Question: Small Trim Weights On Harness Waistband

[sea_otter]

Hi everyone,

This really isn't a technical diving question, so please correct me if I'm in the wrong forum, but I wanted to check in to see if my equipment setup was "GUE approved" for an upcoming class.

Is there any reason not to put a couple small (1 pound) trim weights on the waistband of my harness? I also use a weight belt, but it tends to sit directly underneath my harness and will put uncomfortable pressure on my hip bones if I position weights on the side. Obviously the left side isn't ditachable, but I dive dry and could drop the 6 lbs on my weight belt if needed.

I haven't seen anyone doing this, so I wanted to check in to see if there was any reason why I shouldn't.

Thanks!

 

[elgoog]

We did exactly this in our class - you can also use XS Scuba pockets and change the amount of weight in there as you're figuring out weighting. If you put a pocket just on the left D ring side (your left), theoretically, even that is ditchable. Even though I don't use this method anymore (I just use a weight belt), I found that the XS Scuba pocket moves the left D-ring just far enough which makes the positioning perfect for me to reach the SPG.

 

[PfcAJ]

Is that an al plate?

If so, a steel plate would serve you better than a belt and additional weights on the harness.

 

[sea_otter]

Is that an al plate?

If so, a steel plate would serve you better than a belt and additional weights on the harness.

It is an AL plate, but I have a 6 lb weighted STA on the back. I did that intentionally so that I could have something which could work either in warm water or cold. I haven't had the chance to use it in warm water yet, though.

 

[sea_otter]

Also - on a steel backplate, would there be any concern with not having any ditchable weights at all? (At least for cold water in a dry suit. Warm water wetsuit would be a different config.) I can't imagine why I would ever ditch them underwater. My whole setup is light enough where I can swim it to the surface even with a full tank and no air in suit/wing.

 

[PfcAJ]

My whole setup is light enough where I can swim it to the surface even with a full tank and no air in suit/wing.

Then you don't need ditchable weight

Even in warm water, an al80 is like 4lbs positive at the end of a dive. A steel plate is generally 6lbs. So your gear is at worst like -8lbs (6 for the plate, -2 for an al80).

 

[sea_otter]

Yes but a steel plate weighs more in my suitcase flying to the tropics.

I might experiment a bit - thanks for the advice.

 

[PfcAJ]

Yes but a steel plate weighs more in my suitcase flying to the tropics.

I might experiment a bit - thanks for the advice.

Keep both! Duh, more gear is always better.

 

[sea_otter]

Duh, more gear is always better.

Hah! Once you start accumulating gear, it seems pretty much impossible to stop... I swear I can't go near a dive shop without spending a few hundred dollars.

 

[Ouvea]

Sea_otter:

Before you make any changes to your gear, consult your instructor. He has taught many of the GUE divers, from Fundamentals through Tech 1, in our area. However, I do not see anything wrong with this setup, unless you need a greater amount of ditchable weight.

Keep your aluminum backplate. You will need it, when you migrate to doubles! Glad to see you've chosen this path. Many GUE divers make their home in the San Francisco Bay Area and regularly dive Carmel, Monterey and Point Lobos.

Yes. It's a sickness. Started with just two tanks. Now, I have eight, no including the argon bottle. In no time, you'll throw out everything in your home to make room for the SCUBA gear.

If you want to dive, just give a shout.

O.