What's the deal with drysuits and ankle weights?

[fdog]

I, too, have seen what Helimvee has: some places insist that ankle weights are "The Only Right Way" (pronounced complete with the capitals!), others have ankle weights in stock only so you can all some weight to the neck of a tank.

It's a generalization, but the non-ankle weight places usually have a high proportion of technical divers in the instructor cadre. The ankle weight-shops...not so much.

It's as if some inertia was placed in the mindset of a shop's community at the beginning, and has been self-perpetuating ever since!


All the best, James

 

[LouieLouie]

People use ankle weights for two reasons:

1. Incorrect trim, ie. tank and weights not properly placed
2. Suit doesn't fit, allowing too much air to enter the legs

In either case, ankle weights doesn't address the real problem.

 

[spectrum]

As some others have said they usually are not needed. For me part of the solution was a DUI weight harness that let me carry my weight a little lower on my body than a belt could safely perch. This has worked well for most of my configurations.

However... This summer I went back to my neoprene drysuit for a dive and it was the first time I used it with my Freedom plate. Even after lowering the weight harness mid-dive I did fiid myself uncomfortable nose heavy. If I dive that combination again I'll consider moving some weight to the ankles to tip the see-saw.

Some divers just see it as some "easy to carry" weight. It does get it off the hips/back I suppose. Then again you lift half of it it with every step.

Pete