Weight type: bare lead vs coated vs lead shots

[Bonairetrip]

You are correct - it is inside the other harness and below. The only real thing to be certain is that the weight pockets on the harness (and the pull handles) are not covered by other gear. That is not a problem with my setup.

I don't much notice the two sets of shoulder straps (have to be a tiny bit careful getting into the hog harness). The two waist belts are there whether you are using a regular belt or a harness. The crotch strap is an extra with the BP/W but I don't have a chest strap.

I think less than 15 pounds and a harness is overkill. You are at 20 right now. If you went with a SS plate and a steel 80 tank, you would probably be down to 12 or less on a belt. At that point, I think the XS belt is a no brainer to use...

 

[TSandM]

You wear it inside, and the pockets can be adjusted so that they don't interfere with the waistband.

IF you know how much weight you need, I would recommend against the pocketed weight belt. It's handy when you don't know and need to change weight often, or if you are traveling and using different gear configurations. But I have had a 5 lb weight come out of the pocket during a dive, and that made for some interesting gyrations trying to hold my stops on ascent at the end of a long, deep dive with a relatively empty tank.

Like spectrum, I use the hard weights with the weaving slots. You can get 10 lb weights that are shaped, and they're really nice. I use triglides on the webbing to put the weights precisely where I want them and make sure they stay there.

 

[eelnoraa]

IF you know how much weight you need, I would recommend against the pocketed weight belt. It's handy when you don't know and need to change weight often, or if you are traveling and using different gear configurations. But I have had a 5 lb weight come out of the pocket during a dive, and that made for some interesting gyrations trying to hold my stops on ascent at the end of a long, deep dive with a relatively empty tank.

I am working toward that. As of now, I am still on rental wetsuit and tank. Tanks are most likely to be AL80, but wetsuit can vary from 1 piece 7mm to 2 piece john/jacket. I think this will make a few lb differences.

I think I am getting xs 6 pocket belt for now. It seems like coated weave-through hard weights are good choice. I can easily take off weight pockets and waave weight on the belt if I want added security.

Thank you all for this exellent advices.

 

[Funky556]

How are you at sewing? I just buy shotgun shot for reloading, pour the desired weight and sew closed it what ever material you use. Tend to be retired fatigues for me and my buddies.

 

[SDiverJim]

Great info here. I was pondering these same issues and I figured the lead shot would be more comfortable but the idea of the shot adding lead to the environment at a greater rate isn't a good thing.

 

[FredT]

Shot bulks 2X the volume of solid lead. more volume = more drag.

Many properly designed small weights tucked into the slipstream at your waist is both less drag, and more comfortable.

Shot bags fail, and stepping on shot while barefoot and wearing a tank HURTS!

Metallic lead can hurt you if it splashes on you or hits you with a high kinetic energy.
It has to be converted into a soluble salt to be bio-active. The lead oxide coating metallic lead naturally forms in contact with seawater is self-limiting and insoluble in almost everything except strong acetic acid.

IF you HAVE to coat weights a couple coats of any latex interior or exterior house paint is as functional as anything else, and doesn't gum up the slots (much). You can even use this method on shot before bagging it but be aware that it a HUGE PITA to do properly on shot even using a colander and entire roll of waxed paper.

The most important thing to consider is your mental attitude concerning your weight system. If the cost of it delays your ditching it for even a second, it's the wrong style.

I too use different belts for different dive conditions. T-shirt and shorts is no belt and no added weight, add a suit and it just takes picking the belt that matches the exposure suit. I'll re-calibrate the belts every decade or so when I get a new exposure suit.

 

[walke121]

I like the soft weights simply because when I drop them I don't risk the chance of losing a toe nail.