Why weight integrated bc's?

[smoothfin]

has anybody ever lost a integrated pocket at depth? thats something that would worry me,would be a fast ride up with a thick wetsuit.

not at depth, but lost one yesterday. i was towing the float, which was actually a small surface craft with some support gear on it plus a big honking dive flag which seemed to really draw some of the boaters in closer than they should have been, sorry to say, giving some wake and making things a bit bouncy. we were still doing part of the surface swim, so as near as i can figure, the tow line might have gotten hooked up on the handle of the pouch and pulled open that velcro (or maybe it wasn't fastened well to start with and got past the pre-dive check). anyway, all of the sudden i felt badly out of trim and groped around and realized what happened. we looked around but couldn't find it, may be buried in the weeds. so i had to go to a backup weightbelt, which i was very glad to have at that point.
so i got a replacement pouch, but not crazy about re-purchasing those neato soft weights. anyone ever had problems using solid (uncoated type) weights in integrated pouches? i can't think of a reason why there would be problems, but if anyone has had issues with this i'd love to know.

 

[tracy_from_oz]

Hello.

Myself i like the ability to have a weight integrated bcd and a weight belt.

Being female and hippy i didnt always like wearing a weight belt, especially the solid ones but thankfully now we have shot weights which mold under the pressure when diving. Im liking the sea soft weight belts as well, but thats just me.

Now with the choice of integrated systems, a weight belt or either, it makes it easier in my thoughts for a diver to choose and lets face it we are all different and have different comfort levels underwater. Some weight in the back pockets, a little in the side, and some on my weight belt. It covers the bases if somehow i lose a pocket, or a belt. Honestly in 14 years of diving ive never lost a belt and ive only ever seen one person lose a belt when giant striding off a boat.

Its up to the person what they like the most but also comes down to training and practice, what to do if ever the situation arises and you lose either a belt or pouch. I think when people get any new piece of equipment, go to the pool for a few sessions and train in it, get used to it and feel confident in it before hitting the ocean or the lake.

My 2 cents

tracy

 

[GreenDiverDown]

I think weight integration is fine... if you don't put a whole lot of weight in the pockets. When you start needing a bunch of weight you might be better off splitting it up and putting some on a belt.