Weighting question

[shardison]

Hi All,

I'm sure that I'm not the first to ask questions about proper weighting, but here it goes!

I just purchased all of my own gear and have not had a chance to get weighted properly in salt water.

I'm 173 lbs and about 5' 9'' diving a 5mm full suit. I'm going to Cozumel in a couple days and need to know what suggested weight i might start with.

I managed to get to the pool to at least know what my fresh water weight is (16 lbs.) using the exact setup I will be using down there.

And one other question: If i find that i get too warm in my 5mm and drop back to a 3mm shorty, how much weight should i take off.

I know any suggestion is just a "guess" as everyone is different, but I'd like to have an idea of where to start.

Thanks,

 

[Brendon]

Im just going to throw this out there... Yes it has been asked several times... To answer your question I must first say that 16lbs seems a bit much for you in fresh water in a 5mm wet suit given the height and weight you stated. Your probably over-weighted.. You should be looking to be able to maintain neutral bouyancy at 10-15', thats it. You need 4.92lbs to maintain whatever neg/neutral bouyancy you are currently at..

 

[Brendon]

Thats in your 5mm, 3mm shorty drop 2-3lbs.

 

[shardison]

Brendon,

Thanks for the info... Yes, I was a little heavy at 16lbs (14.50) worked pretty well for me when i was using weight belts... I now have a Hollis HD100 integreted BC. My local dive shop guy told me that I should weight my pockets evenly so as to not get the "roll" effect. 14 was just a tad light as I had to kick to get my self down, and I also couldn't fin pivot at about 12 ft (pool Bottom). When I would inhale, my whole body would come off the bottom. (guess i don't have as much muscle as I used too...)

I'll start at 20 lbs. for my first dive and adjust from there.

Thanks again!!