weight distribution in Malibu BC

[szeta]

Does anyone know what´s the best weight distribution in a Malibu BC?

 

[fishfood]

depends...
how much weight do u use?
What kind of tank Alum or steel?

 

[RonDawg]

I dive with a Malibu BC and my weight distribution depends on how much weight I'm using.

For my "standard" SoCal diving configuration (single 7mm one piece wetsuit with separate hood, AL 80 tank) I use 20 lbs of weight; 5 in each of the ditchable pockets and 5 in each of the rear trim pockets. I put weights in the trim pockets to alleviate any tendency for this back-inflate BC to push me forward at the surface.

For colder waters when I use a 7mm step in jacket in addition to the 7mm one piece, I use an extra 10 lbs on a weight belt. Although the Malibu can have as much as 20 lbs in the ditchable pockets, I like the comfort of having some (but not all) of the weight on a belt. Plus the Malibu only uses velcro to secure the weight pockets, so I'm a bit leery of putting that much weight on velcro alone.

I recently dove w/ a steel tank for the first time (with the double 7mm wetsuit) and while I was able to drop the weight belt completely, I felt a bit "unbalanced" and I seemed to have trouble staying horizontal; my feet seemed to want to sink all of the time. I'm not sure if this had to do with the 10 lbs in the trim pockets or if there was another issue (like the tank being too low on the BC). My weighting otherwise was fine.

 

[szeta]

I use a semy-dry 7 mm one piece suit with 20 lbs and Alum or steel tanks. I dont want to use weith belt.