Trim issues with Zeagle BP/W + Weight Pockets

[digital_steve]

Hey all,
I've got a zeagle SS plate with 34# elastic wing for my singles rig.
I've sized up the harness according to the various sites on the net (dir diver and baue: BAUE How To Size a Backplate) and i thought that i was on the right track.
My issues is that i ****ing hate weight belts; i loathe them completely.
Unfortunately with the plate rigged out this way i need to wear a welt belt, plus chuck weight on cam straps to trim out.
If i just use the zeagle weight pockets then i go way head down and way out of trim.

This is annoying the **** out of me, to the point that i'm starting to think i should've just got a ranger.
Any tips or hints?
Should i just lower the plate on my back to use the pockets? I'm worried that if i do that then i won't be able to reach my valve.

ARG! Frustrated.

 

[cfelliot]

I have the same plate, wing and front weight pockets. I adapted the Ranger rear pockets to the setup too.

With my 7mm suit I need 20 lbs of weight. 6 lbs in each front pocket and 4 in each rear. I trim out very well with this combo.

 

[digital_steve]

How low on your body do you wear the plate?

 

[Kern]

I'm not a fan of weight belts either, but with an SS BP there's not that much weight on it, so it's no longer the bother it was in the past. I got used to it quite quickly.

I'v just lowered my BP about an inch or so below where it's usually recommended they sit. In the usual recommended position I found the waist belt was to high & very uncomfortable for me.

Why not try lowering the plate to where you think you'd like it. You can then push the came bands a little further down the tank to bring the valve back up to where you like it. If it doesn't work you can always change it back. That's what I did anyway. Mind you when I encounter other BP/W divers they tell me it's all wrong & I'm gonna die.

 

[cfelliot]

How low on your body do you wear the plate?

The bottom of the plate is on the lower part of the small of my back.
Let me add that my configuration is with a steel 80 HP tank. When I'm in fresh water I drop to 10lbs all in the front pockets.