Weighting - This Actually Works For Me.

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It got me in the ball park too. I don't usually use any of the tanks they listed though. However, as a ball-park starting point for doing a buoyancy check it would appear to be useful.
 
Both are wildly off for me. With just a skin it tells me that I need 10lbs rather than the zero I actually need Across the spectrum it advises at least 10lbs more than I actually need. I'm neither lean nor carrying excessive bioprene
 
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Way too much weight for me, even filling in 3mm suit, it's recommending 19 lbs, and I was diving slightly overweighted at 12 lbs with my 3.5mm full suit and an aluminum 80.
 
Useless, (fun) tool. Especially useless in that it will attract inexperienced folks more than experienced ones (who already are well aware of their weighting needs).
 
I think it's just "click bait"... an excuse to go to their site. Nothing can or will replace basic weight titration. In a pool, with an empty BC, legs & arms crossed, note how high the top of your head is above the water. Add one pound of lead for every inch. Recheck and add a bit more if needed. Add 4 to 6 pounds for salt water. It does require that you actually get in the water, but that's the point, right?
 
I get 15pounds in salt water, I usually get away with 12 in my wetsuit.

According to the calculator in a shell drysuit I'll need 24, hope not,first dry suit on its way!
 
I think they can be helpful to set a starting point. The calculator I linked flat out says it's not a substitution for a weight check. It also points out that other gear and accessories must be taken in to consideration.

So, for a new diver, use the calculator to start and then do a proper weight check in water like @NetDoc said.
 
As a number of folk have said, it is something to get in the ballpark with but no substitute for a proper weight check.

Virtually no 2 divers will dive the same gear (BP&W/Jacket, fins, gloves, boots - even different wetsuits can make a big difference) with the same type of body (fat/muscle) so to use these without a physical check which will take account of those differences is asking for issues.

I would say that virtually all the "calculators" over weight so they are a good guide as to "you could take this weight with you but you probably won't need it"
 

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