BC Question

[johlar]

When are you supposed to put the weight into a weight integrated BC? I have a 3 year old Scubapro BC and I am physically unable to put the weights into the vest once I put the vest on. I just don't have the wrist strenght plus the opening for the weights is very tight. I don't have an issue removing the weight, I've tested to make sure .
<DIV>Anyone else have this type of problem.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>

[FishFood]

I always weight mine down before putting it on. On my BC, it makes it front heavy, so I put the weigths init just before putting it on my body.

[Kingpatzer]

I always load the weights after the tank is on, but before I'm wearing it.

The tank weight makes it easier to manipulate (to me) but I can't imagine doing it while wearing it . . .

[HoosierDaddy]

That is how I do it, mount the BC on the tank, then insert weights into BC... Hook up inflator, put on wetsuit, dive knife, turn on tank, lift BC, put on BC, check air, put on fins, mask, cover reg and giant stride into the Gulf of Mexico. Repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat....

[CompuDude]

They're a pain to put in mid-water, that's for sure, but it's do-able, especially if you get into horizontal trim so the BC is a little freer to move around.

Generally it's best to put them in before you put the whole scuba unit on. Hopefully, however, you have a friend to help or a handy ledge, because yes, you're picking up the entire weighted beastie, which can weigh a ton (esp in colder water where you carry more weight).

I prefer a good weight belt.

[johlar]

I'm glad it's not just me who puts the weight in then puts the BC on! I'm considering going to a weight belt.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>thanks folks</DIV>

[cummings66]

My buddy lost his weights and I picked them up off the bottom for him and put them in, it was a MAJOR PITA to do. The BC pockets sometimes are rather tight and it's work to get them in. My Mare's Vector is pretty easy, but the Bechaut is not fun.

[picxie]

I put weights in then put the BCD on the tank. I also wear a weight belt and half the weight is on that, and only half in the BCD.

[TAH 73]

Are you using hard or soft weights?
<DIV>I find with my Scubapro BC I have an easier time loading the softweights in rather than the lead blocks.</DIV>
<DIV>I have no issues loading in the weights after I have the BC on. just as question does the weight dump have a large Velcro strip across the bottom, and you load the weights through a zippered slot in the top? If so make sure the Velcro is lined up properly, whenI first got my BC the Velcro was pulled too tight and the pockets wouldn't open up far enough to get the weights in.</DIV>
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[Rascal1933]

<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Ditto that's the way I do it: I always load the weights after the tank is on, but before I'm wearing it.
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