Seaquest latitude velcro weight release system...

[Olivier]

Hi,

I'am about to buy a Seaquest latitiude BCD with integrate weight (release system with velcro) . I read somewear that velcro systems for integrate weight are not that safe. Is this true ? Anyone know about latitude BCD and could tell me the pro and con of this jacket ?

thank you, I used the forum on regulator and already recived really good advice !

Olivier

 

[kc0czi]

The integrated weight pouches on the lattitude are not designed for carrying much weight.

I do not own a Lattitude myself, but have dove with folks who used them and can recall several occasions when their integrated weight pouches released and fell to the bottom. For that reason, I do not recommend the Lattitude. Those velcro-only systems will wear out over time. In a properly trimmed dive the orientation of the lattitude pouches causes all of the weight to be borne by the velcro as well.

I prefer something with a more positive latching mechanism than just velcro. The seaquest XLT (which I own) can carry more weight, and doesn't (hasn't yet anyway) suffered the same release problems that I've seen with the Lattitude.

A couple of other divers I know use the Zeagle ranger - and their system is less likely to inadvertantly release as well.

There's also nothing wrong with using a weight belt/suspenders combination either.


If it were me... I'd avoid the Lattitude because of the integrated weight system.

 

[ChrisA]

Hi,

I'am about to buy a Seaquest latitiude BCD with integrate weight (release system with velcro) . I read somewear that velcro systems for integrate weight are not that safe. Is this true ? Anyone know about latitude BCD and could tell me the pro and con of this jacket ?

thank you, I used the forum on regulator and already recived really good advice !

Olivier

I think it matters where you live. Are you in cold water where you might be using 30 poinds of weight or is it warm water where you might be in only a 3mm shorty? If you are using a lot of weight I think you are best off splitting it up. Some in the BC rear pocket (non-ditchable) some in the ditchable pockets and some on a weight belt. With this kind of system you can loose a weight and not becose a rocket.

I think the velcro systems are OK. Even if you release the velcro you still need to tug a little. My Son lost a weight once and it was the Mares plastic click lock thing. On those systems the weights ride in a low friction plastic slide and come out easy if the realse is bumped. Split up the weight and you will be fine even if you loose one.

I will listen to someone who claims the velcro system is not safe ONLY if he has statistical data to back up the claim, Actually there is no good weight rease system. Your beat bet is to divide the weight up. Put some in each pocket and some on a belt

 

[eckybay]

I use a Lattitude and haven't had any problems with the weight poches - so far. I've only done about 15 dives in it and I don't carry a lot of weight - five pounds in each of the releasable pockets and then three pounds in one of the rear trim pockets. I just do mainly low-tech rec fun dives for now, so it fits my needs.

 

[keyshunter]

The Seaquest velcro pouches are perfectly secure if you stay within the manufacturer's recommended weight limit, and make sure that the velcro is completely fastened. I have an old Seaquest Quickdraw, which is essentially the same as the Latitude, that has over 700 dives, and frankly looks pretty rough, but the velcros have never failed. Overloaded pockets will give problems even with the plastic gizmos that various companies use.

 

[Damselfish]

If I already had a BC with velcro weight pockets I'd probably just be careful and not necessarily get rid of it or anything. But if I were buying a BC I wouldn't buy one that used only velcro, I prefer a positive mechanism. I just think velcro is a bad idea for this, plus velcro does wear. I think the manufacturers have been moving away from velcro designs (I think that's true of Seaquest too?) and there are better choices out there.

I know this may not be statistically significant but I've picked up a number of lost velcro pockets for people, and no other types.

 

[CAPNVINNY]

I use a Balance with the velcro system,it has 200 dives on it and I have had no problems,I think the wt limit is 8 lbs each. I dive warm water with 10 lbs,(3lbs in each pocket and a pair of 2 lbs in the back trim pockets,when I dive colder water I use a weight belt to adjust for the heaver wt) Conversly I dive with a few buddies that inadvertly don't get a positive lock on their surelok systems and loose the pouches.Around $30 each gets expensive.

 

[Olivier]

Thank you !

I'am not sure yeat but if I buy the latitude, I may kept a few weight on my belt. I dive in cold wather and use aroud 30 lbs (in salt wather). I will see what other option I have for BCD but it may bee a good idea to split the weight anyway. Thank you again !

Olivier

 

[SteveAD]

I am not familiar with exactly how the latitudes weight release system works, but I have sold many different kinds of bcs over the years. I have seen many divers lose weights from velcro pockets and will therfore never sell another velcro style bc. in fact I would advise anyone who owns a velcro bc to seriously consider wearing a weight belt. the buckle styles are better, but zeagle is by far the best.

 

[ifukuda]

The velcro will wear out. The velcro on the my old SeaQuest ProQD BCs lasted for about 3 seasons of regular use (somewhere around 150 dives).

The velcro pockets wear out pretty quickly, but the rest of the BC is built really tough. A friend in CA still uses his ProQD with a weight belt. He's got about 350 dives on it and it's still going strong.