DIR- Generic Newbie Questions On Weight Etc

[DMVSCUBADAD]

First, wondering what I should do about weight with my new gear. I am 187lbs, 5-9, would wear 16lbs with a 3mm wetsuit and standard vest and be properly weighted. For my upcoming trip I will be using a neoprine vest, shorts, rash guard, and the Halcyon 6lb steel backplate with the 20lb wing. How much weight should I carry? I ran it through chatGPT and it said 4-6lbs.

Second, the plate, which I got used, came with back and strap pads. I was planning to remove the back pad but leave the strap pads. Any thoughts?

 

[grantmac]

Unless you have excessive bodyfat you are very likely overweighted with the vest.

 

[Chrisk919]

Regarding 5'9" in a jacket BC with a 3mm: 16lbs seems like a lot just based on your measurements. I wouldn't even use that much for a 5mm in an aluminum backplate (1lb) and I'm a bit more "dad-bod fluffier".

A 6lb backplate with a (presumably 1-3mm?) neoprene vest? You didn't talk about cylinders, but since this is a trip I'm assuming a single AL80 - 4-6lbs may be a starting point but you are most likely still overweighted.

 

[rongoodman]

The only way to be sure is to check during your safety stop, with a near empty tank. Go a little head down and see how much air is left at the bottom of your wing. More than a fistful or so means you can shed some lead. I'm guessing you won't need more than a couple of pounds. I'd ditch the strap pads as well as the back pad.

 

[Scubaguy610]

To me it sounds like you'd be pretty overweight, The best bet is to test the gear youre going to use in either confined water or a open water scenario

 

[matt9122]

With a backplate and wing, I doubt you need any weight. Maybe 2-6lbs would be right. Halcyon makes a 6lb weight that goes into the single tank adapter, but that may not be necessary. As you keep racking up dives, the necessary weight will lessen. Also, take the pad off the back if you want. I keep mine on for when I'm diving with no wetsuit, but with a vest or wetsuit, you probably don't need it.