V-Weights?

[amtrosie]

Similar to V-weights, but they are used for single cylinders. There is one type that is like a tank boot with a weight in it. Another type comes with a strap to attach to your cylinder.

The STA's (Single Tank Adaptor) that is used for those folks who have a BP/W can have weights attached to the Adaptor. The adaptor is a "U" channel aluminium piece that usually has the weight bar (flat) secured inside using the attach points for the Back Plate.

The "V" weights are placed on the tank bands (of doubles), through the bolts that attach the PB to the doubles rig. The "V" weights are of different weights. The correct weight used is determined by the weight required to become neutrally buoyant at the surface with less than 500 psi. (34.5 bar.) in your tanks. That way should you have to swim to the surface, the diver can still do this with relative ease.

What is my view of "V" weights? I use them when my I use double AL. 80's with my drysuit. They are a nice innovation to this sport.

[acelockco]

I suppose with all of the extra buyoancy you get out of two near empty AL80's you would need a lot of extra weight.

[Diverdaniel]

I have just started using a V-weight, it feels great, only thing is that the center of ballance changes and once you tilt to one side, the Vweight has a tendancy to turn you on your back, thats the only difference i have found. the weight is behind you and not at your sides and not pulling your head up and torso down, much better trim in my eyes since most of the dive you have to be horizontal. i find i am much more stable horizontally when working and taking pics u/w and that is important when it comes to working over corals.
i like them

[acelockco]

That's awesome, only you can really decide what works best for you. Like I said I tried tank weights myself and had almost exactly the same results as you did, however I hated the fact that I would get turned onto my back so easily. It made me feel really uncomfortable.

Funny though, because I always thought I would hate ankle weights. I thought that they would be uncomfortable and heavy and such. Well I tired a pair and now I am hooked. It is like my feet are always exactly where I want them and I don't notice they are even on unless I look(the weights not my feet).

Isn't it such a great feeling when you get some gear or skill down to just the way you like it! Then you know it is time to move on to the next skill or new gear. And that's what diving is all about!

[amtrosie]

I suppose with all of the extra buyoancy you get out of two near empty AL80's you would need a lot of extra weight.

Actually when I dive "wet" I do not use the "V" weight. It is only when I am my dry suit, diving AL doubles that I need a few lbs. The "V" weights are for a double tank set up, hence the attaching them on the bands, between the tanks. There is NO movement at all!! These weights can be custom made for any weight, but can be purchased in 8, 11, 15 lbs. "V's". The whole point of these weights is for the diver to be diving a balanced rig.

[acelockco]

I know how they work and what they are used for.

I just was not aware of their name.

Funny, but I actually need about the same amount of weight when diving dry as I do when I am wearing a THICK wetsuit 7mm farmer john with a 7 mm top.

[Diverdaniel]

it all depends on the thinsulate you use, how think it is deternims the ammount of air in your drysuit.
at the moment, i am diving wet, no need for dry suit in 40C+ summers.
winter, on the other hand......

[acelockco]

I was diving today dry, and I was actually hot during the dive. I don't need a dry suit now because the water is plenty warm, it is just more comfortable than a wetsuit for me.

I think tomorrow I am going to leave the polar fleece at home and just use a thin pair of sweat pants and a thin sweat shirt. I think I will be much more comfortable.

[Diverdaniel]

should be enough if the water is in the high 20's C