Question about non-removable weights

[jwalko]

Hello all:

I was diving over the weekend and tryin gout a new BCD. It has integrated weight pockets on tha back (for trim weights), but does not not have internal weights. in other words, you still need a weight belt.

Anyway, it got me to thinking. What is the opinion about how much weight can go into the trim weight pockets. I only put a little weight in these (2 lbs in each one), and had 8 lbs on the weight belt. I was diving w/ a 5 mil, plus a 5 mil hodded vest.

Is there such a thing as having too much weight in the trim pockets, considering they are kind of small, and you probably couldn't get that much weight in them anyway? Is there an "idea" balance between the weight on the weight belt and in the trim pockets?

I kind of like having the weight there instead of on the weight belt. I was diving w/ my daughter and she was underweighted, so I ended up giving her my 2 lb weights for her second dive, meaning I added another 4 lbs to my weight belo ( I was out of 2 lb weights at that point...she had them), and I noticed my hips riding lower than I like.

Any thoughts?

John

 

[minnesota01r6]

Trim pockets are just that - they are only there for trim. You should use as little weight in these pockets as possible in order to maintain proper orientation in the water. If you would use 14 pounds with a certain wetsuit, etc. then try using 2 pounds in the trim and 12 on the belt. If 2 doesnt work, go to 4.....just don't get so much weight in non-ditchable pockets so that you cannot get positive by ditching your weight belt in an emergency.

If you prefer to not have a weight belt, look into a BC that has weight integrated ditchable pockets as well as trim pockets.

 

[idratherbedivin]

Just making sure you understand correctly. You don't want to drop any weight in an emergency underwater because that would cause you to be too buoyant and you could end up surfacing too fast. The only time you want to drop weight is if your BCD fails and you can not stay buoyant when already at the surface. Many divers dive without any ditchable weight and have no problems because they can handle the weight of their rig. In fact, I am planning on not having any ditchable weight so that my trim is better and I use less energy when moving throught the water. I do agree that you do not want to much weight in the trim pockets because they are designed specifically for trim. I would suggest getting weight integrated pockets as minnesota reccomended. If its a new BCD without the pockets and you really don't want to get rid of it then I don't know what to tell you other then next time get a different BCD. For your problem with the hips you could try adjusting how high or low you position your tank, that can affect your buoyancy in different places. Hope I helped.

-Aaron

 

[K9trnr]

If 2 doesnt work, go to 4.....just don't get so much weight in non-ditchable pockets so that you cannot get positive by ditching your weight belt in an emergency.

If you prefer to not have a weight belt, look into a BC that has weight integrated ditchable pockets as well as trim pockets.

I agree. You don't want to defeat the safety of ditchable weights by putting too much in the trim pockets. But, if you're weighted neutral, and keep some of the weight on a belt or in integrated pockets...you'll be positive when you ditch the weight (at least at the surface or shallow depth). I'll often split the weight half & half (when the weight used is 12 pounds or less).