Halcyon Infinity for a new diver?

[FrancisK7]

If you are @ 18% BF you don't float. A typical 3mm suit will be about 3-5 lbs positive. Even with a buoyant al 80 (~4 lbs positive empty) you should only need about 8 lbs.of total ballast. Your reg provides about 2 lbs and a SS plate and harness provides another ~6 lbs.

22 + 2 (for your reg) is likely way more than you need.

Tobin

When I'm in Bonaire I'll be doing my advanced OW so I'll have plenty of time to test the perfect ballast.

[Nautica2706]

The 40lbs wing was the correct choice, as I'm already weighted at 23 lbs (stainless steel plate, sta weighted adapter, +3 pound in pocket) with a 3mm suit.

I just tried mine in Lembeh on the new year break and find it good. I got mine setup with the alu plate so total weight including the STA is about 4-5lbs. Used another 4lbs giving a total of 8-9lbs. When I was playing around in the shallow 3m beneath the boat, I can hold my position even with 10 bar left in the tank, so I'm guessing i can drop 2-4lbs if i am to be neutral at safety stop depth with 30-50bar. With 8-9lbs however, I have to add a substantial amount of air to the wing when I am around 100ft deep. Before i moved to the BP/W, i used 6lbs of weight with my back inflate.

I am 5'6", 166lbs,dive a 3mm wetsuit and a single al80 tank. You might wanna reduce the total weight you use when diving warm water, it is much more enjoyable to not swim all that weight around.

[annlaur]

[…] even with an empty BC and empty lungs descent was painfully slow and difficult. […]

Unless I'm over weighted, I still can't submerge in the upright position. I've tried many times but probably doing something wrong. Or maybe my wetsuit being too buoyant when “dry” ? Anyhow, I just do the duck (head down and finning). Harder on the ears (not recommanded if you have issues equalizing), but works for me.

Glad you're having a great time, can't wait to read your report.