Traveling with grenade weights

[Mtrewyn]

Originally Posted by DeeDoubleYou

I thought of that and decided on what I have since they have a through slot that I can easily move around on the strap. As for the pouch/pocket, the XS ones I found are too wide and prohibit the use of the velcro that keeps the strap from coming undone.

After keeping myself awake last night, I've decided to exchange these TSA nightmares for a set of ankle weights. That way I can wrap them around the tank valve and add 1 or 2 as needed. Now, I have known people to travel with these, any of you heard anything bad about doing this? Besides the obvious baggage weight restrictions.

Navyhmc... thanks for the website link, very helpful

I was able to use the XS scuba pouches on my Ranger with out any problem, I only use 2# in each pouch.

[DeeDoubleYou]

Originally Posted by Mtrewyn

I was able to use the XS scuba pouches on my Ranger with out any problem, I only use 2# in each pouch.

Did you still have full use of the velcro on the strap? The XS pouches I found where about 4" wide, are these the same as yours? I didn't actually get to test them, I "eye-balled" it and it seemed a little crowded to me. I now have a pair of neon green ankle weights with a combined weight of 3.3 lbs. I figure I can clip them around the tank valve as needed.

I feel like I'm the only one with negatively bouyant legs. All I'm really trying to accomplish is to remain horizontal when I stop finning. As of now, when my legs stop, my body turns vertically with my head up. I assume it's because my lungs create a bouyancy imbalance with my non-air filled legs.

[NoTime58]

Originally Posted by DeeDoubleYou

I searched all over and couldn't find an answer, so here goes...

I just purchased these 2 blue "grenade" pass-through weights to use as trim on my new Zeagle Brigade's top tank strap. About 90% of my diving is reached via airplane travel. Now, on my way home from work today, it occured to me that these things will definately look like bombs going through airport x-rays!! Has anyone traveled with these?? I figured if I put them in my gear bag, it's guaranteed to get searched. If I take them onboard with me, I'm afraid TSA will confiscate them while going through security. Any help is greatly appreciated!

P.S. I know there are many options for trim weights, but these are the most compact and easiest to use method I found.

I bought two neoprene weight pouches from my LDS to use as trim weights for my wifes' BC, (her Oceanic Islander does'nt have trim pockets). They have a "quick release" snap closure and they can attach around the tank strap. They're great for trimming out with "soft" weights.

[Splitlip]

[quote=DeeDoubleYou;151039]

Originally Posted by Mtrewyn

I feel like I'm the only one with negatively bouyant legs. All I'm really trying to accomplish is to remain horizontal when I stop finning. As of now, when my legs stop, my body turns vertically with my head up. I assume it's because my lungs create a bouyancy imbalance with my non-air filled legs.

What fins are you using?

I tend to be foot heavy and found fins that have positive buoyancy help.

[mitsuguy]

[quote=Splitlip;151057]

Originally Posted by DeeDoubleYou

What fins are you using?

I tend to be foot heavy and found fins that have positive buoyancy help.

I have the same problem... My Tusa's are ever so slightly negative, and I do the exact same thing, but the biggest thing is my boots I think - they have a pretty significant sole and are definitely negative... Problem for me is I like being negative in the feet on the surface, but at depth, I have the same issue as the OP, so I think I'm gonna do the tank valve weight thing too...

[Splitlip]

The trim weights will help you from going heads up, but your feet can still sink. Bend your knees and move your heels (and fins) closer to your butt when hovering. You essentaially are moving a fulcrum or shortening a lever. It will help with trim.

[DeeDoubleYou]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

The trim weights will help you from going heads up, but your feet can still sink. Bend your knees and move your heels (and fins) closer to your butt when hovering. You essentaially are moving a fulcrum or shortening a lever. It will help with trim.

Great advice, thanks! I'll have a week to experiment with varying body positions, weight placement, etc. to perfect my trim. I leave for Grand Bahamas Island Tuesday, I'll be ready with a full report on what worked and what didn't once I return.

[DeeDoubleYou]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

What fins are you using?

I tend to be foot heavy and found fins that have positive buoyancy help.

I was using a pair of Aqualung Blades 2, but I just bought a pair of Mares Quattro Excel to try out. Any chance you've tried these?

[Splitlip]

No.
I have the original blades. I trim very nicely with them without too much problem.

My jets are real negative as are my Apollos. Seems in a 1 mil suit I had to work a little bit. 3 mil not so much. Don't know if it is the added weight/distribution when I use a 3 mil or the additional neoprene on my legs.

I now have a pair of atomic smokes which are positive. I am in the 3 mil this time of year. Next week I am going to remove my trim weights and see what happens.

[DeeDoubleYou]

I'll be diving a 3 mil as well. Previously, I was wearing a 1 mil jumpsuit under a 3/2 fullsuit.

It is becoming apparent that staying perfectly trim in the water is a delicate balance.

Maybe I'm making a big deal out of it; but in my mind, I want to be able to fin along then stop and remain exactly in the same body position until I change it. I think this is imperative to preserving and observing delicate marine life. The last thing anyone needs is to stop to check out a lobster hole and not realize their fins have dropped down and are trashing the reef.

Just my 2 cents.....