steelwindmachine
Contributor
I just returned from diving in St. Croxi USVI. I'm currently using the basic Express Tech, 3" webbing, no crotch strap, 1 med-sized Dive-Rite pocket that contains a plastic signalling whistle and mirror, 3-stainless D-rings, and a Trident SS belt clasp.
I'm 5'11", 186lbs, medium build. I dive in a 3mil full suit with boots, Mares Volo Power fins, use a wrist computer and rent my tanks, regs, weights and weight belt (I wear the belt below the BC belt). I only dive in warm water, all of which is a travel destination - I live in NJ and don't dive locally.
All told, my Express Tech weighs in at 6.5lbs dry.
During my last round of diving I went in with 8lbs (2 x 3lbs on weight belt, 1 2lb on upper tank strap). I didn't have any buoyancy issues and got through most of my dives with very little air in my wing. I had just completed my Peak Perf. Buoyancy class for my AOW, so had my weight pretty well dialed in for this location/gear.
I'd love to have integrated weight pockets or trim pockets to eliminate the need for a separate weight belt, but this would add even more material weight to the BC.
I was looking at the Zeagle Covert and am amazed by the weight. I don't think I could do much better with a composite back-plate and small 18-lb-ish wing, HOG harness, plastic sex-bolts plus weight pockets, but am open to suggestions.
Does anyone have any advice on how I could cut down the weight on my BC? I'm sure I could drop a few ounces by changing out the SS hardware to plastic and the 3" webbing to 2".
Ultimately, I'd like my gear to be as light as possible for travel and I'll tack weight on at my destination if I need it.
I'm 5'11", 186lbs, medium build. I dive in a 3mil full suit with boots, Mares Volo Power fins, use a wrist computer and rent my tanks, regs, weights and weight belt (I wear the belt below the BC belt). I only dive in warm water, all of which is a travel destination - I live in NJ and don't dive locally.
All told, my Express Tech weighs in at 6.5lbs dry.
During my last round of diving I went in with 8lbs (2 x 3lbs on weight belt, 1 2lb on upper tank strap). I didn't have any buoyancy issues and got through most of my dives with very little air in my wing. I had just completed my Peak Perf. Buoyancy class for my AOW, so had my weight pretty well dialed in for this location/gear.
I'd love to have integrated weight pockets or trim pockets to eliminate the need for a separate weight belt, but this would add even more material weight to the BC.
I was looking at the Zeagle Covert and am amazed by the weight. I don't think I could do much better with a composite back-plate and small 18-lb-ish wing, HOG harness, plastic sex-bolts plus weight pockets, but am open to suggestions.
Does anyone have any advice on how I could cut down the weight on my BC? I'm sure I could drop a few ounces by changing out the SS hardware to plastic and the 3" webbing to 2".
Ultimately, I'd like my gear to be as light as possible for travel and I'll tack weight on at my destination if I need it.