Optimal weight distribution?

[jow]

Hi,

I have just bought a Mares Ariel/ Dragonfly and will be using it for the first time this weekend.

Im a bit confused about all the different places to put the weights! I've got two back pockets behind the wings (non detachable) and then two detachable pockets at the front.

I wear 18Ibs of weight and am trying to work out: -

- would putting weights in the back pockets help prevent me from pitching forward - if so how much is safe given they're non-detachable?
- Is it better to put all the weight in the detachable BCD pockets or to wear a weight belt aswell.
- What would be the best distribution for optimal trim?

Any experiences/ advice would be appreciated

 

[vjongene]

Hi,

I have just bought a Mares Ariel/ Dragonfly and will be using it for the first time this weekend.

Im a bit confused about all the different places to put the weights! I've got two back pockets behind the wings (non detachable) and then two detachable pockets at the front.

I wear 18Ibs of weight and am trying to work out: -

- would putting weights in the back pockets help prevent me from pitching forward - if so how much is safe given they're non-detachable?

Having some of your weight in the back pockets will actually help your trim, because they are closer to your center of gravity than the ditchable pockets. BTW, I had a Morphos Twin, which is similar in design to the Dragonfly.

- Is it better to put all the weight in the detachable BCD pockets or to wear a weight belt aswell.

In my experience, the Mares MRS pockets are not very reliable - I lost 8 lb worth of lead, plus the pockets, when I first tried them. If you do, make sure that you understand exactly how the locks work So I would advocate using a weight belt. Also, if all of your weight is in the BCD it will be a bear to carry and put on.

- What would be the best distribution for optimal trim?

Any experiences/ advice would be appreciated

I had about 8 lb in the back pockets and 8 on a weight belt. This felt quite comfortable. But try out different combinations and find what works best for you.

 

[jagfish]

When I had a back inflate BC, I put enough weight in the back pockets to give me good trim at the surface (let me be vertical with minimal effort). For me, this took 4 to 6 pounds. Any additional weight I needed went in the ditchable pockets.

 

[Jafo123]

I just happen to use 18lbs when I use my 3mm wetsuite. I put 8lbs (4lbs each) in the rear pockets and 10lbs (5lbs each) in the front and it works real well so far.

Jafo

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

Any experiences/ advice would be appreciated

Advice - Keep a few pounds ditchable if at all possible,

The perfect configuration for you is only about a hundred thousand dives away. Don't be afraid to experiment and PAY ATTENTION to the results. You're prone to get some great pointers over SB but nothing will compare to trying it out in some real water.

Enjoy,

CD

 

[bcsean]

the best setup is the one where you can stay trim without fining. If you want ditchable weight, make sure you have a few pounds for that. Doesn't need to be much. Play with it, because once you can stay trim and just hover there, diving becomes much more enjoyable.

 

[donacheson]

Hi,

I have just bought a Mares Ariel/ Dragonfly and will be using it for the first time this weekend.

Im a bit confused about all the different places to put the weights! I've got two back pockets behind the wings (non detachable) and then two detachable pockets at the front.

I wear 18Ibs of weight and am trying to work out: -

- would putting weights in the back pockets help prevent me from pitching forward - if so how much is safe given they're non-detachable?
- Is it better to put all the weight in the detachable BCD pockets or to wear a weight belt aswell.
- What would be the best distribution for optimal trim?

Any experiences/ advice would be appreciated

IMHO, distribute the weights so you can remain horizontal underwater with minimal effort.

 

[sleepyhead]

Hi,

I have just bought a Mares Ariel/ Dragonfly and will be using it for the first time this weekend.

Im a bit confused about all the different places to put the weights! I've got two back pockets behind the wings (non detachable) and then two detachable pockets at the front.

I wear 18Ibs of weight and am trying to work out: -

- would putting weights in the back pockets help prevent me from pitching forward - if so how much is safe given they're non-detachable?
- Is it better to put all the weight in the detachable BCD pockets or to wear a weight belt aswell.
- What would be the best distribution for optimal trim?

Any experiences/ advice would be appreciated

It's something so difficult to explain. You need to play around for 2 dives to get the initial right. Enjoy.