weighting a BP/Wing problem

[waterduck]

I have a HOG BP/Wing and only used it once since I owned it because I have a hard time with the weight belt.I have one of those rubber Mako weight belts.Now from what I understand,the Weight belt should go under the crotch strap but releasing and or dropping it is a hassle,if I had to.I can not wear it over the crotch strap because there is no room for it and the waist strap.It would be riding over my BP.I am short,like 5'7" with a belly and no butt. I had back surgery so just sat around and fed my face for a year.Da! So,how do I fix this problem if I want to use this rig? I bought it off Jim Lapenta and feel guilty for not having used it but one time in my back yard pond and that was for trying to adjust it for diving. It's probably a hard item to sell,especially where I am located in Ohio so need to come up with a solution if I need to use it.I do have a vest type Bc with integrated weights. Is it feasible to put weight release pocket on the waist straps of the wing and do away with the weight belt ? If so,which weight pockets are recommended and safe from accidental weight deployment ?

 

[mmerriman]

OMS Ballast System Pair (6.8 kg - 15 lb - each side)

 

[Marie13]

You can also get an STA with a 5 lb insert. That’s what I have.

 

[Bob DBF]

Weight belt should go under the crotch strap but releasing and or dropping it is a hassle,if I had to.

It's a pita to drop it if vertical because of the crotch strap, if horosontal release the buckle and slide the belt over your back and down off either side.


Bob

 

[JohnN]

I have a HOG BP/Wing and only used it once since I owned it because I have a hard time with the weight belt.I have one of those rubber Mako weight belts.Now from what I understand,the Weight belt should go under the crotch strap but releasing and or dropping it is a hassle,if I had to.I can not wear it over the crotch strap because there is no room for it and the waist strap.It would be riding over my BP.I am short,like 5'7" with a belly and no butt. I had back surgery so just sat around and fed my face for a year.Da! So,how do I fix this problem if I want to use this rig? I bought it off Jim Lapenta and feel guilty for not having used it but one time in my back yard pond and that was for trying to adjust it for diving. It's probably a hard item to sell,especially where I am located in Ohio so need to come up with a solution if I need to use it.I do have a vest type Bc with integrated weights. Is it feasible to put weight release pocket on the waist straps of the wing and do away with the weight belt ? If so,which weight pockets are recommended and safe from accidental weight deployment ?

I use two of these pockets on the top cam band:
Single Weight Pocket with Velcro Front

And two of these on the waist strap (one on each side):
Quick-Release Single Weight Pocket

I find I can get up to 7 lbs in each quick release pocket and 5 lbs in the cam band pockets

 

[seeker242]

I wear a belt under the strap. I don't think it's a hassle to release it. It's just an extra step to release the harness buckle and crotch strap, then release the belt.

 

[Ojai Diver]

I don't think it's a hassle to release it.

I agree. Per OW 1 instruction, pop the belt open, extend it arms length from your body, and drop it.

And the Mako rubber belt is the bomb.

 

[eelnoraa]

I wear a belt under the strap. I don't think it's a hassle to release it. It's just an extra step to release the harness buckle and crotch strap, then release the belt.

Same for me. I would much prefer extra step to release weight belt then the chance of accidental release. If you go to weight system attached to harness, also do a quick calculation for your wing lift capacity. You may need more.

 

[decompression]

As mentioned, there are many options for weight placement. I teach a very large amount of BP and wing. You have a body shape that makes using a weight belt challenging so perhaps distributing weight around your rig is best.. First determine the amount of negative weight you need, then consider placement for best trim. You can utilize the following;
STA-2 lbs, weighted STA-6 lbs, pockets 2-5 lbs each, placed on the waist band, tank band, shoulder straps.....the pockets can be both ditchable and non-ditchable. Send a email to Jim, he’s very eager to help.

 

[johndiver999]

The op seems to have concerns wrt his ability to drop weight in an emergency. Suggesting he place a bunch of fixed weight on various locations of his rig might not be the best means to alleviate his concerns.

Plus if he has a bad back, making his bc heavier and harder to switch over and handle might not be so beneficial.

If the existing belt is comfortable and the weight distribution is good, then practice of a waist belt opening, release of crotch strap and the removal of the weight belt - as already suggested, seems like a good start.