Confused Brigade Owner

[Bigdog67]

I am a new diver and purchased my Brigade after my OW course. I have only used it a couple times but it is MUCH better then the undersized well worn rental I used to train in. I have read much about "Rear Weight Pockets" to buy or not to buy. The Brigade BC I got in August from ST I swear has some sort of weight pockets that hug the bottom of the tank. I am confused in that are the weight pockets that are for sale meant to be addtional pockets for my BC or do I just have them with my particular model?

I did find that I trim out much better and dont have that face plant tendacy on the surface when a put a little weight in there.

[teerlkay]

Originally Posted by Bigdog67

I am a new diver and purchased my Brigade after my OW course. I have only used it a couple times but it is MUCH better then the undersized well worn rental I used to train in. I have read much about "Rear Weight Pockets" to buy or not to buy. The Brigade BC I got in August from ST I swear has some sort of weight pockets that hug the bottom of the tank. I am confused in that are the weight pockets that are for sale meant to be addtional pockets for my BC or do I just have them with my particular model?

I did find that I trim out much better and dont have that face plant tendacy on the surface when a put a little weight in there.

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If the tank straps run through them they are rear weight pockets. I think ST sells them as an add on to the basic model.

Welcome to the brigade family!

[cbope]

They are an add-on, but it seems that they are standard on the Brigade. I got my Brigade this summer and the rear weight pockets were included (e.g. I didn't ask for them and they were already installed).

[teerlkay]

Originally Posted by cbope

They are an add-on, but it seems that they are standard on the Brigade. I got my Brigade this summer and the rear weight pockets were included (e.g. I didn't ask for them and they were already installed).

Cool. Normally it's a drop down menu pick and +40 USD.

[5513]

Mine has them, I ordered mine with them. Don't know if they were part of the package or not because I hid the receipt from my wife and can't find it now. I use them all the time with a couple of lbs in each. Helps my trim a lot. Great BCD, I have about 25 dives on mine now.

[teerlkay]

Originally Posted by 5513

I hid the receipt from my wife and can't find it now.

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Another Scuba diver reduced to lies, deceit, and trickery to support the habit…welcome to the club!

[DMWiz]

Those are rear trim pockets and some models come with them included (Ranger & Stiletto) and since the Brigade is really a Ranger it most likely came with the pockets as well. They can be added to any BC or the older Rangers like mine that did not have them.

As their name implies, they are used to improve your trim and you should split your weight between your integrated weight pockets and trim pockets.
I prefer the pockets on the top cam band rather than the bottom to help me stay horizontal in the water as my lower body is very negative keeping the weight up levels me out.

Hope this helps!
Wiz

[Mecha]

hmm been looking at the brigade since i went to st to try on a bunch of different bc's now im getting sold

i was torn between the brigade and sherwood avid

[imasinker]

Originally Posted by DMWiz

Those are rear trim pockets and some models come with them included (Ranger & Stiletto) and since the Brigade is really a Ranger it most likely came with the pockets as well. They can be added to any BC or the older Rangers like mine that did not have them.

As their name implies, they are used to improve your trim and you should split your weight between your integrated weight pockets and trim pockets.
I prefer the pockets on the top cam band rather than the bottom to help me stay horizontal in the water as my lower body is very negative keeping the weight up levels me out.

Hope this helps!
Wiz

I agree...but have to add just one thing here...I have the Stiletto, and I have the trim pockets as well. One thing to add about position of the rear trim pockets to think about is your body lenght and size. I am tall 6'2 and I find the rear trim pockets best for me lower on the bottom cam band. I would suggest you try it both ways and see how you feel. Just a thought to add to an already great post. Thats a great BC you have there!

[Splitlip]

On my stiletto, I found the trim weight pockets a little too low for me.
I used them for storage; DSMB and folding snorkel.
I split my weight between the upper cam straps and the waist pockets.