anyone ever try wearing non-ditchable weight under their dry suit ???

[rick00001967]

i know this sounds like an odd question, but hey, i'm an odd guy so......

just wondering if anyone has ever tried wearing extra weight that does not need to be ditchable underneath their dry suit perhaps on a very secure belt or harness system.
i currently have a weight integrated bc but i wear some of that weight on a standard weight belt over my dry suit. i hate the belt. but do not want all my lead in the bc. i am trying to balance the rig better. i have been considering for quite sometime to start using a weight harness of some type as i would be carrying enough ditchable lead in the bc.
just wondering if i wore it under the dry suit and under the heavy undergarment if it would cut down on the amount of extra gear squeezing the suit and undies and therefore maybe help with the insulating value. it might also make the outside of the suit less cluttered and maybe a bit easier to move in.

go ahead. let me have it. i can take it.

 

[buddhasummer]

Sounds risky to me. Even non ditchable weight is ultimately ditchable as you can remove rig. I imagine trying to remove a weight belt worn under your suit would be extremely difficult. I don't see how it would affect squeeze. A steel plate with trim weight pockets might be worth considering. I'm new to drysuit diving so take all I say with a pinch of salt. I'm sure one or two of the experts will give a more detailed and knowledgable answer.

Subscribed.

 

[rick00001967]

I don't see how it would affect squeeze

by "squeeze" i only meant the harness or belt on the outside obviously compresses the areas it is tightened on. especially around the waist. i know my suit is way more comfortable without the belt at all. but unfortunately i need it for now

 

[maniago]

just wondering if anyone has ever tried wearing extra weight that does not need to be ditchable underneath their dry suit perhaps on a very secure belt or harness system.

We'll put you in for a Darwin award....

 

[rick00001967]

We'll put you in for a Darwin award....

thats very enlightening. no idea what that means but thanks a bunch for the helpful input

 

[buddhasummer]

Darwin Awards: Darwin Awards

 

[Stoo]

I think a better approach might be to figure out "why" you seem to need a lot of weight... there might be a better way to deal with it. I see you are a fellow Ontarian, so presumably, you are diving in fresh water, right?

Can you describe your size and build? What type of drysuit are you wearing? What type of tank?

I agree with the others though... stuffing your undies with lead seems like a bad idea... and really uncomfortable!

Feel free to PM if you prefer...

 

[BRT]

If I put on a weight belt it ends up around my ankles. Get a DUI weight harness. The weight is ditchable but will NEVER come off on its own. Your BCD weight pockets will have less stress and you can adjust the DUI system up or down for trim.

 

[00wabbit]

I'm a big guy myself and need about 22lbs of lead with my drysuit and cold water thermals and a steel tank.

I deal with with it by having a steel tank, using a back plate and wing (the backplate weighs 8lbs) I use a dui weight and trim harness for some weight. It doesn't squeeze because you don't have to have the belt that tight since it is a harness. I also have xs scuba pouches on my top cam band where I can put some of the weight to balance out. I only have to carry 14lbs of lead because of the backplate.

as for putting the lead under the suit I wouldn't so it. I would worry about falling in the water without your rig on and not being able to float.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I don't see a benefit, I do see added risk. Stoo hit the nail on the head, almost all other weight can be ditched one way or another. Inside the D/S it is like wearing cement shoes, with same lethal ending. There are multiple other options, I use the DUI harness and need 34lbs diving dry in cold. Not an issue