Quick and easy way to calculate lift needed

[Scotttyd]

Ok, I looked at the spreadsheet, am I a tad confused. I am buying my first BCD and I had a question inregards to how much lift do I need. I am looking at a BP/W with 35 lbs of lift. I am 6'2" 225 all muscle (ya right). Last trip to Belieze I needed 26 lbs to sink diving only in my trunks. At a local quarry I used 16 in a 3mil farmer john/shorty. Is there a simple way to estimate (no need to be exact) the lift I should be buying in a BC?

 

[herman]

35 should be more than enough. Basically, you need to have enough lift to offset the compression of your wetsuit at depth or enough to keep your gear afloat at the surface, which ever is greater. A steel BP 6#, single steel tank #6, 26# weights...6+6+26=38#. If your using AL tanks and plates deduct 3# for an AL plate and another 6#for an AL tank or 29#. You will find your weight needs will drop a lot once you get comfortable in the water. Remember you can always drop weight if needed and your wetsuit is going to add a lot of positive buoyancy.