ptbodiver
Registered
im new to diving and planning to by a bc and reg this winter and am looking for pros and cons of a weight integrated system.
andrew
andrew
weight integrated or not
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I like weight integration as the weights are generally secure and will not shift or rotate as a weight belt can do. Most weight integrated BC's allow for trim weights as well and this can aide trim underwater and reduce the overall weight required.
Weight integration also allows you to ditch only a portion of your weight rather than the all or nothing option with a weight belt. Weight pouches can also be easier to ditch than a weight belt that may have worked it's way under a BC strap, cumberbund etc. They are more likely to be able to be pulled clear of your body and dropped due to their location and small size and overall lenght.
Integrated weights also don't sit on the small of your back and can be more comfortable both in and out of the water, particularly for people with back problems.
On the other hand, if the retaining system (usually velcro) is not kept clean, integrated weight pouches present an increased risk of being lost during entry. A face plant during a giant stride entry can pop them loose if the velcro is dirty and full of hair, sea weed, lint, etc.
They can also be harder to re-insert in the water than it is to replace a weight belt.
Weight integration also allows you to ditch only a portion of your weight rather than the all or nothing option with a weight belt. Weight pouches can also be easier to ditch than a weight belt that may have worked it's way under a BC strap, cumberbund etc. They are more likely to be able to be pulled clear of your body and dropped due to their location and small size and overall lenght.
Integrated weights also don't sit on the small of your back and can be more comfortable both in and out of the water, particularly for people with back problems.
On the other hand, if the retaining system (usually velcro) is not kept clean, integrated weight pouches present an increased risk of being lost during entry. A face plant during a giant stride entry can pop them loose if the velcro is dirty and full of hair, sea weed, lint, etc.
They can also be harder to re-insert in the water than it is to replace a weight belt.
Scuba Duffer
Contributor
I'm fairly new to diving too and after a year of integrated weights - I'm back to a weight belt. The intergrated weights tend to stay in the BCD when you on the boat changing tanks between dives - therefor making you BCD heavy. If one comes out, try putting it back in while in the water - good luck!! And, as mentioned, I had to replace both my pockets due to accidental discharge. I had a mares system and they accidentally got caught on the dive platform, discharged and sank to the bottom. The charter operator was not hanging around for me to get them. At $50.00 a pop to replace the pockets - I'm back to a weight belt and I like it A LOT better.
Boogie711
Guest
Backplate means you carry some (I have 12 pounds) right along my spine, right where my biggest bouyancy occurs (my lungs.)
It's also stable as heck, and mucho comfortable.
Softweights on a weightbelt are easier on your hips, and easy to make yourself if you want cheap weights.
It's also stable as heck, and mucho comfortable.
Softweights on a weightbelt are easier on your hips, and easy to make yourself if you want cheap weights.
Charlie99
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is the way I went, and has worked well. Specifically a SeaQuest Pro QD. I take care inserting the pockets and make sure the velcro is engaged and flat.
If you go with weight integrated you still have the option of wearing some weight on a belt ---- and that might be a good idea if you are wearing 7 mil or 7 over 7 wetsuits and a ton of weight. You don't have any choice other than wearing all of your lead on the belt if you don't get a weight integrated BC.
Learn how to operate your pockets, and get ones that are simple enough that you can remove and replace them easily both underwater and at the surface. It's comical to watch someone trying to puzzle out how to thread some nylon cord through a bunch of holes while rocking back and forth on a boat. KNOW YOUR GEAR!
Some people have the hips and waist for safe use of weightbelts. I don't. Weightbelts always felt like they were getting ready to slip right on down and off. My gut, waist, hips and butt are all about the same circumference, although at 6'0" 185# I'm pretty close to my ideal weight.
If you go with weight integrated you still have the option of wearing some weight on a belt ---- and that might be a good idea if you are wearing 7 mil or 7 over 7 wetsuits and a ton of weight. You don't have any choice other than wearing all of your lead on the belt if you don't get a weight integrated BC.
Learn how to operate your pockets, and get ones that are simple enough that you can remove and replace them easily both underwater and at the surface. It's comical to watch someone trying to puzzle out how to thread some nylon cord through a bunch of holes while rocking back and forth on a boat. KNOW YOUR GEAR!
Some people have the hips and waist for safe use of weightbelts. I don't. Weightbelts always felt like they were getting ready to slip right on down and off. My gut, waist, hips and butt are all about the same circumference, although at 6'0" 185# I'm pretty close to my ideal weight.
ppilot
Guest
The weight integrated are nice when you're in the water, but I find I really don't like having 60+ lbs hanging off my shoulders the rest of the time.
If I were in an area where I could have 10 lbs or less in the bcd I'd probably go with an integrated, otherwise I'll stick with a belt.
My $.02.
If I were in an area where I could have 10 lbs or less in the bcd I'd probably go with an integrated, otherwise I'll stick with a belt.
My $.02.
Boogie711
Guest
Oh my God man - what on earth are you doing that requires 60 pounds?????
The only thing I can figure is that you're diving steel doubles - but then, you wouldn't be diving with ditchable weight, making the whole 'weight integrated' argument rather moot.
60 pounds???
I'm not a fan of weight integrated BC's. I suppose it depends upon if you dive tropical or cold water. As others have mentioned it makes it harder to donn and doff your gear, changing tanks isn't fun either with the added weight. Weight belts slide right off me, so I have opted for a DUI weight harness. The weight is evenly distributed on my shoulders and it's very comfortable. If you dive cold water with an integrated BC your buddy is going to hate helping you into your gear. Granted some BC's you can easily add your weights after donning. I started out with a weight integrated BC and I would never go back.
I like the weight intergration to me it just makes everything more streamlined, one less peice of gear to keep track of and one less piece of gear to put on and take off. I like to keep things as simple as possible.
PADI: OW AOW Nitrox
PADI: OW AOW Nitrox
ppilot
Guest
I usually dive a single steel cylinder, full it weighs a tad under 40 lbs. I need 22 lbs wt. in my belt for my drysuit. I really feel the difference between carrying 40 and 60 lbs. on my shoulders.
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