Weight belt issue, Need Opinion

[mentalmarine]

Ok I have a bp/w that I think I have adjusted to the way I like it. The issue that I am having is previously I had a BCD that had the weight intergrated so I didnt really have to mess with a weight belt. I wear a 7mm FJ and need about 26 lbs to get me neutral. That weight on a weight belt about falls off my butt when I put it on a weight belt and just feels akward. Does anyone have a suggestion of another type of weight belt or am I just doing something wrong?

[FishFood]

Originally Posted by mentalmarine

Ok I have a bp/w that I think I have adjusted to the way I like it. The issue that I am having is previously I had a BCD that had the weight intergrated so I didnt really have to mess with a weight belt. I wear a 7mm FJ and need about 26 lbs to get me neutral. That weight on a weight belt about falls off my butt when I put it on a weight belt and just feels akward. Does anyone have a suggestion of another type of weight belt or am I just doing something wrong?

There are multiple options you can go with. Here's what Id do...

1) Weighted STA. Several venders make these. I use an Oxycheq which is 6lbs negative.

2) Weights pockets on your wasit webbing, and lower camband. ( XS Scuba Weight Pocket, Weights, XS Scuba, XS Scuba Weight Pocket )

5lbs in each weight pocket + a 6 lb STA = 26 lbs Very well distributed for good trim.

[fireflock]

I like the XS pockets. I wedge mine between the plate and a D-ring on each side. You can reach the pockets and remove the weights if you need to, so it's a way to add ditchable weight without a belt. 5lbs is about the most you will get in each pocket, however.

[mentalmarine]

I like your idea with the XS pockets, I could put 20 lbs on my waist belt and maybe put the 4 to 6 on the cam straps, or even on my belt, I dont mind 6 lbs on a belt.

[CompuDude]

26 lbs PLUS a bp/w? Wow. That's a lot.

I'd avoid too much weight on your waist belt. That will get awkward fairly quickly, especially if you're trying to put that belt over another weight belt.

I'd look into a weighted STA, and/or a channel weight (goes in the groove inside the center of the backplate). Wear the rest on your waist, but you may want to try a different kind of weight belt. I find the XS Scuba pocket belts far more comfortable than regular weight belts.

If not, add some weight pockets, plus the weighted STA, and you should be able to eliminate a belt.

[mentalmarine]

I was using 30 with my previous BCD, AL80 and 7mm FJ. I would still have to kick down before my suit compressed enough were I would be fine. I was guess that with a LP121 and bp/w I would drop some of that. I have an AL backplate around 2#, from the AL80 to lp121 around 4#. So my new weight without getting in the water I would guess around 24. I got the HOLY CRAP 30lbs in a wetsuit, but I have tested it after many of my dives at 500 thats what I need to stay down, any lower and im pickin up rocks .

So is 24# about a good starting point? So no I am thinking of the XS pockets on the belt about 4 on there. Then the remaing use a V weight like you suggested. I would try the V weight first only for cost. Ya really didnt like the crotch strap, weight belt and waist belt all overlapping it just felt uncomfertable.

Thanks for the comments and as always Compudude you are a wealth of knowledge!

[CompuDude]

You're diving an Al backplate? Have you considered trying to find a used SS backplate? They don't cost much used, for a bare plate. Pop up all the time, and that'll get another 4 lbs taken care of really easily. If you can find a heavy plate, or DSS plate with weight plates (that'll likely cost more), you can do even better.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by mentalmarine

Ok I have a bp/w that I think I have adjusted to the way I like it. The issue that I am having is previously I had a BCD that had the weight intergrated so I didnt really have to mess with a weight belt. I wear a 7mm FJ and need about 26 lbs to get me neutral. That weight on a weight belt about falls off my butt when I put it on a weight belt and just feels akward. Does anyone have a suggestion of another type of weight belt or am I just doing something wrong?

One other option is a kind of weight belt made and sold buy DUI (the drysuit people) it is a weight belt with integrated suspenders so it can't fall down. The belt part has pockets where you put hard or soft weights. there is a "rip cord" release. Pull it and the weight falls out. It looks way to complex but it works well for people who need to cary a lot of weight and have a body shape that will not let a belt stay on.

That said 27 lbs in addition to a back plate in fresh water is a lot.

[RoyN]

There is also the option of adding weight pouches to your waist harness. All of them will fit perfect on the 2 inch webbing too so hopefully this will make your backplate wing weight integrated.

Here are some options:

Dive rite's weight pouch




Apek's surelock pouch



Seasoft Quikditch Pocket Weight System

[cmburch]

XS SCUBA 8 Pouch Weight Belt with Depth Compensating Buckle
I only have the problem with the heavy weight belt slipping when I am hiking, so I tend to sling it and my wife's over my shoulder when walking. I mainly freedive, but I SCUBA 2-4 days a month using a SS BP with STA and crotch strap. I have XS SCUBA 8 pouch weight belt with a depth compensating buckle (spring tensioned) that seems to work well. When freediving, I may have to adjust it a few times throughout the day. I am also thinking about a shoulder harness, but I do not want anything extra that can get hung up while freediving.

When diving about the only time I am head up/fins down for it to slip down is when I am surfacing, so maybe think about trim/orientation. I tend to be slightly head down when freediving and on SCUBA. This is because I am hunting in an around rocks normally looking under rocks and in cracks for fish.

I am also using about 25 lbs. I distribute the heavier pouches - the heaviest in the front - the lighter on my sides - and the medium in the rear. If all the heavy weight is in the rear it will slide down ones butt. I have a total of 8 pouches. but only use 6.