Wetsuit....how much more weight required?

[hodgson]

I have just purchased a 3mm DeepSee full suit. I have always just done the swimsuit and a t-shirt thing. But getting older means, I'm not liking the cold as much anymore.

My question is, how much more lead am I going to have to hang on my belt to compensate for the wetsuit. Anyone with a 3mm medium full jumpsuit got a clue as to where I should start? I know I'll have to do a little fine tuning.

Oh... DUH... salt water ... I have a bag weight that I can put on my BC or take off to compensate for fresh water if the need arises.

 

[ScoobyDave]

I've found nothing better than to get some pool time and configure in confined water. Then, it's an easy adjustment to compensate for salt water.

Another alternative is to fill the bathtub and throw in the wetsuit - add weight until it goes neutral and that will give you a ballpark.

 

[pasley]

This should get you started.
http://www.scubadiving.com/training/instruction/buoycalc/buoycalc.shtml

Essentially it says about 2 to 3 pounds of lead per pound of suit is a good place to start from, plus you, plus the tank etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[hodgson]

The confusion came when the "EXPERT" at the LDS suggested starting with 19 lbs just for the suit. The first thing I thought was.... just how fast would I shoot to the bottom

I had it figured at about 8 lbs for salt and maybe 6 for fresh... but being brand new neoprene it's probably going to be holding a litle more nitrogen in the cells.

I'll find out this afternoon at a buddies pool.

Thanks again

 

[hodgson]

8 lbs is perfect in fresh water with just the wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel. Full breath and I'm just above eye level with the water... let out all breath and I sink. I figure another couple pounds in salt. Glad I didn't follow the advice of the LDS. 19 lbs would have been really overkill.

I guess I should mention that with the same gear it takes 2 lbs with just a swimsuit to get body buoyancy right. So the suit is 6 lbs extra balast. But that's just my body... your buoyancy may vary.

After I got the wetsuit buoyancy right I put on my BC, tank and regs, all the usual junk I carry,and tried again for buoyancy..... perfection. I could hold my depth with just breath control. This was with 200 lbs left in the tank. Switched to a full tank, and all was still well.... same buoyancy as I had without the wetsuit. The only difference was that I was warm


It's going to be nice to be warmer for a change.:sunnyday:

Thanks guys... you're the best.

 

[ScoobyDave]

Fantastic! 8lbs, that's pretty good. I'm sure you'll enjoy diving with the wetsuit. I do enjoy the warmth, with the added benefit of protection from hungry little fish.

I was checking weight with new gear in the pool today, and found 16 pounds with an empty tank was good for me. In salt, I'd likely need an addtional couple of pounds - so your dive shop isnt' far off for me.

Enjoy!

 

[hodgson]

The extra weight he said I would need was just for the wetsuit buoyancy. He was way off. If I had followed his advice I would have been at 31 lbs of lead total...... Can you say anchor?

My total lead is about 18 lbs with the wetsuit. 12 with just a swimsuit and t-shirt in fresh.

In salt with just a swimsuit I was at 14 lbs....this is with a BC with strap drop packs and some lead in the pockets (for balance) and belt.

As luck would have it my balance point is still perfect. I hover flat and no nose up or down under power.

It's going to be almost a year before I see salt again..... 49 weeks........ARRGH....49 weeks

I need to win the lottery so I can retire in the Keys

 

[ScoobyDave]

Oh man! 19 pounds just for the wetsuit - can you say anchor? Now I could believe that for going with a 7mm ( I have to wear an additional 10 pounds for that over my 3mm).

Hey, a phone call to your local travel agent can reduce that 49 weeks considerably. There's some really incredible deals. I'm considering sleeping on the beach if I have to.

 

[hodgson]

The 49 weeks is taking into consideration my vaction time and the wifes. Besides.... where we go, July is the best time... not a lot of people there... more dive time with very few newbees, if any. And with not a lot of people there, I can talk the DM (he's a good guy, an old military buddy, and I really like to dive with him...we certified on the same day in the Phillipines in 1973 (am I that old?)) into going to "Cutters Reef", which is not an option when there are a lot of people hanging around. It's an hour and a half boat trip.... but a perfect reef. No trap fishing (rare fror Jamaica) because they can't get in close because of the surf and shallow ridge. It's a circular reef with a 75 ft deep and 300 yard around hole in the center. Fish gallore:wacko: The hour and a half on the boat is well worth it. And it's ALWAYS a 3 tank day.