Weighting with Backplate/Wings and Drysuit

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dlofting

Contributor
Messages
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Location
Vancouver, BC, Canada
# of dives
200 - 499
I'm looking at Backplate/Wing systems (primarily Hollis and Dive Rite at the moment) and am wondering how people who dive drysuit configure their weights. I use about 34 lbs with a conventional BCD - 16 in the side pockets and the rest on a belt. I don't like more than 16-18 lbs on my belt so am wondering what options I have to put weight elsewhere with a BP/W system.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Dave
 
DUI has a harness system that I have been looking at. It seems like it will sit very nicely on my sides. This will replace the belt I currently have and make it so I can adjust my weights forward or backward on my midsection. Hope this helps.

 
DUI has a harness system that I have been looking at. It seems like it will sit very nicely on my sides. This will replace the belt I currently have and make it so I can adjust my weights forward or backward on my midsection. Hope this helps.


I use the harness (non-wetsuit) because I have like no hips to balance the weight belt on. Also, having a hip replacement the belt also sat wrong when I did use it. I have nothing but high praise for the harness and because of it was able to pass my OWC with flying colors.

Another option is to get a DSS BP/W and have the BP weights that Tobin sells for them. Takes the weight off of the WB and puts them on the BP. I am heavily thinking of eventually doing this when I can.
 
DUI has a harness system that I have been looking at. It seems like it will sit very nicely on my sides. This will replace the belt I currently have and make it so I can adjust my weights forward or backward on my midsection. Hope this helps.


It works awesome. Just be sure to get the model with the adjustable length straps. It makes adjusting your trim really easy.

flots.
 
Oxycheq and Halcyon make STA's that can accept their 6lb wieghted lead insert.

DSS has bolt on weighted plates for their backplate (compatible only with their backplates).

You could string 2x 5lbs on either side of your waist strap of the Bp harness.
You could also string 1 weight each on the cam bands, either directly or via a non-ditch weight pocket.

The DUI harness is a good idea for carrying a lot of weight comfortably, but that's in relation to a weight belt. You end up placing all 50+ lbs of gear, weighted on your shoulders, which for me is a pain. You also have to deal with the extra straps, which is easy to get used to, but still something to keep in mind when donning/doffing your gear. It's both embarrassing and dangerous when you slip off both your harness and Bp straps at the same time.
 
I'm using XS Scuba weight pockets XS Scuba Pocket Weight Belts on my cam bands. Two on the top and two on the bottom giving me a total of 14 lbs. The balance goes on a belt with suspenders Innovative Scuba Suspenders Black.

I also put some XS Scuba quick release pockets on the belt in case I need to dump some lead.

I personally found the DUI harness pretty bulky
 
I dive with a SS BP, an STA with big steel buckles on the cam band, which together weigh 11 lbs. I've got one XS Scuba cam band pocket on each band (one on the right side, one on the left) and I put 2 lbs of lead in each for an additional 4 lbs (could put more if needed). The rest I put in my belt, usually 14 lbs.
 
I've been using the DUI W&T since open water and it works great for me. I seem to lack hips (they're hiding in there somewhere) and weight belts just don't want to stay up for me. Only complaint that I have is that it's possible to confuse it's shoulder straps for my harness - generally only a problem when I'm trying to get my arm thru the harness to doff the rig after dive. If I pay attention and look, it's a non-issue. When not carrying drysuit-appropriate amount of weight, it's possible to forget you have it on.
 
To make it short: since I am using a BP/w (ScubaPro with steel backplate) I am no longer a belt (and haven't added weights elsewhere) ... well not exactly, in the cold winter months I am adding 2kg for being able to add more air in the drysuit.

So, to the OP:
- when changing from a BCD to a BP/w you will probably find that you don't need as much weight as before
- as regards the 2kg, I am using two one kg weights which can be clipped to the left and rights shoulder belts.

I suggest that you check your weight needs in the pool once you habe the BP/w and then opt whether you want to have the inserts for the STA for the permanent weight and complete it with weight clips
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/peregrine/

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