newbie question about weights and weight belt

[s.s.seafan]

Hi,

I was looking for a place to take scuba class soon, and was told by the dive shop that I need to bring my own weights and weight belt (in addition to mask, snorkel, fins, boots, which I have for snorkeling). as all the local shops close before I get off work, I'll have to order them online. obviously I know nothing about this, so I'm not sure what I need here - a weight belt like this one?

Weight Belt reviews and discounts, Trident

do I need to get some kind of pouches to hold the weights? if not for hard weights, what about soft weights? or do I need to get a belt with pockets like this one?

Neoprene Soft Belt reviews and discounts, Innovative Scuba Concepts

and how much weights do I need - is that something that has to be fitted/tested by a professional, or could be calculated based on my body weight (about 145 lbs)?

TIA!

-Jason

 

[Crush]

Welcome to scuba, Jason!

I use a sturdy belt with an SS buckle similar to Weight Belt reviews and discounts, Trident . I dive a drysuit and therefore need about 30 pounds of weight. The amount of weight you needs depends upon your body mass index and upon the insulation you are wearing. What kind of thermal protection will you be wearing?

I am very surprised that the LDS won't rent you weights and a weight belt. I might suggest that, for now, you buy a belt and rent the weights.

Postscript - I agree with CCTX50 - you will likely want to own your own weights. I suggested that you rent for now until you figure out what weights you need, and in what "denominations" for placement on your belt and BC tank cam strap for trim.

 

[CCTX50]

You can buy a simple webbing belt and SS buckle for very little money. As far as the weights go... it is sold by the pound in most places. If you are wanting soft weights, you are going to spend a little more than hard weights. I have both and both work great. Just like mpetryk said, it all depends on your body type and what exposure suit you are going to wear. You should not need too much. But I would just buy you own weights and belt so that you do not have to mess with renting them every time you go diving. Good luck!!!

 

[s.s.seafan]

thanks for your quick replies. I'll be diving in either caribean or Hawaii, probably wearing 3mm wet suit (from what I've learned so far).

the belt from the first link doesn't look like it has any webbing for holding weights, that's what's puzzling to me.

 

[Crush]

the belt from the first link doesn't look like it has any webbing for holding weights, that's what's puzzling to me.

That's right - the lead has slots in it - the weight slips onto the belt as per the photo.

I am not fortunate enough to dive in a 3mm wetsuit. My best guess for weight would be about 12# (or less), but hopefully some warm water divers will correct me. In such a case you might want 6# x 2 (one on each hip), or 2# x 2 on your top cam strap (for trim), plus 4# x 2 on your belt. This all has to be determined in the water, with your gear.

 

[Squirm88]

Jason,

Like mpetryk said the amount weight you use depends on a couple factors. The first factor is your weight, the more you weigh the more weight you will need. Second is the temperature of water you'll be diving in. The colder the water the thicker wetsuit you'll wear and the more buoyant you'll be. Lastly you'll be slightly more buoyant in saltwater than you'll be in fresh water. If you are wearing a full 3mm wetsuit a good starting place would be 10% of your body weight.

They are two types of weights, soft weights and hard weights. Its a personal preference in choosing the style of weight you use. Depending on your choice you'll need a weight belt is made for that type of weight. You'll want to buy several smaller weights, instead of a couple of large weights. For example if you need 10 pounds you should buy 2 four pounds weights and 2 two pound weights. That way you can distribute the weight equally around the belt.

Here's an example of the belt and weights hard style weights:

Soft syle weights:

 

[Web Monkey]

Hi,

I was looking for a place to take scuba class soon, and was told by the dive shop that I need to bring my own weights and weight belt (in addition to mask, snorkel, fins, boots, which I have for snorkeling). as all the local shops close before I get off work, I'll have to order them online. obviously I know nothing about this, so I'm not sure what I need here - a weight belt like this one?

The dive shop should supply weights and a weight belt. They may ask for a deposit in case you lose them, but you should not have to buy them until after you're certified and you decide you want them.

It's unreasonable to expect the student to supply weights. If, for example, you only dive on vacation, you'll be the proud owner of somewhere between $30 and $70 worth of lead that you'll never use.

Here's a general list of what you'll need to buy for class when dealing with a reputable shop:

Should Own: (some shops will actually supply these, but I'm not a big fan of rental masks, snorkels or mouthpieces)

• Mask - This needs to fit you, and may take some looking around to get one that seals against your face and is comfortable.
• Snorkel - Your going to stick it in your mouth and breathe from it. It's nice to know that the last owner didn't have a disease.
• Mouthpiece for the rental reg. Should be $5 or so, and you'll know it's new (See previous item).

Nice to have:

• Wetsuit - You don't have to, but I recommend everybody get a wetsuit. Even an 80 degree pool is cold when you're in it for an hour or more and aren't moving a lot. The warmest ocean water in the world isn't a lot warmer than this, so if you buy a wetsuit for the pool, it will be great for vacations.
• Fins - Nice to have your own, but any good shop will have some you can borrow until you figure out what you want.

Nice to have, but after you're certified. The shop should supply this:

• Buoyancy Compensator
• Regulator
• Gauges or Computer
• Weights
• Weight belt
• Tanks

If the shop is telling you that you must buy anything more than mask, snorkel and maybe fins & booties, they're just screwing with you, and you should find another shop.

Terry

 

[Acanthurus]

I agree with Webmonkey - all LDS's I know supply the weights - makes it easier for you and the instructor to figure out the correct configuration.

Are you going to get certified in the warm water you plan to be diving in?

Personally my weight amount varies from 12 lbs to 36 lbs depending on whether I am diving wet or dry as well as what type of tank I am using.......

 

[SteveC]

I agree also. I have not heard of a dive shop not supplying your weights and belt for the class. Weights are only used for local diving, as you will not want to travel by plane with them.
If possible, try checking out another dive shop.

 

[rstofer]

In addition to the mask, snorkel, fins and booties, around here the student also needs to provide an octo holder (scumball) and compass.

As many LDSs provide BCs with integrated weights, I would expect them to be included with the equipment rental. So, if an LDS is requiring a weight belt and weights, their BCs must not be integrated so just how old is their gear?

Now, don't get me wrong! I hate integrated weights. But it would seem that every BC on the market now has integrated weights.

Find another shop.

Richard