View Full Version : Weight belts
I left my weight belt on the peer at scapa. So I went to aquatron to get a new one, the same as the last. Just wondered what u guys think is the Ideal weight belt?:p
PS I got a bowstow shot belt
every time i lose a shot belt :o :o i get a new bowstone. They're the best for me. I can see the point of a harness if you're a girl or have a bad back, but a healthy man should always pack a bowstone (with at least 60 lbs of shot!)
ps any trainees reading this, I'm joking, ok!!!
alexmaclennan
16-05-06, 23:18
I have a DUI harness bought off E-bay. Takes 2 standard 4lb lead weights snugly in each of 4 heavily velcro'ed pouches (if you're a fat bastard who needs all that weight). I've never had to dump weights but the thin yellow plastic linelooks like it will rip out easily. Fits me well with no sensation of weight on my hips and the straps do not cut into my shoulders. Only problem is that harnesses are no good for mantelshelfing onto low piers/pontoons as when training at Puffin or getting onto RIBs.
Alex
I left my weight belt on the peer at scapa. So I went to aquatron to get a new one, the same as the last. Just wondered what u guys think is the Ideal weight belt?:p
PS I got a bowstow shot belt
The light ones are my favorite! :D
in my opinion though, i think a belt with horozontal 'internal pockets/sewn tubes' is better than one with vertical pockets (like mine....)
Just a bog standard belt for me.
24lb with the single and 6-8lb for the twins.
bog standard one for me too - well apart from the fact its multicoloured belt with red weights :D 32lb for me :eek:
:D 32lb for me :eek:
would it be impolite to ask a lady why 32lbs? :confused: ;)
I stopped using a shot belt some time ago, and in fact only ever use blocks and weight retainers, it works every time, and much less money, to be honest i now dont even think a shot belt is more cumfy, pluss you can take your belt on holiday, i always do, i know the belt is not going to slip, and it stops people taking your belt by accident on liver birds.
The light ones are my favorite! :D
in my opinion though, i think a belt with horozontal 'internal pockets/sewn tubes' is better than one with vertical pockets (like mine....)
I wish I could use polystirene balls in stead of lead:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
bubblemaker
19-05-06, 18:01
I wish I could have use polystirene balls in stead of lead:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
sometimes i wonder about you!! you're an engineer.. can't you invent lightweight lead?!?!?!
sometimes i wonder about you!! you're an engineer.. can't you invent lightweight lead?!?!?!
Its been invented they called it aluminium???:eek:
I think shotbelts are a lot more cumfy than big lead blocks But I have tried a harness and It was cumfy too, but not too practical :D
I have always used the bog standard weight belt, 2x6lbs kydney jobs & 2x2lbs 16lbs in total. It can be a real pain in the hips if I have to walk any distance, though I often wear it round my neck :eek: not on a dive though.
Anyway, I've had this belt for 30 years, so far I have replaced the webbing 4 times and the lead weights and buckle 6 times.:D :D
I would prefer the peerfect dry suit:
Neutrally buoyant.
Buoyancy does not change with depth.
Close fitting so there is no trapped air to compress.
Excellent insulating properties which don’t change with depth.:)
Thin so as not to hamper movement.
Stretchy so is easy to put on./take off.
Ware resistant.
Such a beast is a pipedream but it would mean that any form of traditional weight belt would be a thing of the past.:(
I hate lugging the weight belt around.
A harness resulted in all the weight of cylinder and weight belt being on my shoulders, could not stand that for more than 10 minutes.
The harness has gone.
The shot belt is environmentally unfriendly.
So it's the traditional belt for me until the perfect dry suite is available.:(
dive granny
08-10-06, 16:26
I like your idea of the 'perfect' suit. how cool would that be? The first time I tried my suit on (it was borrowed on the way to my first open water dive) I was helped?? into it by two of the guys who took a side each and shoogled me into it like a pillow into a pillowcase. My wee legs were lifted off the ground. Ahh the memories:o At least I can get into it myself now:)
Shot belt for me diving here every time. Abroad, normal belt and weight integration - sorted :)
I left my weight belt on the peer at scapa. So I went to aquatron to get a new one, the same as the last. Just wondered what u guys think is the Ideal weight belt?:p
PS I got a bowstow shot belt
Bowstone weight belt works for me.Disagree with urchin though, (dont tell her), i think verticle sewn compartments are better although a pain in the ass to fill!!!!
Bowstone weight belt works for me.Disagree with urchin though, (dont tell her), i think verticle sewn compartments are better although a pain in the ass to fill!!!!
I agree. I like my bowstone and wouldn't change it for anything else i see about ...
I bought a bowstow with vertical panels and am very pleased with it. I like the vertical panels as they mould round my hips. PS my balls are enviormently friendly they are coated.....:D
I've got a Bowstone weight harness which I find great. :)
Lizardland
09-10-06, 19:12
I use a rubber weightbelt meant for freediving. Because it's rubber it contracts the deeper you go so you don't find your belt gets loose on the bottom like normal belts. You don't need retainers on the blocks either because it's sticky -- and it won't slip down your suit either.
I only have a couple of kg on my belt. I have most of my weight on my set. On my twinsets I have a long, thin sausage of lead shot and on my rebreather I have some lead flashing rolled up and battered to fit either side of the scrubber. I can't stand weightbelts, all the weight is in the wrong place and if it ever comes off underwater then you're buggered if you're wearing a drysuit. I only have a small belt to compensate for sea water as my kit is weighted for fresh water.
Cheers,
Stuart