Sidemount Weight for AL80s

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DaveJo127

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For those of you that dive sidemount AL80s in a wetsuit, how much weight do you personally need per thickness of the wetsuit and water type? Should I add 3-4lbs to what I usually use for singles?

Got sidemount trained last year and only recently got a sidemount BC, so haven't had much practice yet. I know weighting's different for everyone, just trying to get an idea.
 
Most people I know dive 4-6 lbs with 2 al80's and a 3-5 mil wetsuit. This is with a Razor or minimalist style rig. If you are diving something with a lot of padding it might be a little more.
 
depends on what rig it is, but adding about 4lbs over a single rig with an al80 should be close enough
 
My rig is the new Nomad LS. I plan on switching to LP85s eventually when I can afford it since cold-ish water is the only affordable diving you can around here. Just learning how to work with the Aluminums in the meantime.
 
For those of you that dive sidemount AL80s in a wetsuit, how much weight do you personally need per thickness of the wetsuit and water type? Should I add 3-4lbs to what I usually use for singles?

Got sidemount trained last year and only recently got a sidemount BC, so haven't had much practice yet. I know weighting's different for everyone, just trying to get an idea.

I dive a pair of AL80s with a Razor harness, 5mil wetsuit and canister light, and use zero weight in freshwater (Mexican caves).
 
You guys in the Razor harnesses must be some sinkers lol. It takes me about 6-10lbs plus a steel backplate to stay down in a thick wetsuit with an AL80.
 
You guys in the Razor harnesses must be some sinkers lol. It takes me about 6-10lbs plus a steel backplate to stay down in a thick wetsuit with an AL80.

then you must be very floaty... I'm neutral with an AL80 and a SS plate in a 5mm, I'm skeptical of the twin 80's with no weight in a 5mm if the tanks were truly empty, but it is what it is.
 
You guys in the Razor harnesses must be some sinkers lol. It takes me about 6-10lbs plus a steel backplate to stay down in a thick wetsuit with an AL80.

I use a Razor in the Mexican caves and I have used up to 7 Al80's + a 30 cft bottle for deco. I didn't have any problems staying down coming out with 1k in each tank and I was in a 5mil with 6 pounds. I definitely use less weight that I did with my backplate and wing. I am definitely not skinny at 6'4 / 250 lbs.
 

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