So, I've had my BP/W setup for a couple of years now and really like it. I was on the fence for a while at first and had to get used to it but having done so, I wouldn't go back to a standard BC.
The question I have concerns weighting. I am primarily a warm water diver and with the steel plate and STA, I find that I don't need any extra weight if I'm diving a swimsuit and rash guard. In a 3m wetsuit, I am usually fine with a couple lbs in each tank band pocket (one on either side of the tank). This configuration works great for me as I am more trim than I have ever been and I use less air since (I assume) I have less drag than I had with a BC.
So, it bothers me a little that I have no weights to ditch in an emergency. So far, it hasn't bothered me enough to change anything and my LDS tells me (unofficially) that ditch-able weights are overrated for experienced divers. Indeed, in 6 years of diving I have never come close to needing to ditch weights but I still hear that tiny voice in the back of my head... "what if I were to need to?"
I'm sure I could go with an aluminum plate to allow for 'other' weights but there doesn't seem to be that much room to place weight pockets on the belt. I could manage it but it would be crowded. I suppose a weight belt could be an option.
What are your opinions on this?
The question I have concerns weighting. I am primarily a warm water diver and with the steel plate and STA, I find that I don't need any extra weight if I'm diving a swimsuit and rash guard. In a 3m wetsuit, I am usually fine with a couple lbs in each tank band pocket (one on either side of the tank). This configuration works great for me as I am more trim than I have ever been and I use less air since (I assume) I have less drag than I had with a BC.
So, it bothers me a little that I have no weights to ditch in an emergency. So far, it hasn't bothered me enough to change anything and my LDS tells me (unofficially) that ditch-able weights are overrated for experienced divers. Indeed, in 6 years of diving I have never come close to needing to ditch weights but I still hear that tiny voice in the back of my head... "what if I were to need to?"
I'm sure I could go with an aluminum plate to allow for 'other' weights but there doesn't seem to be that much room to place weight pockets on the belt. I could manage it but it would be crowded. I suppose a weight belt could be an option.
What are your opinions on this?