Printable View
I currently dive with a drysuit and steel 100 doubles. The steel tanks is more than enough to weigh me down, so I never need additional weights. I'll be in Seattle soon and would like to dive it waters. I was wondering, if I'm in a drysuit and diving with a AL 80 how much weight do I really need to compensate for. With out a drysuit I usually use a max 10 lbs (for my 7MM) on a AL 80. Would it be safer just to get the Dive Rite 32 or will the 16 be enough?
Hi there,
It all depends on your body's buoyancy characteristics.
When I used to dive in the Great Lakes, I often wore an AL 80 and wore a drysuit. I wore 24 lbs of weight total, split up into two, four-pound Dive Rite harness weights (PN is BC2150-4) and then just used the smaller weight pockets, (Transweight 16's) loaded to maximum. I like the smaller weight pockets because it gave me more space on my belt for accessories.
Remember, you'll be in salt water, so you'll need a little more than me and don't forget to take into consideration your personal buoyancy characteristics (are you round?.... if so, add more weight). You should maybe try out your configuration in a pool before you jump into the cold, emerald water out there and get yourself caught up in a current. Have fun
I was in a similar situation this summer while doing some OW dives in San Diego. I only brought about 15lbs with me thinking that it would be plenty, but I was sorely mistaken.
My miscalculation derived from similar dives I had done off the gulf coast. I was diving an AL80 and drysuit then too. The difference was all in the undergarments. 15lbs was fine for Florida with just some light polypro underneath, but when I dove in San Diego I needed more like 20+lbs. due to my choice of insulation.
For bouyancy I used a single wing with 30 lbs. of lift, it was more than I really needed.
Like Jordan said, your body type is a key factor. I have a really light build and low body fat, so you may not want to base your weight needs on me unless you are similar in build.
Also, unless you are flying and absolutely need to pack light, I will say from experience that it is better to bring extra weight and not need it than to have to abort a dive and go buy lead :!: