DRYSUIT - How much weight do you use???

[diverrick]

I must be doing something wrong. I got into the pool last week for the first time with my new DS and with a full steel 80, Softwear undies, and I had to use 38LBs in FW! I don't know what I'll do in SW and AL tanks. I don't have that much room on the current belt. Short of buying a WI BC that is, or converting over to a BP&W.

 

[cyklon_300]

a steel BP (~6-9 lbs) and add a trim wt. (another 7-10 lbs) that will take quite a load off your belt.

Also, most people notice they need less weight with a BP/wing setup over a jacket bc...so that could save a few more pounds.

Or you could always go the hard hat, breast plate, weighted shoes route...

 

[Doc Intrepid]

That much weight, 38 lbs with steel tanks, isn't unheard of but its unusual, ...something else is likely going on. Neoprene drysuit? BC?
Well-padded BC?

As Cyklon noted most divers require less weight with bp/wings set ups.

On thing to consider, if in fact you are planning to dive with that much weight, is the DUI Weight & Trim harness. Four pockets, each holds (2) 5 lbs soft lead-shot filled neoprene weights, the harness prevents the belt from slipping below your hips, and it can be ditched one side at a time. Not the answer for all, but can be an answer for some.

 

[jonnythan]

Diving an Al80, with a 6 pound backplate and 8 pound channel weight, I wear no more when diving with a layer of polypro and very lightweight fleece.. I add 10 pounds with a very heavy fleece. So, a total of either 14 or 24 pounds.

 

[DivemasterWill]

26 to 34, depending on undergarments.

 

[nwdiver2]

28 ditchable, zeagle BC
6 on tank band

This is year round with 3mm crushed neoprene dry suit and various layers underneath, never less than 200 weight fleece often a Bare one piece undergarment. I prefer boat diving.

 

[IndigoBlue]

How much weight does everyone use? I know equipment varies, just give a number, thanks!

Doc Bugg

Lately, I use 24 lbs total (ditchable and nonditchable) with a single steel tank in cold water, and 12 lbs total (ditchable and nonditchable) with twin steel tanks and a manifold in cold water with my tri-lam drysuit.

The non-ditchable consists of either tank weights, V weights, or a backplate.

I am a bulky, massive mammalian amphibious creature, 5'10" and 200 lbs, former outside linebacker.

If I went to dive in Southern California like Mo2Vation does, then I probably would not need any insulation under the suit, and then the typical tropical 8 to 10 lbs of total weight would be fine.

You have to consider your insulation, which depends on your water temp.

For an aluminum tank, you need to add 6 lbs (per alum tank).

Oh yah, one more thing. I trimmed all the foam out of my Zeagle B/C with a straight razor.

 

[LowTide]

Only made 6 dives with my dry suit so far:

20 ditchable
8 non-ditchable on Recon BC
---------------------------
28 Total


I think I can shed a couple, maybe down to 26.

 

[bwerb]

16 lbs in summer time
20 lbs in winter time

AL80 - trilam, several underlayers
SS BP/Wing

 

[ddown]

About 24 with BC/ 14-16 w BP-W