakign]

So for those who did the switch to a BP/W like I am doing....how much did your weighting change from using a BC?

I was anywhere from 10-14lbs using a BC. I now will be using a SS backplate. Can I expect to drop some weight all else being equal? I know that there will be no definitive answer until I go try it out...but just looking to see how much to start with. I do plan on heading to a pool to test the setup out first.

Also, anyone have any good pics of their Dive Rite Deluxe harness on their plate so I can make sure I'm webbing it though correctly? Its kind of a b**** to web thigns up with the brand new stiff webbing huh? I can't wait to get this setup wet!

 

[Jon C]

I went from a Ranger BC to the BP/W's with the 6# backplate and 5# single tank adaptor. I carry 6#'s of lead in the pockets (3#'s per side). (Cold water diving with 5/7 mill suit).

The weight change added up to the same amount. Zeagle claims the Ranger is neutrally buoyant and that seemed to be the case. BTW, the Zeagle was a great BC.

Anyway, I did omit the ankle weights with the BP/W and did not replace them in the pockets to compensate. I am concluding that the BP/W had a superior center of balance and the need to keep my feet down with added weight simply wasn't necessary.

For what it's worth....

Jon

 

[sharkattack]

Its kind of a b**** to web thigns up with the brand new stiff webbing huh?

Wet down the webbing. Not as stiff then.

 

[kawasakign]

Wet the webbing...see now why didnt I think of that.....I guess because my first instinct when I get something new isn't to dunk in it water...of course I guess that doesn't really apply to SCUBA stuff. I have to rework the lower webbing to put my weight pouches on and this time I guess i'll do it next to the sink Thanks for the advice.

I have a feeling that the BCs I have used all were not neutral so my guess is that maybe from 10-14lbs on the BC...to 7-11lbs on the BP/W???

Course I just moved from Hawaii to Chicago and I have to get learn how to deal with cold water now. 5mm? 7mm? I'm thinking dry suit class will be very soon for me but in the mean time I guess a thicker wetsuit will have to do. Which means even more weight!

 

[booth22]

well... FWIW, I went from 10lbs in my jacket to zip with my BP/W. Now that's for warm water, and with a SS BP. I think the padding, etc. on the jacket counted for a lot more weight than I thought about then, just as the SS hardware on my webbing adds some weight the plastic buckles of my old jacket didn't.

 

[ToddK]

I had an old Oceanic Chute II BC, and then changed to a 6# stainless backplate. I found that I could remove 6#of lead to compensate for the stainless backplate, but I don't recall dropping anymore lead than that. I found immediately when I switched to the backplate it was far easier to keep a horizontal swimming position. The backplate is much better balanced. -Todd.

 

[UserName1]

Don't ask me. I forgot how to calculate the weight you need be just right. Just do what I do. Spend all day trying out which weight combo works best for you. It makes for a lot of surface intervals, but what else you got to do at a quarry?