Tried non-WI BC today after using my WI one for awhile

[okinawascuba]

I got a great deal on a non-WI BC awhile back (Oceanic Cabo), and I finally tried it today. I had an issue that I hope someone can help me with. My integrated BC is a Sherwood Freedom.

Overall, I loved the feeling of the weight belt and weightless-BC which for some reason made me feel like I was swimming much faster. Not sure why. The lower center of gravity from the weight belt seemed to help my trim and kept me at a better angle overall.

However, the "issue" is that the BC didn't stay at my hips -- it kept riding up above my shoulders. I had the shoulder straps tightened, and the waist was tightened as much as I could. The weight belt seemed to be getting in the way. Is there a fit problem? Should I be wearing a Small (it's a Medium)? For reference, I'm 5'6" and wear a size 42 suit coat. The guy at the shop fitted it on me and said it worked well, and I have no reason to doubt his statement (respected dive shop owner on the island).

Since I've only worn my Freedom when diving except for my first two cert dives, I'm not used to a wearing the non-integrated jacket BC. Any help?

 

[dazedone]

I have a WI BC and have the same problem. It is worse if I take the weight out of the BC and use a weight belt. Even If I tighten everything down well, it still happens.

This is one of the reasons I am dumping my jacket style BC for a BP/Wing system, which has a crotch strap which will prevent it riding up. Perhaps the LDS could rig one to your BC. Dive Rite crotch straps are around $7. You may want to just order one and see if you can make it work.

http://www.diveriteexpress.com/bcs/cstraps.shtml

 

[Rick Inman]

IThis is one of the reasons I am dumping my jacket style BC for a BP/Wing system, which has a crotch strap which will prevent it riding up.

Also, a steel BP will be just like the WI when it comes to riding up. It won't.

 

[waterwraith]

However, the "issue" is that the BC didn't stay at my hips -- it kept riding up above my shoulders. I had the shoulder straps tightened, and the waist was tightened as much as I could. The weight belt seemed to be getting in the way. Is there a fit problem? Should I be wearing a Small (it's a Medium)? For reference, I'm 5'6" and wear a size 42 suit coat. The guy at the shop fitted it on me and said it worked well, and I have no reason to doubt his statement (respected dive shop owner on the island).

I have the same problem when using a weight belt and a large BC. If you can wear a medium BC they usually do not conflict with the weight belt.

 

[okinawascuba]

I have a WI BC and have the same problem. It is worse if I take the weight out of the BC and use a weight belt. Even If I tighten everything down well, it still happens.

This is one of the reasons I am dumping my jacket style BC for a BP/Wing system, which has a crotch strap which will prevent it riding up. Perhaps the LDS could rig one to your BC. Dive Rite crotch straps are around $7. You may want to just order one and see if you can make it work.

http://www.diveriteexpress.com/bcs/cstraps.shtml

That's actually the solution I visualized though I didn't know someone actually made such a piece. Hmm, maybe I'll look into that.

As for the size comment, I AM using a Medium BCD, not a Large.

 

[marcurts]

Have a look at the DUI weight & trim Harness instead of a belt and like others have said try a crotch strap. I use this and I love it.

 

[bcsean]

stay in horizontal position. If you don't get vertical, it won't ride much either.

I also made the switch to bp/wing, and this problem is gone. The tank doesn't flop around anymore either.

 

[DazedAndConfuzed]

With a weight integrated BC, the weights on it counteracted the air in the bladder so that it will stay roughly neutral. Once you took the weight off the BC and onto your waist, you will become more negatively buoyant while the BC will become more positively buoyant. What you end up with is your BC is trying to float up and you trying to sink down, that is why it will ride up. It would probably be worse when you are on the surface with the BC at max buoyancy.

 

[ZoCrowes255]

Sounds like you may be a little overweighted as well. Try taking a few pounds off the belt and see if that helps a little bit. Your BC should not require all that much air in it.