Weighting Suggestions BP/W with 7mm or Drysuit

[darylm74]

I just got my Oxycheq BP/W in the mail and am concerned about how to weight it. Right now I just have an AL tank and not sure when I will have the funds to purchase a Steel. Currently I own a Mare Pegasus with the Integrated weight system and I use only the integrated system because when I wear a belt using my 7mm suit or my drysuit I start off with the belt fitting very snuggly at the beginning to having to hang onto it to keep it from falling off after I reach depth. Right now I use 24lbs with my gear and either 7mm or drysuit. I know the plate weights 5lbs, I have 4lbs on ankle weights and was going to get 2 trim pockets for on my tank and that would hold 8lbs roughtly. That is a total of 17lbs. Currently that leaves me with zero ditchable weight. What methods are out there other than the overly priced Halcyon pockets. Anyone make similiar pockets that are cheaper? I have also seen other threads where there are ways to make your own pockets. Has anyone done this? Where did you get the tru-ballistic nylon or did you use another material? Any other possible options? I'd like to have some options before I hit the pool with my new gear. Rather get some time in with the new gear and not have to worry about how I'm going to weight it.

Thanks

 

[NINman]

This is what I found when I switched:

Before:
Jacket BC integrated weights w/ 7mil Farmer John, hood, gloves and boots in Fresh water. I needed around 24#'s total.

After:
OxyCheq Sig Series Single Wing (45# lift)
FredT Backplate (5#)
Single Tank Adapter (2#)
3.5# in ankle weights
6# total on trim weights located on TOP tank strap.

Using the same exposure protection, I still needed around 10# on the belt. In Salt I added 6-7 pounds but I should have added maybe 1# extra.

I am leaning towards a integrated type system, such as those that you see discussed on the board. Hope I helped.

EDITED: know what .. I never really answered your question. My bad.

 

[chuckrt]

Ki NINman,
I much prefer a weight harness over fitting weights all over my body and gear. Before BP/Wing I also used integrated I would never use a belt again for the very reasons you stated. I prefer the DUI harness as the Handles are a bright yellow and uses a ripcord style release. Most ot the other harnesses use velcro release, I also had similar system on my BC. I just do not trust velcro. You will find that carrying the weight with a harness is very comfortable when not in the water as well. Hope this helps.

chuckrt