Question Trim position in a BPW?

[jellycatsdad]

I’ve been diving a BPW for the last year, I like to say the least but I’ve been noticing I’m still in “seahorse pose” in the water sometimes - especially when I’m changing direction. A dive buddy pointed that out to me recently. Else, I can get into a mostly trim position in the water with my arms crossed(hands near my hips) or in “tech diver” pose.

There’s 5-6lb of trim weight on my upper cam band and depending on the tanks I dive, there’s 14-20lbs of lead on a weight belt. How else can I configure my weight? I think I trim out better in HP100s, which I now own one - it’s at the LDS for an hydro and VIP.

My current setup - 7mm wetsuit, layered with a 7/5mm hooded vest for exposure. LP95 tanks for air, Tusa T-Wing BPW with an dogbone aluminum backplate. 27lbs of lift.

 

[Kupu]

Have you considered less weight on the belt and more in the plate by switching to a heavier steel backplate?

 

[VikingDives]

I’ve been diving a BPW for the last year, I like to say the least but I’ve been noticing I’m still in “seahorse pose” in the water sometimes - especially when I’m changing direction. A dive buddy pointed that out to me recently. Else, I can get into a mostly trim position in the water with my arms crossed(hands near my hips) or in “tech diver” pose.

There’s 5-6lb of trim weight on my upper cam band and depending on the tanks I dive, there’s 14-20lbs of lead on a weight belt. How else can I configure my weight? I think I trim out better in HP100s, which I now own one - it’s at the LDS for an hydro and VIP.

My current setup - 7mm wetsuit, layered with a 7/5mm hooded vest for exposure. LP95 tanks for air, Tusa T-Wing BPW with an dogbone aluminum backplate. 27lbs of lift.

That's a lot of neoprene over your core. What kind of fins? Can you hover horizontally without finning? How's you're helicopter turn?

It's really hard to say it's an equipment problem (or a skills problem) without seeing you, assuming you can hover and turn.

 

[johndiver999]

I have had similar issues when wearing a thick wetsuit and a heavy belt. This is a very simple potential solution. Tie a 4 lb weight to the base of the tank vale (tightly). Take 4 lbs off your belt.

Moving that much weight way up toward your head makes a big difference in trim. I had similar complaints when wearing a 7 mm jacket. 7 mm FJ and 3 mm hooded vest - so 17 mm of rubber on my torso, plus a thick hood.

If the experiment works and you find an adequate improvement in trim, then purchase (or make) some lead shot filled ankle weights and clip them off around the tank valve. They are a lot less clunky compared to a big block of lead rattling around behind your head.

 

[gregbenson314]

I'll caveat this by saying I don't dive wet, so unsure of weighting requirements of 7mm neoprene, but that sounds like a lot of lead you're carrying.

If suggest doing a proper weight check with a near empty tank as a first plan of action.

 

[Still Kicking]

A lot of lead (weight check?) and why an aluminum backplate? A steel plate will shift some weight closer to your lungs, where you need it.

Trim is mostly a matter of physics -- shifting your center of gravity.

 

[jellycatsdad]

A lot of lead (weight check?) and why an aluminum backplate? A steel plate will shift some weight closer to your lungs, where you need it.

Trim is mostly a matter of physics -- shifting your center of gravity.

I’m diving this BPW setup as is - I’ll go steel eventually.

 

[jellycatsdad]

That's a lot of neoprene over your core. What kind of fins? Can you hover horizontally without finning? How's you're helicopter turn?

It's really hard to say it's an equipment problem (or a skills problem) without seeing you, assuming you can hover and turn.

I currently dive Seawing Novas. I’m also 5’9” and 185lbs. My weight checks at the surface with full and 500psi tanks have checked out - I can swim at a “steady” depth at 15ft.

 

[jellycatsdad]

Have you considered less weight on the belt and more in the plate by switching to a heavier steel backplate?

I have. I do need to find one. But ideally if I go steel I’ll need to get wing with more lift.

 

[Still Kicking]

I’m diving this BPW setup as is - I’ll go steel eventually.

Well, it's a big part of your seahorse issue.