Weight integrated or not?

[herman]

My preference is for weight intergration but for a different reason. With a weight belt /BC combo there 2 connections to your body one at the waist (weights) and the other on your upper torso (BC). These 2 forces oppose each other and you constantly find the BC riding up (or down) on you when ever you transition through a vertical position. With weight intergration, both attachment points are on the BC so it does not tend to shift. The BP/wing combo avoids this problem by shifting some of the weight to the BP (a form of weight intergration) and using a crotch strap. I find BP's somewhat uncomfortable and a pain to adjust, otherwise I would most likely use one. My preference in BC is a back inflate with intergrated weights.
As for a weight belt giving better dist of weights, well that's true if you are talking about around your waist, trouble is that you actually want to be able to distribute weight at several different points to adjsut trim. If you have the desire to become a diver with good trim as well as being properly weighted, then whatever BC you decide on needs to have a way of placing weights on the back side of your BC, somewhat higher than your other weight, be they intergrated or belt.

 

[aquaoren]

I dive with intergrated weights, and i find if you dive regularly it really causes back pain, due to the extra weight you are carrying on your back instead of your hips. This is especially true if you have to walk a distance/down the beach in your scuba gear

I have to disagree with you.
If you are walking, a weight integration is easier on your back because you are carrying the weight on your shoulders and not your waist.
If you are horizontal, the weight is distributed over the BC to your back but if you are using a belt, this is the only thing to distribute the weight directly over your lumbar region, which is simply painfull over a prolonged time.
I know that the quality of my life increased much since I started using weight integration. No back pain anymore Before that I was broken after 4-5 dives, now I can dive for weeks without thinking about it.

 

[String]

You dont say where your diving is taking place. If its a cold water environment with thick semi dry or a dry suit and lots of weight weight integrated isnt a great idea as they arent generally the most secure method in the world for holding 20lb+ of lead.

If its a tropical destination with 4-6lb its probably fine.

Also depends on what you will be diving off. If its a RIB a weight integrated system will make you incredibly unpopular trying to pass your kit up - the guy onboard has to lift the BC, cylinder AND all your weight in one go. You could unthread and pass up but some are very fiddly to rethread afterwards.

My own view is avoid weight integration like the plague unless its a 3mm suit/tropical destination.
If you really want shoulder supported weight and no belt, buy a harness.

 

[kikit24]

Thanks for all the quick replies. String, I'll be diving in South Florida and the Keys. Nothing but tropical weather. I asked because my weight belt has 10 pounds on it, and it's uncomfortable. I think I'm carrying too much. I'm doing my final open water dives in the ocean this week to complete my certification (BOW). Haven't tried using less weight yet since we've only been in the pool so far. I'll see how it goes this weekend.

 

[aquaoren]

You dont say where your diving is taking place. If its a cold water environment with thick semi dry or a dry suit and lots of weight weight integrated isnt a great idea as they arent generally the most secure method in the world for holding 20lb+ of lead.

If its a tropical destination with 4-6lb its probably fine.

Also depends on what you will be diving off. If its a RIB a weight integrated system will make you incredibly unpopular trying to pass your kit up - the guy onboard has to lift the BC, cylinder AND all your weight in one go. You could unthread and pass up but some are very fiddly to rethread afterwards.

My own view is avoid weight integration like the plague unless its a 3mm suit/tropical destination.
If you really want shoulder supported weight and no belt, buy a harness.

Or you take out the weight pouches and pass them on just like a belt. Never had a problem diving off a Zodiac.
I agree with the statement that it is not the most secure way of holding very heavy pouches. I never lost them myself but heared about it and seen how a buddy was about to lose a pouch because the velcro opened. IMO, it is a problem if you overload them or are careless when inserting and fastening.
The Harness is a good way to take the weight from your waist and distribute it over the shoulders and back.