Weight Checks with my Backplate and Wing

[CWSWine]

Finally made it to the pool to do weight checks on my new Oxycheq wing, DSS back plate and Atomic Smokes in the Water fins. I was using a Dive Rite Transpac, Apollo Bios Fins, and AL80 with 3Mil and was using 12lbs of weight with 8lbs on the upper tanks strap and still extremely feet heavy. My thoughts were that I was so feet heavy anyway the Apollo’s were just making it worse.

I started my weight check with no weights with a 3Mil, DSS Plate/Wing, Full AL80 and the Smokes fins and was floating with water level center on my mask with a normal breath. All I did was switch fins to the Apollo and went to negative; remember the Apollo’s are about 4lbs negative in the water. Added 6lbs of weight to the belt to compensate loss in weight of AL80 at 500lbs. Headed to the bottom (14 feet) do so buoyancy practices and to breath the tank down for end of dive weight check. Using the positively buoyant Atomic Smokes my trim wasn’t perfect but a lot closer than I have ever been able to achieve previously and I’m sure will get better with practice. Switched fins back to the Apollo’s and the negative buoyancy I had the same problems as before – I would do OK while kicking and moving forward but as soon as I quick kicking my feet would sink and I would be come vertical again. I tried head up, hands forward, knees bent, back arched and even moving weight onto the tank straps. My end of dive weight with the Atomic was slightly heavy at 6lbs but not quite enough if I drop to 4 pounds.

I plan to start out at 14lbs in salt water which should put me a little over weight and work down from there.

[Splitlip]

The Apollos are negative, but not 4#.
You have done the same as I however. I went to the Smokes over the Apollos because they are positive.
Does the 14# include the weight of the plate?

[CWSWine]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

The Apollos are negative, but not 4#.
You have done the same as I however. I went to the Smokes over the Apollos because they are positive.
Does the 14# include the weight of the plate?

The 14lbs does not include the back plate which is 6.2lbs for a total of 19.2lbs - does that sound like I'm over weighted again? The Padi Peak Buoyancy chapter states that you should add 7 lbs for body weight of 187 to 217 for salt water and I'm 235 So 6lbs of weight + 6.2 back plate + 7 for salt water = 19.2lbs total.

The Padi book also says for 3 mil in fresh water use 5% of body weight plus 5lbs for the tank which comes to 16.75lb in fresh water which would be way over weighted for me - I use 6lbs plus 6.2 for total of 12.2lbs. Padi manual also said for a 7 mil I need 32lbs and I ended up with 24lbs.

OK what is your best guess?? Maybe I try to over think process!!!

[Splitlip]

19.2# is probably too much. Good place to start though.

I am 195#. With a 3mil suit I only wear 2# trim with my aluminum plate. No belt. But I use steel tanks. If I do the math correctly I am wearing about 11# to your 19.2. (2# plate and STA, 2 # trim, 7# Delta for the steel tank)

But then you are bigger than I.

Keep thinking. Makes a world of difference to dial in your buoyancy. Then work on trim.

[mm2002]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

19.2# is probably too much. Good place to start though.

I am 195#. With a 3mil suit I only wear 2# trim with my aluminum plate. No belt. But I use steel tanks. If I do the math correctly I am wearing about 11# to your 19.2. (2# plate and STA, 2 # trim, 7# Delta for the steel tank)

But then you are bigger than I.

Keep thinking. Makes a world of difference to dial in your buoyancy. Then work on trim.

Tim, you make everyone feel over weighted!
I still don't see how you get by with that tiny amount of lead, even with the steel tank, especially in SW. You must have heavy bones!

[Splitlip]

FWIW, wearing my hooded vest and 1 mil shorts, I have 2# on a belt.

As I said, I am blessed to have the BHB. I go ther after most every ocean dive trip with a little bit of gas left in a bottle. And tune tune tune. I need every advantage. One of my dive buddies, (Stevie. You met him) is not even 18 yet. He dives steel 80's and I do my best to stay with him with my 100's.

[mm2002]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

FWIW, wearing my hooded vest and 1 mil shorts, I have 2# on a belt.

As I said, I am blessed to have the BHB. I go ther after most every ocean dive trip with a little bit of gas left in a bottle. And tune tune tune. I need every advantage. One of my dive buddies, (Stevie. You met him) is not even 18 yet. He dives steel 80's and I do my best to stay with him with my 100's.

What I wouldn't give to have been where Stevie's at when I was his age.
I hope he realizes how fortunate he is. Cool kid too.

[Splitlip]

He just got his MC license and picked up a 600cc Honda CBR. I rode it the other day. A wicked little piece of iron.

Yeah, there are worse things in the world than being Stevie.

He plans on becoming a Fire Fighter. That is cool.

Oh, I have to add. GOOD kid.