Aeris Atmos XT weights

GatorCT · Mar 4, 2008

Hi,
I've just received a new Atmos XT BCD. I note that there are no rear (non-ditchable) weights with the system. Will that cause problems when floating on the surface waiting for the boat to reappear?
I guess I could wear a lightweight belt underneath it, but that sort of defeats the purpose.
Any advice from other Atmos users would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Peter

TravisD · Mar 4, 2008

Get out and dive the equipment before looking for solutions to problems that may or may not exist! In any case, the non-ditchable weights are generally there for enabling better trim underwater, not balancing you like a buoy on the surface.

GatorCT · Mar 4, 2008

You're correct that there may not be a problem at all, but I won't have a chance to test out the BCD, until I'm in the Caymans and I'd like to be prepared.
I'm aware of the function/purpose of rear, non-ditchable weights. I was just looking for advice from other Atmos XT users. The Atmos XT got a stellar review from Scuba Diving magazine a few years' back, but I noticed that the newer LX has implemented a rear weight solution.

Doug Krause · Mar 4, 2008

The hybrid design of the XT brings some of the buoyant lift to the front of the BC - I've found that the surface flotation is very stable without them. There are quite a few XT users on the board - I would expect that you'll hear the same from them. You may want to look into after market trim pockets, should you decide that you need them.

GatorCT · Mar 4, 2008

Thanks Doug,
The article I mentioned made a point of how stable the XT was on the surface, due to the hybrid design, so I'm hoping that'll prove true. The fit seems perfect, and the ditchable weight seem placed more on the sides than the front, so I'm hoping the extra trim weights won't be necessary. Less is more, sometimes.
Why did the LX add the rear weights? Is the jacket a slightly different design?

Doug Krause · Mar 4, 2008

It is the same bladder - so the lift characteristics will be identical. We added the rear pockets because they have become a standard feature on most BCs - if not all in the same category.

GatorCT · Mar 4, 2008

I'm actually thinking that adding weight to the back of the tank, and leaving the design of the XT alone, might the best possible solution. I'm almost neutrally buoyant anyway. The tests done on the XT indicated very little natural buoyancy in the BCD (1-2 lbs lift). So all I need is enough to sink my wetsuit and tank, and maybe add a little extra weight (4-5 lbs max) on the back to neutralize the empty tank at the surface, as well as fine-tune the trim below. I'll goof around with it.
Thanks again,
Peter

S&V · Mar 5, 2008

PSikes,
I have an Aeris Atmos XT - maybe we have different versions of the same model? - because mine has rear non-ditchable 5 lbs max pockets. They are just pockets sewn to the backpack with velcro flaps, in the shoulder area, between the backpack and the bladder.

Hawkwood · Mar 5, 2008

Not quite sure what the concern is. I have an XT - it has pockets for non-ditchable weights on the back tucked in against the tank. The ditchable weight pockets are well balanced on the side of the jacket (i.e. not too far to the front). The slight wrap-around of the bladder keeps you very stable and yet I am not aware of any squeezing or constriction.

GatorCT · Mar 5, 2008

Ok, I apologize. I missed those two back pockets entirely!
Excuse me, while I stuff both feet into my mouth.

Thanks to all,

Peter

Aeris Atmos XT weights

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