OMS Ballast 12LB Weight System - Opinions

[Joti]

Has anyone had any experience with this 12LB weight system? Looking for a ditchable weight system on a BP/W single setup.

OMS Ballast System {12 lb | 5.4 kg}

It looks to be very similar to the Halcyon ABS pockets, but much cheaper and larger capacity. I don’t need the extra capacity, but the price is right.

Has anyone seen these in the flesh?

I’m wondering if they have anything in place to stop them sliding forward, as the Halcyon pockets do.

Any other thoughts?

For background I dive a BP/W, and have been using a weight belt for the last 10 years, but it hurts my lower back so I want to get the weight (10-16lb wet/dry) off. I also have never been entirely comfortable not having easily ditchable weight, though mostly that’s been how I’ve dived with the belt under the crotch strap.

 

[Centrals]

1. I would add weight on each side of the tank strap.
2. Use a SS plate instead of Al if not already done so.

 

[Uno1]

I have a set installed on a OMS IQ lite. They are secured from sliding with a D ring. More than ample capacity for warm water diving.

 

[Joti]

How easy are they to stow the removable weight pocket insert with the BCD already on? The Halcyon equivalent I’ve read is difficult to load.

 

[ams511]

Another option if you want more capacity. 7.25kg/16lb Removable Weight Pockets

You can also try, if available, a weighted single tank adaptor.

 

[Joti]

I like that the Halcyon and OMS pockets don’t take up much space. The Deep 6 look quite long.

I put 2 XS Scuba pockets on the waist belt today and worked quite well. Not quite as ditchable as the others in this thread but very streamlined and still removable.

 

[Uno1]

I haven't put the weight pockets in with the BCD on but I don't see it being difficult

 

[Joti]

I have a set installed on a OMS IQ lite. They are secured from sliding with a D ring. More than ample capacity for warm water diving.

Looking at these again...
Are you saying you have a regular D Ring installed on the webbing up against the pocket? You end up with 2 d rings in close proximity I assume, seeing as the pockets have their own d ring.

 

[Uno1]

Both pockets have two belt loops. The belt has one loop for the pockets. So each pocket has the belt pass through the three loops. The pockets are quite firmly held. Only the right hand pocket has the o-ring (apologies) but with or without it I do not thing the pockets would move. I like the set up as the weights are nicely tucked away. I hope the attached photos give a better idea of the set up.

 

[Joti]

View attachment 458441 View attachment 458441 View attachment 458442 Both pockets have two belt loops. The belt has one loop for the pockets. So each pocket has the belt pass through the three loops. The pockets are quite firmly held. Only the right hand pocket has the o-ring (apologies) but with or without it I do not thing the pockets would move. I like the set up as the weights are nicely tucked away. I hope the attached photos give a better idea of the set up.

Thanks very much! I think I’ll give them a try.