No finds just a question.

Back-of-the-boat

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Apr 18, 2013
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How much lead is in a normal weight belt for diving?I have 9+ pounds I processed into bars 100_6117.JPG100_6118.JPG .Does the amount of lead change the heavier you are.Might be a dumb question, but I would think a heavier person would be more buoyant????Is there a chart somewhere that tells you how much by your weight, how much your weight belt should be?
 

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when I wear my heavy wet suit - I have to wear 70lbs to keep me on the bottom you have to realize theres a difference in what you would wear to regular dive I wear less and when I dig - Im to buoyant and I will move - the 70 keeps me right on the bottom firm but that's me
 

It depends on how fat you are.

Put some on, see if you achieve neutral buoyancy, add or subtract until you find the right amount for your body structure and what you are trying to accomplish.

Salt or fresh water, what garments are you wearing- all of it makes a difference.

~oh, and I should add that these don't appear to be typical dive type weights. How do you intend to carry them?

YOU MUST have some easy and fast quick release system to drop the weights.

If you do not, and can't, it makes it easier for rescue divers to find your body because you won't float away with the tide or currents.
 

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My hunting partner, Indian Steve, uses 50# of lead in his belt and seems satisfied with that.

OBN surprised me with a belt in the mail! Thanks my friend! What a cool and decent individual!

I'm still looking around for weights to populate it. I guess I have time, as it's 22 degrees out there this morning!
 

I have 22 pounds on my belt and with shorts on it keeps me grounded in neck deep fresh water but with a wet suit on, I need more. I'm 5'10" and 215lbs.
 

I hate to point out...

How much those look like Jesuit silver bars.

I know where the door is, I will show myself out now...
 

I hate to point out...

How much those look like Jesuit silver bars.

I know where the door is, I will show myself out now...

LOL why yes, yes they are.
 

I have 22 pounds on my belt and with shorts on it keeps me grounded in neck deep fresh water but with a wet suit on, I need more. I'm 5'10" and 215lbs.

Alas, I'm slipping into dementia! I thought Steve was using 50#.......

Oh the sorrow of aging America....
 

I hate to point out... How much those look like Jesuit silver bars.

Well that sounds like a good idea for stuffing my belt!

I guess it would if I actually had some poundage :(
 

So what I am gathering from the post is that it does vary on body size, conditions and I assume the water, whether salt or fresh will make a difference on buoyancy also.Yeah I haven't come up with a belt yet but it will definitely be quick release we have way too many drowned individuals in our area to not have thought about that one.I don't hunt saltwater and no waves to worry about pretty much always calm and don't think I will be trying it out until next summer just wanted to know how much more I was needing to collect.Thanks for the responses guys.
 

So what I am gathering from the post is that it does vary on body size, conditions and I assume the water, whether salt or fresh will make a difference on buoyancy also.Yeah I haven't come up with a belt yet but it will definitely be quick release we have way too many drowned individuals in our area to not have thought about that one.I don't hunt saltwater and no waves to worry about pretty much always calm and don't think I will be trying it out until next summer just wanted to know how much more I was needing to collect.Thanks for the responses guys.

Also depends on your wetsuit thickness and age too. I'm 225lbs and need 22lbs in the cold Cali waters with a 7mm farmer john type wetsuit. I've also dove in Honduras with no wetsuit and 6lbs
 

Weight belts require a special mold so the weights can be strapped to the belt. Your mold might work for a vest type BC with pockets but not a dive belt with a quick release system. Safety is a priority when in the water with weights. For added safety you can buy a manual inflating life vest. Little pricey but worth your life.IMG_0341.JPG
 

it all depends on how FAT you are.
 

Mine is 10 pounds but I'm a lite weight at 190, Then extra weights are added once I go from wetsuit to drysuit for the winter under garments which hold more air. The basics are everyone is different so one must test and retest before the perfect balance is found.

OBN0021.jpg
 

In water weighting depends on ALOT of variables...salt vs freshwater, wetsuit and or undergarment thickness, your bodys personal density, and an individuals "tension" in the water...IE...how relaxed are you?
I generally use 2 pounds per MM for wetsuit thickness..a new wetsuit is much more buoyant than an older compressed suit...good place to start would be average 10% of your body weight in lead and go from there...but remember...have a way to ditch it if ya need too in a hurry!!

I'm 6' and alittle over 200 pds... in a 3mm suit diving, I use 4-6 pounds...in a 7mm with hood and gloves..16 pounds.. you'll probably want more if your just wading neck deep to stay fairly anchored. Might want to look into a DUI drysuit type weight "harness" for detecting. Keeps the lead off your hips and distributes it ALOT more evenly.


You'll wanna experiment abit...surge, depth, how hard your breathing,wave action, wind..all will effect how much lead you'll need on any given outing. But remember...whatever you use in the water will weigh 30X's more out of the water lol...or at least feel that way!!

Good luck!!

ag
 

In water weighting depends on ALOT of variables...salt vs freshwater, wetsuit and or undergarment thickness, your bodys personal density, and an individuals "tension" in the water...IE...how relaxed are you?
I generally use 2 pounds per MM for wetsuit thickness..a new wetsuit is much more buoyant than an older compressed suit...good place to start would be average 10% of your body weight in lead and go from there...but remember...have a way to ditch it if ya need too in a hurry!!

I'm 6' and alittle over 200 pds... in a 3mm suit diving, I use 4-6 pounds...in a 7mm with hood and gloves..16 pounds.. you'll probably want more if your just wading neck deep to stay fairly anchored. Might want to look into a DUI drysuit type weight "harness" for detecting. Keeps the lead off your hips and distributes it ALOT more evenly.


You'll wanna experiment abit...surge, depth, how hard your breathing,wave action, wind..all will effect how much lead you'll need on any given outing. But remember...whatever you use in the water will weigh 30X's more out of the water lol...or at least feel that way!!

Good luck!!

ag

Very informative thank you.
 

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