My wife and I are newly minted divers. We are trying to make some decisions on what equipment to purchase. The BCD & weight system are at the top of the list because they are the most frustrating when dealing with rental equipment.
I wont go into all the reasons why Ive come to certain conclusions for brevitys sake.
Im leaning toward a Fred T back plate and wings set up. I also want to eliminate the weight belt. Im not aware of any weight integrated way to do this. I hate the weight belt.
Whats wrong with casting and then bolting replaceable weights on to the center of the back plate to get 80% of the weight I need aligned along my spine close to my center of mass, with the other 20% within reach and ditch able?
In fresh water Ive been down to 11lbs of weight, and as high as 28lbs in salt water. Im 60, 195lbs. Ive always worn the same 3mil wet suit, booties, fins, mask and snorkel. The variables were the BCD and regulator. All cylinders were AL80s.
BTW I cant think of a circumstance where I would ever want to ditch all my weights, with the exception of already being at the surface and wanting more flotation. Actually, I cant think of a situation where I want to get rid of any of my weights. I only came up with the 80% - 20% split as a concession to what I was taught in class.
Im also considering the smallest lift capacity wings. I cant see why I would ever want 30 or 40 pounds worth of lift. Small wings would be more streamlined and if I can get down to a minimum set up I see no reason to have any more than a minimum lift capability.
Whats wrong with my thinking?
I wont go into all the reasons why Ive come to certain conclusions for brevitys sake.
Im leaning toward a Fred T back plate and wings set up. I also want to eliminate the weight belt. Im not aware of any weight integrated way to do this. I hate the weight belt.
Whats wrong with casting and then bolting replaceable weights on to the center of the back plate to get 80% of the weight I need aligned along my spine close to my center of mass, with the other 20% within reach and ditch able?
In fresh water Ive been down to 11lbs of weight, and as high as 28lbs in salt water. Im 60, 195lbs. Ive always worn the same 3mil wet suit, booties, fins, mask and snorkel. The variables were the BCD and regulator. All cylinders were AL80s.
BTW I cant think of a circumstance where I would ever want to ditch all my weights, with the exception of already being at the surface and wanting more flotation. Actually, I cant think of a situation where I want to get rid of any of my weights. I only came up with the 80% - 20% split as a concession to what I was taught in class.
Im also considering the smallest lift capacity wings. I cant see why I would ever want 30 or 40 pounds worth of lift. Small wings would be more streamlined and if I can get down to a minimum set up I see no reason to have any more than a minimum lift capability.
Whats wrong with my thinking?