Weights on Belts V. in BCD

[Tim R Alcoser JR]

Fight! I mean, I'm curious what sort of weight system you guys use and why. I have used both and see some of the pros/cons of the two, but I just can't decide based on my limited experience with both on what I want to use. I'm pretty much dead in the middle, so I'm looking for a bit of input.

Thanks!

For example,

 

[jcxd45]

I'm a total newb, but starting with both.....20 in 2 BCD pockets and 12 on a belt.

My thought is that if I have to dump, just the 12 may be enough and the weight is more spread out.

 

[Scuba_Noob]

I use two "permanent" weights (3lbs each), two integrated weights (10lbs each), and two ankle weights (1.5lbs each) for a shell drysuit, steel 100 tank. I'm planning on getting rid of the ankle weights, though.

I like this set-up, because I'm able to dump 20 pounds easily. Also, I don't really like the belt, because it can slide around or rest uncomfortably on your hips (while gearing and at the surface). It can also be uncomfortable. I guess when I switch to a rear-inflating BCD, I might have to get a belt, but I prefer the weight integration for now.

 

[TMHeimer]

7 mil wetsuit farmer john: 20 in BC. 4 in shoulder pouches. 17 in (pouch) belt. 41 total with AL 80 tank. For 71.2 steel tank take 6 out of the belt. Suspenders on belt, so you release the 20 in the BC. If diving with shotrie or less--only weights are in the BC as my legs are very negatively buoyant--shortie 18 lbs., body suit 12 lbs. (AL80).

 

[Quero]

I carry all my weight in my BC. I find weight belts uncomfortable. My preference is for part of my weights in non-ditchable trim pockets on the tank band and the rest in integrated pouches on the waist band.

 

[TSandM]

You have to have the weight you need, whatever that is.

Weight belts require that you have something to hold them up -- a lot of men with no defined waist or hips find weight belts difficult and uncomfortable to stabilize. But weight belts have the advantage that you can remove them easily to hand up to the boat, or to walk up a slope, and your BC is easier to move around if it doesn't have a large amount of weight as an integral part of it.

On the other hand, integrated weights don't require hips to keep them. But integrates weights suffer from the same problem that many octo retention systems do -- you're trying to do two diametrically opposed things, of retaining the weights yet making them easy to ditch. The result is that one or the other doesn't work as well as you'd like; either the weights fall out, or you can't easily ditch them.

I personally prefer to separate my BC from the largest part of my ballast, making both easier to move.

 

[g1138]

I like splitting it. Some weight on me, some on my BC.

With my old back-inflate I would go heavy on my weightbelt, light on my BC: 8-12lbs belt | 6-8lbs BC
After getting soft weights, my belt stayed configured with 6lbs of hard weights and the rest would go in as soft weights in my BC integrated pockets.
16-20lbs total depending if I rocked a Al 50/63 or St72/80 tank.
I never used my trim pockets because I never felt the need to.

With my Bp/W I know have 8lbs on the Bp (non-ditch) and 4-6lbs on my belt or harness. Depending on class/tank requirements or my mood I may either rock the ditchable DUI harness or the 6lb weightbelt which I'm lazy enough to not take apart if I don't have to.
14lbs St72/80, 16 Faber St75.8, 18-20 Al50/63 (still haven't dialed that one down yet).

I'm using a 7mm FarmerJohn. I have no hips but prefer a weightbelt, especially with the Bp/W. The Bp hog harness already puts all the weight on my shoulders. I'd rather not add to that with the DUI harness, but sometimes I'm forced to to meet the instructor's guidelines.
I've never had an issue w/ a weightbelt slipping, but I'm also still working on getting that beer belly; so maybe that has something to do with it.

 

[p1p]

I use a DUI Weight And Trim, so I keep my weights separate from my BC. Easier don/doffing, and easier on my back. Plus allows me some flexibility with where the weights are on my body.

 

[freewillie]

It is all personal preference. Belts are very easy. They are the preferred style for vacation divers and beginners. As far as buddy checks, always consistent and the same. The drawback is the more weight you dive with the more uncomfortable they can be. Personally, I hate the way they slip on my hips. Also, since I dive cold water they can be a little heavy in one single area body.

I prefer weight integrated BC. The amount of weight is the same but I find it is more comfortable when distributed around the BC instead of a belt over my hips. It also prevents rolling as belts and their weights can slide around your waist.

Their is no right or wrong answer. My advice is dive what feels more comfortable to you.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

My wife and I both place all weights in the integrated BCD, as personal preference for both comfort and safety. I think that weight pockets can be ditched as easily as a belt, and in a properly designed and maintained bcd, are less likely to be unintentionally dropped. But as noted, this is a personal preference thing. When I teach, I have younger students, usually male, who have a tendency to "sag" their weights like they do their pants. If not caught and corrected in advance, when they descend, compression of their 7 mil wet suit can (and has) led to their weight belt simply slipping off of them. If you use a weight belt, secure it at your waist , which for most young people is the narrowest part of their torso.
DivemasterDennis