Utter Disaster + Pinnacle D/S Undergarments

[Flightlead]

Well, my first tech class this weekend was an utter disaster for me. I failed miserably due to many reasons. I was unable to demonstrate skills I'm competent in, let alone anything more difficult! It was the most frustrating and humbling thing I've experienced in SCUBA, and the first time I've been physically challenged in this sport. In fact, I almost drowned myself. I'll post details later so everyone can have a laugh, but the point of this is to ask a question regarding Pinnacle drysuit undergarments.

This class was also my first dive with my brand new Pinnacle Evo II D/S and the toasty warm Pinnacle Merino wool lined undergarments. (Yes, I know it should not have been my first dive with new equipment and that is part of the problem). Until recently I've been diving with a DUI TLS 350 on rental with the thin DUI thinsulate pajamas plus a dry weave running shirt and a thinsulate running jacket. Diving an AL backplate and twin steel HP 119's my buoyancy and trim were great (except for last time when I moved the wing). Diving this new suit and undergarments I had serious buoyancy issues. At 1500 psi I was unable to remain submerged with all the air vented from both my wing and suit. I was so suit squeezed I was beginning to be restricted in motion yet still buoyant. Is it possible that even with all that weight (2x steel 119's, regulators, lights etc) that the suit/undergarments are so buoyant they float me? Or should I look elsewhere for the problem?

 

[Doc Intrepid]

An undergarment that is extremely warm often achieves that by trapping air. Thats what its designed to do. You can squeeze it all you like, but it will still retain more air than a garment that has, for example, thinsulate layers in it which do NOT trap air.

Yes, its quite likely that your bouyancy issues resulted from the change in undergarments (assuming you don't have bouyancy issues routinely).

Primary Lesson (which you obviously just learned!) - Never select a new item of gear and then go take a class. You're already a bit nervous because your performance is being judged. To add a new bit of gear to the equation rarely offers a good outcome.

Re-weight yourself with your new undergarment before your next class session.

Then forget about it - whats done is done, and hopefully the undergarment will perform for you once you get the weighting dialed in.

Best,

Doc

 

[PerroneFord]

Is it possible that even with all that weight (2x steel 119's, regulators, lights etc) that the suit/undergarments are so buoyant they float me? Or should I look elsewhere for the problem?

Entirely possible. They list that suit as a 600g suit. The DUI 400g is notoriously buoyant. I know my Pinnacle Thinsulate (not the Merino) is VERY buoyant even with my 108s and the 80cuft stage.

 

[TSandM]

I wear TWENTY POUNDS of lead with double 85's and an AL backplate, with can light and all, wearing my compressed neoprene drysuit and DUI 400g, and I'm not entirely sure that's enough. With my trilam and my old undergarments, I still needed 16 lbs (and that was carefully weight checked). It's highly likely you just needed some weight.

 

[robertarak]

Caution: Thread hijack

TSandM, I find almost all you posts well written and informative. I have been able to learn much form your posts instead of by my mistakes. So I ask this question only to learn...If you need 20 pounds of lead, why do you use an AL backplate? Wouldn't a steel backplate let you take some of that waight off your hips while still having some ditchable?

This week will be my very first time in doubles (steel 85's). I am trying to figure this all out.

Thanx,

Robert

 

[PerroneFord]

Sometimes its WHERE you need the weight...

 

[divinginn]

Good luck with your classes Martin,wish I could join you in them.

 

[TSandM]

When I used the SS backplate, I was hopelessly head heavy. Moving four pounds down to my waist let me balance out.

 

[robertarak]

Got it!

 

[fppf]

With the regular Evo garment and a single steel 120 I wear 26 lbs of lead.
The marino garment has everything the regular one has PLUS the marino lining!

So yes, you may need to add more than a few pounds.

Don't even ask how much I need to wear in saltwater, and no I'm not over weight.