Adjusting hardness with weights and tank height

[beekeeper5]

Hello. I bought a TranPac with Recwings. I noticed that the weights and the shoulder strap base plates were installed in front of my armpits. I have moved the should strap base plates to be right below and behind my armpits as per the instructural video. And subsequently, my weights are now below and behind my armpits. Is this normal or am I used to having my weights in front of me just like my previous jacket-style BCD?

Secondly, what is the recommended tank height adjustment? The manuals states that I should be able to reach back and turn on/off the tank valve which I can do regardless if the tank is high or low.

 

[Dive Rite]

Hi Beekeeper5,

I assume you are diving a single tank, if you are wearing weight pockets. The weight pockets should reside under the armpit or behind the armpit in most cases. However, if you are wearing a heavy steel tank, for example, and find that you are too heavily weighted toward the back, you'll want to leave the sideplates under the armpits or further back and simply move the weight pockets forward using D-rings and belt slides to capture them and keep them from sliding.

Tank height adjustment should be to your comfort. Reaching back to turn the tank on/off is a skill required in doubles technical diving, not so much single tank. However, since you are able to achieve this in any case, simply make sure the tank valve isn't hitting you in the back of the head when diving. If it is, move the tank lower. Also, make sure you are trimming out horizontally in the water, if not move tank up or down accordingly.

Hope this helps,
Kathleen

 

[beekeeper5]

Thanks Kathleen. Appreciate the quick response!