Trim weighting a back inflation BC

[DiverBob]

Since I am now the proud new owner of a Zeagle Escape, I have a question regarding weight distribution if utilizing rear weight pockets.

Assuming all gear but the new BC will remain the same, I used 10lbs to get neutral in my jacket style BC. Would a good starting point be to place a single 1lb shot bag weight in both rear pockets and a single 4lbs in each front pocket for total of 10?

I am also assuimg it may not take 10lbs to get neutral since there is alot less bulk between the two BCs.

My objective is to distribute weights in the optimal fashion so rolling over on the back at depth is not difficult or balancing for those hard to get photo opps... Also once on the surface... I like to be one of the last ones on the boat so I tend to stay back and wait for everyone else to get boarded. My thought is the rear weights will help counter any forward pitch from even a properly inflated bladder on the surface.

Thoughts on this approach?

Thanks in advance from a newbie "winger"!

[gtjason2000]

Well you can play around with it but you might want to put more than 2lbs on your back

[ertechsg]

Try it and see how it works. I put #3 in my rear pockets and #1 in my side pockets keeps my head down.

[mm_dm]

Try two 2 pounders in the back pockets & the 3lbs up front. Don't put more weight in the back pockets than you can swim up with (with an empty BC bladder) should you ever have to ditch. Plus, too much in the back pockets will give you a tendency to roll that way and swimming upside down sucks.

[Hollywood703]

I agree, 2 lbs to the rear each side, and the rest in the dumpable.

[Illini_Fan]

Another vote for putting roughly 40% of the weight in back. If you end up shedding two pounds and get down to 8lbs -- go with an even 50/50 split.

[DiverBob]

I will try the 2lbs on each side in rear pockets and 3lbs in each side pocket to start. Nice thing about the Zeagle rear pockets is they can be dumped easily by the diver. They have red (for other divers to see) cloth looped handles that open the bottom of the pocket to dump weights. I tried on the BC with tank and they are pretty easy to find and operate. Hope I never have to use them...but I will practice!

Thanks for suggestions.. May be headed to the local dive pool to try out in fresh water this weekend!!

[DiverBob]

Originally Posted by Illini_Fan

Another vote for putting roughly 40% of the weight in back. If you end up shedding two pounds and get down to 8lbs -- go with an even 50/50 split.

Hey Tom,

I will probably end up doing the 50-50 trimming since the Escape weighs several pounds less than the Mares does which should make it easier to sink.

Different topic... I assume you attended Illinois? We are going to the Mizzou-Illini Border war football game at the Ed Jones Dome a week from Saturday. It should be a great game. It is close to sold out as of today...

Thanks for the recommendation.

Bob

[Illini_Fan]

Don't practice with the main rip-cord on the Zeagle. I hear it is a b*tch to rethread. They even have a video of it on ST web site.

[Illini_Fan]

Originally Posted by DiverBob

Hey Tom,

I will probably end up doing the 50-50 trimming since the Escape weighs several pounds less than the Mares does which should make it easier to sink.

Different topic... I assume you attended Illinois? We are going to the Mizzou-Illini Border war football game at the Ed Jones Dome a week from Saturday. It should be a great game. It is close to sold out as of today...

Thanks for the recommendation.

Bob

Yes, back when the School of Business was called Commerce and Business Administration.

My son is thinking of going -- we went up there in March for the campus visit. He is a senior in HS this year, so we shall see. Enjoy the game, I like the rivalary with Mizzou in baseketball, maybe the football one will take on a similar life.