Two questions!!

[texdiveguy]

1.) Do any of you wear the 1lb. ankle weights?? I find I need them to keep my feet and legs better positioned in the water,,,,I use Mares full booties and Dacor Black Tigar fins.

2.) I am interested in getting a Mares V1 Air Trim BC.....I am 5'-8"//150lbs//32" waist......would you think a medium size??

Thanks for any input.

 

[melfox26]

Answer #1- Most divers, including myself, regard ankle weights as training wheels. You don't need them. You'll find as you continue to wear them that once you get better at buoyancy, the ankle weights will drop your legs down to where you won't be horizontal in the water, thus throwing off your trim and causing air consumption to go up.

Answer #2-Not sure about the size of BCD, every manufacturer is different when it comes to their sizes. the best thing to do would be to go to your LDS and try on the different sizes. If they have a pool, ask to see if you can strap on a tank, grab a reg, and check it out in the pool. I used to dive a Zeagle Ranger, I'm 5'10", 165 lbs, 31" waist, and I have a medium with a bit of tweaking room left.

Mel

 

[Hop Devil]

Agree with Melfox. Lose the ankle weights and perhaps demo some Jet Fins. I am guessing they will take care of your problem. Good luck

 

[matt_unique]

1.) Do any of you wear the 1lb. ankle weights?? I find I need them to keep my feet and legs better positioned in the water,,,,I use Mares full booties and Dacor Black Tigar fins.

2.) I am interested in getting a Mares V1 Air Trim BC.....I am 5'-8"//150lbs//32" waist......would you think a medium size??

Thanks for any input.

I wear ankle weights to shift weight from my midsection and for trim purposes. A lot of people consider ankle weights training wheels. (I found this to be the consensus on this board). A lot of people also consider ankle weights a tool to be used like any other piece of gear. Your gear setup, body proportions, the placement of your tanks, etc. will determine how you float. Figure out what works for you and go with it.

I don't know what to suggest on your BC size. A good shop/instructor should be able to assist you there. Consider the room for wearing a thick wetsuit unless you dive only warm water.

--Matt

 

[SubMariner]

1.) Do any of you wear the 1lb. ankle weights?? I find I need them to keep my feet and legs better positioned in the water,,,,I use Mares full booties and Dacor Black Tigar fins.

If wearing ankle weights helps with your trim, then use them. If they help re-distribute some weight off your belt or tank, use them. IOW, it's a personal preference.

2.) I am interested in getting a Mares V1 Air Trim BC.....I am 5'-8"//150lbs//32" waist......would you think a medium size??

Try it on with the exposure protection you'll be wearing with it most often. No one can really gauge size when it comes to scuba gear, because there is no standardization.

Bonne chance,

 

[texdiveguy]

Thanks everyone for the insights--helps.

 

[Scuba_John]

I agree as well loose the ankle weights, but watch the jet fins. The colored ones float where the solid black do not. If you go with a color you may find your feet floating more until you get your buoyancy under control.

Again I would say that just like clothes, BC come in all sizes even if they say S M or L. Best thing to do it head to the store and fit a few on for size.