Weight belt VS. integrated

[VinceDS]

Non ditchable weight
6lb BP
6lb STA

10lb weight belt

2.5lb cannister light

Have to vote for both as well. When doing pure recreational dives use a Mares V-1 MRS BCD w/ integrated weights. When doing tek, move to BP/W w/ non-integrated ditchable weights.

 

[2TH DIVR]

I use a weight belt when needed. Just can't see putting weight pockets on my BP/W.

I have found more weight pockets than belts while diving.

 

[Mandy3206]

I got 8# in no ditchable weight and 2- 3# shot weights in Dive Rite 32# Weight pockets, the extra space in each pocket is used as storage of sausage, flares and other gear, everything is cliped to the internal Dring so if won't be lost in the rare event weights are ditched, very streamlined, nothing is dangling in the harness Drings in a recreational dive.

My old ScubaPro pocket weight belt, now is used as gear storage if the need for more gear is dictated by the dive, or may be used when free diving with 4# of weight.

 

[dbg40]

I prefer both ,I use 5# on my 80 tank, 2-2# of non release in back and the rest in soft weights on my belt.I dive in cold water with a 7 mm suit and I weigh about 200 lbs.
I like the safety of being able to drop a little more than half of my weight if needed and still keep some intact. Also if you need to slip out of your bc to cut out of a tangle you or your gear wont try to make a break for the surface,and the guys on the top are happier when you hand out your gear without the extra 20# hooked to your bc.

 

[Throwback]

I might dive with either, depending on the agenda for the given dive. All things being equal though, I prefer integrated.

 

[scubadobadoo]

I have used both and currently don't use a weight but. I have also lossed both underwater while diving. I have not yet found a weight system that is PERFECT. I was upside down this past weekend at Ginnie Springs and lost an integrated pocket weight. I used to use a weight belt and it would fall down my hips all the time. I have considered getting the DUI weight and trim system. It looks pretty good for cold water diving when alot of weight is needed. At any rate, I have found that user error is usually at fault in some way shape or form when a weight system fails.

 

[Johnnie Murphy]

For warm water, ie with little weight, I prefer integrated - it keeps things simple. However, I also dive a lot in very cold conditions, using a dry suit and plenty of weight. Integrated means far too much weight on the jacket (uncomfortable, difficult to carry out of water), while a belt is not safe (I've had a near miss with the belt around my knees), so I use a harness instead. It won't drop off, but you can ditch weight quickly if needed; it sits just below the BC so it doesn't get in the way; and out of water the weight is supported by your shoulders, not your hips. In short, if you need little weight, integrated can be best, but if you need a lot and don't want to bulk out your BC, try a harness.

 

[ArthurGerla]

I've found a few integrated weights on the bottom in my time. Never found a weight belt though. This has to be a sign.

 

[Stirling]

A couple of people here have suggested that a harness (like the DUI Weight & Trim) is a good system if you need to carry a lot of weight. I have been looking at the DUI system, but don't need much weight. Is there some reason why that wouldn't be a good system even for a person carrying less weight than the harness is designed to carry (say, 12-16 pounds)? My impression from the way the harness could be adjusted was that I could probably get the weight distributed and located properly whether I was carrying a lot of weight or a little.

I have heard from a LDS owner who uses (but does not sell) this system that it's a little bit of a nuisance to rethread the pockets on the DUI system if you pull the weights, but it's not like I would expect to be doing that very frequently, anyway.

 

[Tavi]

....................[snip]............ I have been looking at the DUI system, but don't need much weight. Is there some reason why that wouldn't be a good system even for a person carrying less weight than the harness is designed to carry (say, 12-16 pounds)? My impression from the way the harness could be adjusted was that I could probably get the weight distributed and located properly whether I was carrying a lot of weight or a little.
......................[snip].............

I know a couple of divers who use the DUI weight and trim for as little as 6 lbs, and sometimes a whole lot more when they're diving dry.
Yes, you can adjust it so the weight is where you want it.