As we all know, proper weighting is a very important part of our dives. Too much or too little can both have adverse effects on your diving profile, which can result in faster air consumption, fatigue, and just generally not enjoying the dive. There are many types of weight systems out there, but how much weight you need will depend on several factors. The main three are:
- Exposure protection
- Water salinity
- Tank material
Because these factors can vary depending on the location of your dives, make sure you always make a note of them in your log book. This will ensure if you’re ever diving in similar conditions and can’t remember what your weight was, you have a handy reminder right there. But there’s an easy way to test on the spot if you’re weighted correctly — check out this video tutorial on how to determine the correct weight for any conditions.
Image via Eric Pesik and Deanna Pesik
I dive doublehose frequently : With no BC, perfect weighting is required.
My last few dives I’ve been exact on the weight I thought I’d need, even when changing from 3 to 9mm wetsuits and ranging from fresh to saltwater.
Depends on when my last dive was and if my wetsuit is different. I figure roughly 2 lb/MM.
I usually am under weighted…especially with drysuit diving.
I usually do a check since I’m normally on vacation and don’t have my gear.
i wear the same 6 lbs all summer….. sometimes i’m positive, sometimes negative, sometimes im neutral….never the same though -____-
Pretty in tune, do a check a couple of times a year and when I change locations in a drastic way.
12 lbs…..every time
Depends on where I’m diving….sometimes I need an extra 5, sometimes I figure on that and is too much…..go figure…lol
I’m rock solid
Shouldn’t the weight check in the video be done with a near empty tank (~500psi)?
In tune
Phillip, that is what the text books recommend, yes. But it also depends greatly on the tanks in use. As a cold-water instructor, it’s not best for the comfort of new students to have them get in the water in full gear with an empty tank, then get out to change out the tank, then get back in for a dive, so we get them fine tuned with a full tank, then add 4 pounds since we know that’s the buoyancy swing of the tanks we use.
18 everytime, multiple dive tested.
I’m pretty well dialed in with weight. If I change gear, or have not been diving for a while, I will do a buoyancy check. I have found it difficult to be perfectly weighted though. When I dive in cold water, I’m either too negative at depth, or too positive at the surface.
I am perfect with 6 lbs full gear 7mm suit for cold California water HP steel 80 and still have 1000 psi at end of dives on average.
I use a Rip Curl Ultimate Elasto F-Bomb 4/5/6 suit for overall diving in winter and summer. I use 22 pounds if I dive a 60cf aluminum, 12 pounds if I use a 60cf steel. 18 pounds if I use an 80cf steel.