Backplate, Wings, Harness but what about Weights?

[GMDGeek]

Ok I have been trolling the forums, surfing the web, evening Googling images and while I feel I have a good understanding of the setup (especially after DD took the time to show me his setup) I am curious as to preferred method for weights.

I'm by no means small so weights will be a factor - 7mil freshwater I use 12-14lbs and in Salt I still am not sure. If down the road or sooner I choose to go after a backplate setup will that with that mean a weight belt as well?

Thanks
Gerry

[Okc_diver]

I'm sure there are pouches that you can attach to the harness. Try some accessory pockets XS scuba makes a few of these. Found a few prices range from 2.74 up to 12.95

[navyhmc]

You've met DD?! We're not worthy!

One the subject of weights and the BP/W set up, in some cases, yes you will need a weight belt. Or you'll need weight pouches or my favorite, a weight harness. There are a lot of options in the pouch variety, about every maker of a plate system makes wieght pouches. I have a set of 16lb and 32 lb DR pouches that came with my BP/W set up when I bought it (ebay for a steal: Plate, transplate harness, pouches, classic wing for $200!) I used the 16lb pouches for a while and then switched to a DUI weight harness and I likethe harness better.

No matter what you choose, make sure at least 75% of your added wieght is droppable-kind of a safety issue.

[GMDGeek]

I saw several weight harnesses with pouches - I think I am leaning towards this approach - It will be several months before I make that purchase so I am hoping to be able to see a few rigs in action first before making the final decision.

[Tiptopperoo]

In all honesty, I believe a standard weight belt and some trim weight pockets are your best option. It's simple and easy and doesn't mean you have to haul around a rig that weighs a ton. With a 7mm suit, you have a fair bit of padding around you already so weights aren't that uncomfy. If you must spend money on a weight solution, the most fancy thing I'd buy is one with pockets on it.

[fisheater]

Weight belts aren't evil. (Just be sure the buckle does a good job of closing and not allowing any slippage.)

I found that going from my Brigade to a BP/W, I shed 10 pounds of lead. 5 because of the weight of the BP and another 5 because of the Brigade's inherent buoyancy.

[TommyB]

Originally Posted by GMDGeek

Ok I have been trolling the forums, surfing the web, evening Googling images and while I feel I have a good understanding of the setup (especially after DD took the time to show me his setup) I am curious as to preferred method for weights.

I'm by no means small so weights will be a factor - 7mil freshwater I use 12-14lbs and in Salt I still am not sure. If down the road or sooner I choose to go after a backplate setup will that with that mean a weight belt as well?

Thanks
Gerry

Depending on your setup you may not need any weight.
I dive HP100's, with a Dry-Suit and I don't use any weight in Fresh Water
HP100's with 5mil wet-suit salt I use about 6-8 lbs. And the only reason need extra weight for the salt water is I don't use a true plate. I dive the TransPac, so it's a soft-Plate. And Most of the time it's a Hot Drop on a wreck, so it's a fast drop the the bottom as there is no line. eg decent = about 196ft a min
5'9" 168lbs

[No Misses]

I dive a SS BP with HP120. If I am wearing 3 mil or less, I add zero weight. I am a little "over weighted" in this setup. This means there is no ditchable weight. In case of a BC bladder failure, I am either deploying a lift bag or dropping my whole rig and doing a CESA.

If I dive an AL80 on the same rig with 3 mil, I add 4 lbs of lead. I just string it on my waist belt. Again, there is no ditchable weight.

Now we look at cold water: I wear a 7mil with the SS BP & HP120. I have to add 8 lbs of lead. For this, I use a standard weight belt. In case of emergency, I can ditch my weight belt and shoot to the surface like a cross between a polaris missle and the Michelin man. AGE, it's not just for the young.

[CompuDude]

I prefer splitting the weight up, so I have some weight on a pocket weight belt, which is not uncomfortable to me at all, and the rest on my rig. (I use a weighted STA now but I used to use simple weight pockets on the cam bands to the same effect.)

It all depends on how much lead you need, though... different amounts call for different solutions. The guy who needs 4-6 lbs is in a much different situation than the one who needs 20 lbs.

[ScubaAl]

When using a STA I just wore a weight belt. I put it under the BP harness, so if I did need to ditch I would have to undo the harness first. Never was real fond of this setup but it did work.
With doubles I did not need any lead. This was with double 95's, drysuit, undergarment.
At one point I did try a much thicker undergarment and was too buoyant. Then I put 2-2lbs soft weights between my backplate and tanks.

Al