What's the best way to add weight to my BC?

[sytech]

I have the Cressi Aqualight-R and it's a great BC for tropical waters and travel.

The weight holding "wallets" are different than most ballast systems and Cressi recommends 3 kg. (6.6 lbs) in each wallet for a total of about 13 lbs.

I usually require
about 16 lbs. of weight and can store the extra in the regular zipper pockets but was wondering if there's another way to add about 3 lbs. I've seen these weighted gadgets that slip over the3 tank and was wondering if they're any good. Or I've seen that I can purchase a clip-on weight bag.

Thanks,

Sy

 

[scarefaceDM]

There are trim weight pockets you can get to put on the tank cam bands.

have a look at this
http://www.halcyon.net/mc/weights.shtml

However there are a few otehr ways to trim your weight. Using a steel tank may be a good choice for you also. You would have to get in the pool to try it out. Chances are you may not need the extra 3lbs. Just a steel tank.

Stephen

 

[Charlie99]

The problem with tank weights is that they may or may not be where you want them. Same problem with the non-ditchable trim pockets many BCDs have on the back of the shoulders.

If you want all of the weight up front and low, then just slip some of your weight into the regular zippered pockets.

I use 14 pounds with a 5mm wetsuit and although the pockets of my SeaQuest Pro QD are rated for up to 10 pounds each (20 pounds total), I prefer to slip a 3# weight into both the right and left zippered pockets, leaving just 4 pounds in each of the velcro weight pockets. A pocket with 4 pounds in it is a lot less likely to accidentally ditch than a pocket with 7#, and if it were to accidentally ditch, I'm more likely to maintain control with the loss of just 4 pounds.

8 pounds is more than enough ditchable weight, since the gas in my AL80 only weighs 6 pounds.

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Since you are using a total of 16 pounds, an easy way to do that would be 4 pounds in each of the two releasable weight pockets, and 4 pounds in each of the 2 zippered pockets.

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Don't forget, that a weight belt is still an option with an integrated weight BCD. The advantage of moving some weight to a weightbelt is that if you ever have to remove your BCD underwater you will find that you + wetsuit are positively buoyant and are trying to go up, while the BCD + weights are negatively buoyant and trying to go down. Moving some weight to a weightbelt reduces this problem.

 

[WI Scuba Dave]

Another option I suppose could be to also use a weight belt and split some of the weight between the BC and belt.


Or, you could always go this route (Scroll down to "drop weights"):

http://www.njscuba.net/gear/eqpt_04_bc_weights.html