Saving money on a weight harness

[Gary Shepard]

I started purchasing equipment to go to doubles. I'm using new and used to get there and save money. But when looking for a weight harness and pockets I thought the price was too high.

I go to eBay and purchase the Trident 5 pocket weight belt for 13 bucks and the WB80 Black weight suspenders for 20.

I received them both yesterday. The pockets are sewn to the belt. So I had to come up with a way to attach the back of the suspenders.

1. I first cut some extra length off the harness and made two small strips. To attach to the back of the belt .
2. I placed the strip where I wanted them. I used a soldering iron to make holes. I nice thing is, once you melt the holes the strip stays in place.
3. I used 3/16 rivets with a number 8 washer and attached both strips. I also put one in both front suspender straps to keep them from sliding.

I'm happy with the way it came out. And I have about 35 bucks into it. My lead is formed from a sardine can. They average 3 pounds 3oz. Two fit nicely in one pocket.

​

 

[Gary Shepard]

I should add, once you melted the holes and before you rivet it, take a sharp knife and trim around the hole. The washer will not pull flat against the belt if you don't.

 

[oly5050user]

I started purchasing equipment to go to doubles. I'm using new and used to get there and save money. But when looking for a weight harness and pockets I thought the price was too high.

I go to eBay and purchase the Trident 5 pocket weight belt for 13 bucks and the WB80 Black weight suspenders for 20.

I received them both yesterday. The pockets are sewn to the belt. So I had to come up with a way to attach the back of the suspenders.

1. I first cut some extra length off the harness and made two small strips. To attach to the back of the belt .
2. I placed the strip where I wanted them. I used a soldering iron to make holes. I nice thing is, once you melt the holes the strip stays in place.
3. I used 3/16 rivets with a number 8 washer and attached both strips. I also put one in both front suspender straps to keep them from sliding.

I'm happy with the way it came out. And I have about 35 bucks into it. My lead is formed from a sardine can. They average 3 pounds 3oz. Two fit nicely in one pocket.

View attachment 578218 View attachment 578220 View attachment 578219

View attachment 578221View attachment 578222View attachment 578223​

View attachment 578224 View attachment 578225 View attachment 578226 View attachment 578227

Problem here is now you cannot release any weight if need arises. Not a safe way to dive as you can never know when you may need to get rid of lead. A DUI weight and trim system is usually sold at less than $100, even less used at perhaps $50.

 

[rhwestfall]

Back when I thought I needed weight: I just got a simple harness (same as yours), a simple weight belt (had one), 4 XS Scuba weight pockets (quick ditch models), and some sliders...

CAUTION: You can't ditch the weights out of your style belt quickly....

FWIW - with steel doubles, and a SS plate, I don't need any additional weight (and I am a Great Lakes cold water diver).

YMMV

 

[Gary Shepard]

I not worried about dumping weigh. If I need to, a knife to the bottom of the pocket can dump them damn quick.

 

[rhwestfall]

oly types faster...

 

[rhwestfall]

I not worried about dumping weigh. If I need to, a knife to the bottom of the pocket can dump them damn quick.

Good "plan b", but you need a better "plan a"...

 

[Gary Shepard]

There could be a problem that I would need to dump. But going back to 1981 till now I have many dives and the only problem I have encountered with weights is when you snag something and accidently drop it.

I'm not a panic type person. It would be very simple to cut the pocket and drop. Yes it may take me 5 to 10 seconds more, maybe. If 5 to 10 seconds is my life span, then I waited far too long.

About the only reason I would need to drop is because my wing died and I'm sinking. But them I just air up my dry suit and to the top I go.

 

[Gary Shepard]

And I suppose I could just open the pocket and take the weight out.

 

[oly5050user]

I not worried about dumping weigh. If I need to, a knife to the bottom of the pocket can dump them damn quick.

As an instructor I cannot allow the use of that as lead cannot be released instantly. Something go wrong and first thing asked in court would be why did I allow this to be used. As a boat owner I will not let you use it diving of my boat for same reason. Back when horse collar vests where used I had a diver who placed weight belt under the crotch strap . He was afraid of loosing belt. He had issues on surface, trouble staying on surface until I got it off him with much difficulty.