Silly Question:Should I bring my own weights?

[luvspoodles]

I can almost answer my own silly question. Should I bring my own soft weights? We are diving with BlueXTSEA and I know that she provides free weights. But does anyone bring their own? The last dive trip we were on in Cayman it was a real hassle getting our weights every time. We had to get them out of this bin and find the right increments and I had to get new ones every time. I know that she stores and rinses our equipment but would it be a big pain to bring them? We would probably be bringing a combined total of 34 pounds (my hubby and I). Also, would that be a problem with a weight limitat the airport? Anyway, again its a lame question but I just want to make sure that I am doing the right thing by not taking them. Thanks!

I leave on Saturday...yipee!

 

[Fly N Dive]

no, plain and simple with the weight restrictions its not worth losing the 34lbs

 

[DandyDon]

Not a dumb question. Some locales do expect you to bring weights - more where they get almost all drive-in divers, and not fly-ins. Confusions over expectations happen, so better safe than sorry.

Cozumel is one of those almost-all fly-in locations where weights are always furnished, though, by all operators, and - while I am in but the planning stages with the same operator, I feel confident that you will have the least hassels of any trip!

You are allowed 2 - 70# bags by most airlines, rather than 2 - 50# for domestic trips, you still don't want to bother lugging them around, and won't need to. I will take a couple of 1# soft weights for fine tuning, but that's all.

Side story: Did carry 10# of weights on a flight to Calf, where they expect you to have your own or make arrangements. Tore up my cheap bag and lost the weights in transit.

Have fun, and tell us about it when you return... :zorros:

 

[mleong]

I don't see the need unless you need a quarter or half or three quarter pound to get neutral.

 

[redacted]

I used to bring a couple 1 pounder to Coz for fine tuning, but it is unnecessary. I doubt if you could find more hassle free diving than what you will get with BlueXT. You are in for some great diving.

Enjoy

 

[sharky60]

my wife has an intergrated weight system in her bc and we used to lug her bean bag weights around with us, but finally gave it up to save my back during the travel journey, she packs as if were moving there anyway without the weights!

as far as i know all the dive ops in Coz not only supply you with weights, but also on the boat the DM will set up the weight belt for you so there's no digging thru a bin and finding your own increments, Christi and her bunch will take good care of you i'm sure.

have a great trip

 

[geraldp]

I agree with DandyDon: Not a dumb question. On my first trip to Coz/Cancun my dive buddy brought his. I half intended to bring my own weights on my trip last month, and in the end decided not to. I had filled our two large bags to within a pound or two of 70#. I could have distributed the weights in our other two smaller check-ons, but they were full already. It turned out that the dive ops I used had no problems providing me with exact weight sizes I needed, but I would have preferred my pliable soft weights. The dive ops I've worked with all had standard non-coated lead weights, so I'm assuming that's pretty much the norm.

In Cozumel/Cancun, weights and tanks are included in the set price of the dive (unless you want bigger tanks or Nitrox, then there's usually an extra fee). Not true for domestic charters (at least the ones I've been on). Flying domestically with your dive gear is a pain, as you only get 50# weight limit. I did hand-carry my ankle weights (for my drysuit). That raised some eyebrows with the lady X-raying my bag, but they let me through just fine. I think I read somewhere that there are weight restrictions on hand-carry items, but nobody is going to check for those.

I would say that if you REALLY want your soft weights, AND you have the room/weight to spare in your luggage, AND you don't mind lugging them, bring them along.

 

[Damselfish]

You could probably take your weights within the 2-50# or 2-70# bag limits, but I can't see hauling around the extra weight and most people don't. (Personally my goal is 1-50# checked plus carryon.) Some places are fine, but other places depending on your airline/itinerary you can't trust they'll allow the 70# bags, just never know with airlines no matter what they say. If small planes are involved it gets much iffier. Sure you can generally pay for extra weight, but if they're looking for bags to bump to a later flight the big/heavy ones are more likely to get punted. Best to avoid.

Most places will have hard weights rather than soft, but hard fit in most WI systems fine, and there's enough material around those edges that they're comfortable. My weight pockets are so stiff I doubt I could tell if I had hard or soft weights in there.

 

[DandyDon]

On a related note...

Even if your BC is integrated, take 4 wt belt keepers. A small price and little weight to ensure that you can safely use a wt belt if needed. It often comes up, and weights slip. I've seen many dropped off of belts at the ladder in Cozumel, as they often have you pass your gear up first - which I like!

Also wear a Safety Sausage & Storm Whistle on every dive, as they do live boat pickups, if they can find you. :biggrinba

 

[Hoosier]

No,,,,,,,

What is the most important factor whenever you buy the scuba gear?

-Nice looking,
-Money value,
-Brand name,
or Comfort,

You should know the right answer. Like buying the gear, you invest your money for the trip. And, if you feel a discomfort, you can bring anything for your convenience. Nothing is silly. I think if you ruin your trip (dive) becuase of the hassle of getting the right weight, it is a silly trip.

Enjoy!!!