Hi folks,
Based on your personal experience, can anyone provide a guesstimates as to how much extra lbs/kg I should expect to add when adding thicker mid-layers (Bare SB system mid-layer) to the thin base layers (Bare SB system base-layer) I usually use?
Some info; diving in a compressed neoprene DS, I require 17lbs/7.6kg extra weight using thin undergarments.
Last year, diving a BP/W OC config; I had put on an extra 11lbs/5kg which seemed a lot.
Thanks
Kevin...
In an attempt to answer your question...I'll explain my dry-suit system...and what I do...
I have a custom built DUI CF-200 Signature suit... size...probably best described as a ''Large-Tall''...if you're unfamiliar with this suit...it is manufactured from DUI's proprietary ''crushed neoprene''...neoprene neck and wrist seals...and soft feet...
The suit has a telescopic waist...with integrated crotch strap...and fully adjustable suspenders...the suit fits like a glove with absolutely no ''over- bulk''...this is the primary reason the system works so well...
Undergarment consists of two piece T-Max Heat suit and I layer up the top with a cotton ''thermal knit'' crew shirt...my socks are also T-Max Heat...
I regularly dive in Ontario Great Lakes water that is only a few degrees above freezing in mid July...and often dive in late November/early December...weather and conditions permitting...
This system combination keeps me nice and warm...and very comfortable...
As far as ballast...I wear no more than I would wear with a 7 mm wet suit...
It's not the dry-suit and undergarment loft that's keeping you positively buoyant...it's air trapped and not properly evacuated in the ''over-bulk''...
My rebreather is light...fully charged...less tanks...under 30 pounds...with tanks 50 pounds...for ballast I wear two six...and two four pound shot packs...20 pounds total...I prefer shot packs as they're not damaging to my integrated pocket system...and they mold to contours...
As I descend...my wing is empty...neutrality primarily comes from my counter-lungs...at depth I add a little gas to the suit...not the wing...and prior to my ascent...I exhaust the suit and ascend with the only buoyancy gas being the gas in my counter-lungs...and when reaching the surface...I then inflate my wing...
Spend a little more time evacuating trapped air...pre-dive...you'll find there is a significant difference...and you can start using the gas in your tank for breathing instead of filling and exhausting your BCD...as well as dropping a good portion of your current ballast load...
Hope this narrative helps...takes a little practice...you'll get it...and remember...more ballast is ''not'' the solution to the problem...
Dive Safe...
Warren...