97fxdwg:
Hi-
Sorry for the "Undoubtedly easy to answer and I should already know it" question, but what does "Not Weight Integrated" mean on a BCD? What are the pros and cons?
Thanks
Weight integrated means that the BC can carry dive weights and provide for ditching of all or some of the weight. Non Weight Integrated will not provide for ditchable weight requiring your ditchable weight to be on a belt.
Pros IMO,
Eliminate or reduce weight on the belt.
Since weight is part of the BC it's less likely to ride up when bobbing topside. With a heavy belt the BC is lifting while the weights are pulling down.
One less thing to don if you don't need the belt.
Can accept part of your weight, lightening the belt.
Can be easy to adjust weights between suits, salt/fresh. Compared to rethreading a belt.
Cons IMO:
If you ditch and cannot recover the weights you need to replace the proprietary weight pouches compared to just getting a new belt anywhere. The cost of pouches can be significant. This should rarely be an issue unless you drop them when handing weights up to a boat. :11:
Fully loaded the BC can get very heavy. Typical capacity is 20 pounds ditchable, 10 pounds non ditchable in fixed trim pouches. (add cylider, BC Regulator, etc)
Soft weights are more expensive, may or may not need these.
If I don't go BP/W I will go integrated but plan to keep 16-20 on my belt as ditchable with the balance in the BC. This will keep the belt and BC manageable and let me easily adjust the BC between suit bouyancies and fresh and salt water. It also provides more than one body point for weight placement which can aid in establishing trim.
I'm sure the real divers will add more and if I'm off base we'll both learn something!
Pete