stevensamler
Contributor
I was wondering what is most favored the weight belt or integrated weights with the bc when diving dry and why?
question ; Weight belt vs integrated for drysuit diving
- Thread starter stevensamler
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Michael Guerrero
Contributor
I dive a backplate and wing. I prefer a weight belt in addition to the weight of the plate. It's easier to get the rig on and off without all the extra weight on it. And I'm cheap, so if I have to dump weights, I prefer to dump cheapo hard lead on a $7 weight belt. I put it under the waist/crotch strap so it's harder to get off, and won't come off easily/accidentally.
AfterDark
Contributor
Like Michael said, also don't over look a harness. Personally that's how I want to go with my dry suit, SS/BP/wing. I need around 30lbs of lead with my 4MM compressed neoprene dry suit a harness would be much more comfortable than a belt with that much lead.
OP
stevensamler
Contributor
thanks for the reply, I dive dry with weight integrated , rear inflated bc and have no problems controlling the air bubble in the suit. My question is will a weight belt interfere or restrict moving the bubble in the suit?
I like to keep as much weight off my waist as possible, it seems much more comfortable and better for trim. My double steel 119s are all the weight I need to sink me and my dry suit, even in salt water.
If you are diving single tank, consider using a larger steel tank, and possibly switching to a backplate and wing (lots of people do eventually!). You can then add weight to the plate (like an insert in a single tank adapter). Diving a single steel 119 in the past, I only needed 14 lbs, 6 of which was in the STA.
If you are diving single tank, consider using a larger steel tank, and possibly switching to a backplate and wing (lots of people do eventually!). You can then add weight to the plate (like an insert in a single tank adapter). Diving a single steel 119 in the past, I only needed 14 lbs, 6 of which was in the STA.
Michael Guerrero
Contributor
While wearing my weight belt, the bubble moves freely between my feet and shoulders. I can't even tell I'm wearing it.
I have about 10lbs on my back and another 12 on my waist with a light undergarment. For a colder pacific ocean dive I wear 20 on the waist, still don't notice it.
I have about 10lbs on my back and another 12 on my waist with a light undergarment. For a colder pacific ocean dive I wear 20 on the waist, still don't notice it.
OP
stevensamler
Contributor
Thank you all for the help and suggestions I will be buying a belt this week , cheers and safe diving.
Michael Guerrero
Contributor
same same
Montana Diver
Contributor
I use a weight harness. I tried to place weight on my SS back plate and found that with a Steel 119, my small 27# wing would not float my rig when not attached to me. I dive the harness wet or dry. I recently upgraded to a DSS 35# wing to allow me a little extra comfort in the water. I love the weight harness as I do not have to re-tighten my belt at depth or worry about it slipping down over my hips.
I have a weight belt with about 8 lbs, then add the rest into my integrated and a 2lbs on each ankle. I find the ankle weights are the most critical, personally I hate weight belts period. I try to put as much into my integrated as possible and am going to get pockets to add to my BC strap so I can fire weight into those and take it off my waist. The only problem with my choice is that if I had to dump weights then I'll end up dumping one or more integrated pockets (which I'd rather not lose) but also because they have so much weight in each I'll be surfacing a lot quicker than I want. I may ultimately keep a belt with only 4 lbs and try to space weight out more so I can dump evenly if I ever had to.
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