Flycaster
Contributor
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.
I tested it all in a tank just two days ago.
In Fresh Water:
Shorty 13lbs. to get neutral
Farmer John 15lbs. to get neutral
Add boots,gloves,hood 2lbs. conservatively
Neoprene weight belt 1lb.
31lbs.
Add it to salt water and my 30lbs is conservative.
Diving with the same suit and a jacket BC with aluminum 80 back when I had that gear I wore around 30 in a weight belt.
Probably why they aren't selling many two piece suits anymore.
Sorry but it's true.