Womans NON WEIGHT INTEGRATED BC

[Augustus]

My wife is looking to change her current BC and wants one that does not have the weight integrated feature, just wants to go back to a weight belt. I am having a hard time finding one as most manufacturers have dropped these in favor of the weight integrated BC. Suggestions?

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Back plate and wing. Shoot me your email and I'll send you an article I wrote on this type of gear.

 

[KeithG]

remove the weight pockets and pretend they never existed?

 

[Wookie]

They are all non weight integrated if you don't install the weight pockets. You can use a weight belt with any buoyancy system.....

 

[Augustus]

thanks for the replies. Wings. Tried that about 5 years ago. She did not like the set up. I may try and get her with a plastic plate sine the stainless may have been too much. I use a halcyon so I am very familiar with the set up. As to not using the pocket, the style of many makes it hard to wear a weight belt with the pockets even if you don't have lead in them. You are also paying for a feature you don't use. So are there any BC's out there (not including wings) that do not have the intergrated weights????

 

[diver 85]

For a BC(not a BP/W), look @ a Zeagle Scout........GREAT little BC(that you can put a couple weights in the back----OR---simply go to a straight weight belt system) that I personally go half & half ie 4 or 6 lbs in the back of the BC & the other half on a belt, depending on my system that day...........

 

[scubafanatic]

If you like to customize your gear:

https://www.divegearexpress.com/bcs/index.shtml

https://www.divegearexpress.com/bcs/diverite.shtml

Personally I'm using the Transpac system, which is like a BP/wing in that it's still back-inflate wing, but the harness is like a 'conventional' BCD, but it's one you can customize to your heart's content. You can add...subtract...rearrange...relocate any/all the accessories/pockets/etc. you want (or don't want) and their WWW site will give you TONS of ideas to brainstorm!

 

[diversteve]

Aqualung Wave? It's an entry level model though - designed more for rental fleets. http://www.aqualung.com/us/gear/aqua-lung-buoyancy-compensators/item/46-wave $360 at an Aqualung Dealer.

The Wave is an entry level, wrap-around jacket style BC. It has a legacy of being rugged and fade-resistant but now it offers so much more. You now get a stylish BC that has the clever ability to add an optional weight-integration system! You can dive it in its standard form using a weight belt and then later upgrade it to weight pockets featuring the SureLock II weight system. It’s versatile, it’s rugged, it’s sharp, it’s a Wave.
The Wave comes in 6 sizes and one color combination: black / charcoal / orange.

The other option might be one of the minimalist travel BC's - they're unisex since there's not much in front except a waist strap. And a slender sternum strap. They're back-inflate designs. It wasn't clear from your post if that's a deal-breaker also...

Weight pockets are optional on the Scubapro Litehawk - a travel BC.

The Litehawk back-floatation BCs incorporate an array of features which make them a truly complete package for divers who prefer a more streamlined profile.

Divers get the benefits of back flotation in this super lightweight BC made for easy traveling.

Low-drag, low profile progressively-shaped air cell on a light back flotation BC
Elastic cords automatically control the size and keep the air cell streamlined when partially inflated
Constructed in durable 1000 Denier Nylon for long life wear
Adjustable belt-style waist strap with Nylon lightweight buckle
Lightweight, perfect for travel: just 2,36 kg / 5.2 lbs
Optional accessory quick-release weight pockets

LeisurePro is closing out last years model for $239. I've seen it somewhere else for that price also so maybe that's ScubaPro MAP now. I believe it includes the weight pockets on the sides but just use them for storage instead. Or they're probably removable? Although it's a travel BC - the wing has something like 50lbs. lift IIRC. The 2014 model they cut it down to 31. Scubapro Litehawk BC, Black at LeisurePro

Or the Zeagle Express Tech Deluxe - which has a soft-backplate design. The "Deluxe" is the only one sold new now. $350 since you only pay for what you need - their weight systems are $80-100 more. You can also buy one of several clip-on pockets to store stuff at $40-50 or less. It also uses interchangeable wings - 24lb. is standard but can ordered with a 34lb. wing for not much more. I don't think I would but with an optional kit it will also take doubles.

Customize your rig:

Express Tech Deluxe with no weight system

Express Tech Deluxe with Zip Touch weight system (20 lb capacity)
Express Tech Deluxe with Ripcord weight system (30 lb capacity)

The Deluxe version of the Express Tech includes several accessories that were commonly requested by divers. It comes with a deluxe webbing harness which includes an articulated shoulder assembly that swivels to adjust the harness to the contours of your torso. Our pad kit can be included, giving you a set of shoulder pads and a soft back pad (removable).
- See more at: Express Tech Deluxe

I'm sure if you poke around on Leisurepro.com there's probably a couple other entry level jackets with no weight-integration also. Like:
http://www.leisurepro.com/p-tbtj06/tusa-crestline-bcd

or

http://www.leisurepro.com/p-mrsrp/mares-rover-pro-bcd

but that seems to be about all of them...

 

[Dive Right In Scuba 2]

I'll second what was said above about a BP/W option...it seems like she didn't like the SS plate so perhaps an AL or kydex plate may be more her speed. If she doesn't like the single piece harness something like the Transplate may work for her. If she is dead set against the hard plate, something like the Transpac may serve her well. In any case, a modular solution may be the best course of action in case she changes her mind or diving style in the future. It's a simple add/subtract with a modular BC solution instead of a throw out and replace the whole unit situation.

 

[Augustus]

Just a general thank you for all the replies. Have to look into the modular approach. I am out of touch with whats out there since I am happy with my plate/wing set up which I have been diving for 13 or so years.