weight pouch options for oceanic islander 2

[lespaulsf]

Hi

I just purchased a oceanic islander 2 a few days ago and noticed that the weight pouches are somewhat odd. They seem to be fine but the pockets are somewhat big. Is there anyone that has one like this? I noticed the zeagle rangers have the same sort of thing. I have found some pouches but they are kinda pricey. Zeagle Shot Weight Pouch 12 LBS. Each

What do you all do to keep the weights together so they don't move around in these types of bcs?

 

[lespaulsf]

Anyone has any suggestions?

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Some bcds have velcro inside the pocket that allows it to be divided into 2 smaller compartments rather than one large one in the case of only a small amount of lead. You could probably add something like this as a DIY project.

The zeagle pouches address their specific need to be able to remove/replace weight easily, since they use pockets, not pouches in their rip cord system. It not really a generic solution.

 

[lespaulsf]

Hmmm that sucks. The issue is the Oceanic islander 2 uses pockets at are toward the rear of the bc by the back inflated bladder. hate to ask but what does DIY mean? How would I add velcro for this? Kinda stumped, should I looked more closely before I bought it maybe.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Sorry, DIY = Do It Yourself

I would add velcro with a needle and thread. I don't think adhesive would hold. Anyway, you can buy the stuff at many places (craft stores, hardware store, sewing store, etc..). It may have adhesive on it, but in water it still needs a mechanical fastening.

The weight pockets that I have came with velcro sewn in, on piece on each side. Press together and you have 2 small areas vs 1 large area for the weights.

 

[lespaulsf]

Hmmm I see what you mean I think. What BC do you have with those weight pockets?

 

[reefduffer]

I'm just curious about your issue. I have the Islander (before the Islander 2, but the second iteration of that, with the 7 lb weight pockets, same as the Islander 2 per the Oceanic site). I have no issues such as you're describing. The integrated weight pockets have been just as stable as I would want, whether I've jammed a 4+3 soft weight to max it out per spec for cold water, or just a single 2 lb hard weight in warm water.

But following the conversation, I'm wondering if you have all the pieces. There is a zippered pouch with a plastic pull handle and velcro on both sides of the handle web strap. The weights go in the pouch. The pouch goes in the weight pocket, fairly snugly. The velcro sticks on both the outside of the pocket and the inside of the pocket flap. The idea is to dump weights, you pull up on the handle, ripping the velcro loose, pulling the pouch out of the pocket, hold the pouches out to the side, and drop the pouches. And it's really quite stable when configured, in my experience.

Do you have the weight pouches?
From your description, I'm envisioning you trying to just put the weights, naked, in the pockets. That would, I agree, seem rather precarious.

 

[randykiw]

the islander 2 weight pockets are different from the islander. On the islander 2 there is no velcro or removable pockets, it is plastic clips that once uncliped the bottom of the pocket opens allowing the weight to fall out.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Hmmm I see what you mean I think. What BC do you have with those weight pockets?

Mares with the MRS II pockets. What you described sounds similar to Zeagles ripcord system. If it is, my advice might not be the best fit.

 

[reefduffer]

the islander 2 weight pockets are different from the islander. On the islander 2 there is no velcro or removable pockets, it is plastic clips that once uncliped the bottom of the pocket opens allowing the weight to fall out.

Thanks for the clarification. Sorry to muddy the waters for the OP.

I guess it was to save a few ounces, or a few dollars.
Too bad, I really like that aspect of my Islander; the only thing I'd change would be to make the pouches yellow instead of black. I even had some thin yellow ripstop nylon patches sewn on the pouches.