Removing padding from a BC

[Chavodel8en]

I just got the Genesis Tropic BC, only dived once in it but I like its trim. However, as reported in Rodales, its very bouyant - I had to add 2 pounds and I still felt light at the end of the dive.

I already removed the cumberbund - I don't think i need it. There is also a whole heck of a lot of padding on the lower back. It seems to me that when you're horizontal in the water, the water offset much of the weight - you don't need it. When you're vertical, your shoulders take the weight.

I have two questions for the DYI masters:

1) Is it even worth it to remove some padding. If i could offset those 2-3 pounds that would be great, it would be worth it to me.

2) Is it Ok to do this? The padding seems to be sewn into the construction of the BC. The only way i see to remove it would be to take a razor blade to it and trim it off. My only concern is that somehow it would allow water to enter where its not supposed to and effect performance somehow. It doesn't look like the foam is needed to maintain the basic structure of the BC.

Opinions? Thanks.

 

[Diver0001]

Rip away baby! and start with the warranty.

Anything that isn't strap, bladder, or made from hard plastic probably isn't needed.

Before you grab the razor, though, you should look at where the stitching goes. Some BCD's can't be modified very easily without causing more problems than you solved.

And if you like the trim then should consider that modifying it will change the trim.

R..

 

[Chavodel8en]

Oops, i completely forgot about the warranty! Thanks for reminding me.

Maybe I'll see how much bouyancy was taken care of by removing the cumberbund first before i take to ripping.

Thanks for the info!!

 

[Spoon]

if you dont care about the warranty you can slit the padded areas and replace with much thinner materials. maybe even some aluminum for more rigid shape.

 

[deepseafalcon]

I just got the Genesis Tropic BC, only dived once in it but I like its trim. However, as reported in Rodales, its very bouyant - I had to add 2 pounds and I still felt light at the end of the dive.

I already removed the cumberbund - I don't think i need it. There is also a whole heck of a lot of padding on the lower back. It seems to me that when you're horizontal in the water, the water offset much of the weight - you don't need it. When you're vertical, your shoulders take the weight.

I have two questions for the DYI masters:

1) Is it even worth it to remove some padding. If i could offset those 2-3 pounds that would be great, it would be worth it to me.

2) Is it Ok to do this? The padding seems to be sewn into the construction of the BC. The only way i see to remove it would be to take a razor blade to it and trim it off. My only concern is that somehow it would allow water to enter where its not supposed to and effect performance somehow. It doesn't look like the foam is needed to maintain the basic structure of the BC.

Opinions? Thanks.

isn't the back padding velcroed rather than stiched? was at least that way in the BCs I have seen.
I would also be careful with cutting things out. It's virtually unsellable afterwards.
And of course no warranty. And may look weird.

I would rather try to return it and get another BC. Many shops allow that.

d-s-f