weight distribution

[skelso]

I just finished OW at the end of last month. The instructor started me with 28 pounds and had me stay with that amount throughout both pool and open water work (we never did a weight check in class nor did I have sufficient time with the gear outside of class to do one on my own). I suspected it was too much but didn't want to argue. Since finishing the class I have had some time to work in the pool with the same gear I used for class and have found I float at eye level with 10 pounds (500PSI tank, breath held). I showed this to one of the AIs at the shop and he suggested that while 10 seems to be righ on, I should go ahead and carry 14 just to make sure I have enough to control ascent should I really run low on air. This sounded plausible to me, and certainly has to be better than carrying 28#s!

So now my dillema is how to distribute it.


I'm 6'5", 380#. I'm currently diving in shorts and rash guard. ProQD BCD, aluminum tank, shorty boots, Thruster fins.


With 28#'s they had me put 5# in each shoulder pocket and 3X3# in each ditch pocket. With that distribution as long as I was moving in the water I could stay pretty flat but as soon as I stopped I would slowly turn until I ended up head down.

With 14# I'm thinking of trying 4# in each shoulder pocket and 3# in each ditch pocket. Unfortunately I ran short of time yesterday and didn't get to try that in the pool.

I've done several google searches (and used the search feature of the site) and have read many threads and articles on trim. What I haven't found is if there is some formula for a starting point that says X% should be in back/shoulders and X% lower on the body. Does such a formula exist of is this just one of those trial and error things?


Thanks!

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I first encourage you to do a weight check with a tank the size and type you will diving, with about 700 PSI in it. Tanks become more buoyant as you deplete the air. Once you have the proper weight, I think you will prefer to distribute is between ditchable weight pockets and the "back pockets." However, I would suggest that the non-ditchable weight in each back pocket be perhaps 2 pounds, no more than 3 on a side. You will want the biggest part of your weight to be removable/ditchable if that becomes necessary for any reason. I dive with 12 pounds, 2 in each back pocket and 5 in each weight pocket and find that very comfortable and it give me good trim. I am about 100 lbs less than you,and 7 inches shorter, so you body size and configuration may not be suited to the same arrangement, but I don't think that is really too much of a factor when dealing with distribution.
DivemasterDennis

 

[mala]

you need whatever weight you need-where you put it takes a bit of trial and error.
as a large guy you might find that moving relatively small amount of lead may make very little difference.


good luck and have fun.

 

[skelso]

I first encourage you to do a weight check with a tank the size and type you will diving, with about 700 PSI in it. Tanks become more buoyant as you deplete the air. Once you have the proper weight, I think you will prefer to distribute is between ditchable weight pockets and the "back pockets." However, I would suggest that the non-ditchable weight in each back pocket be perhaps 2 pounds, no more than 3 on a side. You will want the biggest part of your weight to be removable/ditchable if that becomes necessary for any reason. I dive with 12 pounds, 2 in each back pocket and 5 in each weight pocket and find that very comfortable and it give me good trim. I am about 100 lbs less than you,and 7 inches shorter, so you body size and configuration may not be suited to the same arrangement, but I don't think that is really too much of a factor when dealing with distribution.
DivemasterDennis

The weight check I did that showed 10 pounds to be ideal was with an aluminum tank that the instructor said is typical of what I would be renting at most dive shops. I ran it down to 500PSI (interesting thing is I found little difference between 2KPSI and 500PSI). Thanks for the info about putting more in the ditch pockets and less in the back pockets. I'll give that a try next time.