Adding ditchable weights

[Flycaster]

What pockets or pouches are you folks using to add around 5-8 lbs. of ditch-able weight to each side of your rig?
Possibly shifting a portion to the rear.
Thanks.

 

[tbone1004]

don't believe in ditchable weight. not necessary unless you are diving dangerously overweighted

If I need that much ballast, DSS SS backplate with weight plates, and whatever else is on a rubber weight belt
55

 

[decompression]

I'm neutral as well but I use a combo of SS backplate, weighted STA, plate weights and pouches. I have pouches from XS scuba, Halcyon and UTD. XS makes a ditchable and nonditchable. The best made are the UTD ones but they are more expensive.

 

[lexvil]

I use dive rite, OMS also makes nice ones, DGX has a good selection.

 

[dmaziuk]

5-8 pounds to each side? To the tune of 16 pounds total? I'd look into weight harnesses.

 

[MichaelMc]

Halcyon ACB pockets with 3-5lb each side (8lb. is a lot for one pocket). 8-12lb. weight belt, steel plate with extra lead attached. Some in belt helps if I ditch the rig. Non ditchable XS scuba velcro pockets are good and cheap, Scuba pro/Halcyon velcro + buckle trim pockets sturdy but not cheap, for more non-ditchable weight higher on the rig for trim adjustment.

 

[Flycaster]

5-8 pounds to each side? To the tune of 16 pounds total? I'd look into weight harnesses.

I am talking about 8-12 lbs. total (left,right,maybe a little trim weight on the tank strap).

 

[swimlikethefish]

Assuming** (I hate to assume), you are wearing neoprene. Probably 7mm. With a hood and gloves, I'm guessing you would probably need around 20lbs. A stainless backplate is 6. 100cuft tank is 1 lbs empty (Faber). Regs 4 lbs. Weighted sta is another 6. Plus cam bands 1. That's 18 lbs alone. Now throw a reel and flashlight and you are real close to the 20 number. Again this is just a guess you would have to do a proper weight check. But you could always dive a Worthington for the extra 2 lbs negative over a Faber. Then you are diving a balanced rig, and you are not over weight. (your mileage may vary, please do a weight check.) No sense in buying weight pouches if you don't need them.

 

[Flycaster]

Assuming** (I hate to assume), you are wearing neoprene. Probably 7mm. With a hood and gloves, I'm guessing you would probably need around 20lbs. A stainless backplate is 6. 100cuft tank is 1 lbs empty (Faber). Regs 4 lbs. Weighted sta is another 6. Plus cam bands 1. That's 18 lbs alone. Now throw a reel and flashlight and you are real close to the 20 number. Again this is just a guess you would have to do a proper weight check. But you could always dive a Worthington for the extra 2 lbs negative over a Faber. Then you are diving a balanced rig, and you are not over weight. (your mileage may vary, please do a weight check.) No sense in buying weight pouches if you don't need them.

My total bouyancy of two piece suit with all the stuff is 30.
100 CF tank is -8 full so I would be neutral at a 15ft. stop on my way back with the empty tank. bouyant on the surface.
I still plan on wearing a small amount in the weight belt.

With just the shorty in mid- late August I would need only 2-4lbs. total if that much.

 

[swimlikethefish]

30 is a pretty big number, even for a two piece farmer john. I'm not saying you don't need 30, but I would do a real true weight check. Most people find the more they dive the more weight they shed.

Next time you go diving, put all your neoprene on. Grab your mask and fins. Then get in chest deep water. Have a buddy hand you some weight. Figure out what exactly it takes to sink (should float at eye level with a full breath) Then write the number down! This is what you will use to calculate everything else going forward. I dedicate a whole page in my log book for variations of weight, dependant upon what I'm wearing and what water type. Then see if you really need 30.

I have also found that wearing thick neoprene after diving to depths greater than 60ft I don't need as much as I would above that depth. Neoprene will compress and lose buoyancy, you will usually feel like shrink wrap at that point.