Weight Questions

[zuzanne]

We are going to Barbados week of Oct. 16th. In discussing dives with the Hightide Watersports Shop, we discovered that they do not have soft weights. They do offer hard weights & belts. I hate weight belts and have the Diva LX with the weight pockets. Will the hard weights hurt the BCD, should I take my soft weights? Does anyone know of a reputable dive shop in Barbados that does carry the soft weights? Weight with the airlines these days is a major issue for us divers. What do you take and what do you leave at home seems to be the question for all of us.

Zuzanne

 

[randyjoy]

Will the hard weights hurt the BCD, should I take my soft weights? Zuzanne

We have Diva's for students/rental at the shop I teach at and use block (hard) weights almost exclusively. Seaquest actually recommends block weights.

From the Diva LX Manual: The weight system features two interchangeable weight pouches which can be filled with either block weights or “soft weight” (pouches containing lead shot), in increments of 5 lbs/2.3 kg or less. For ease of operation, low-profile block weight is strongly recommended.

 

[opiniongirl]

We are going to Barbados week of Oct. 16th. In discussing dives with the Hightide Watersports Shop, we discovered that they do not have soft weights. They do offer hard weights & belts. I hate weight belts and have the Diva LX with the weight pockets. Will the hard weights hurt the BCD, should I take my soft weights? Does anyone know of a reputable dive shop in Barbados that does carry the soft weights? Weight with the airlines these days is a major issue for us divers. What do you take and what do you leave at home seems to be the question for all of us.

Zuzanne

Hi,
Have to agree with the above there - really don't think you'll notice the difference. Hard lead is absolutely fine - and you will likely be wearing only a small amount of weight.. I would recommend NOT taking weights..as not needed..

Personal preference - I bring my mask, (as I spit in it) wetsuit (as other people go naked and pee in their suits, gross) reg (obviously don't like sharing a mouthpiece) and BC (as I'm used to it and it gets sad if I leave it at home..) and my fins as I hate rentals...weights can stay, you can usually rent a light, bring your knife and whistle...would recommend not packing your stuff in a dive bag for the flight - as it can get stolen if people immediately know it's dive equipment...

 

[jhelmuth]

I've always prefered block weight as it can be secured better and does not "lump" in pockets. The only better attribute about soft weight is the comfort when using it in conjunction with a soft weight belt (which is not my idea of an ideal way to weight ones self).
I use a Balance and the wife has the Libra, neither of these show any adverse affects from use of block weight.