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SCUBA Weights: Integrated vs Belt

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on October 10, 2014

Certified SCUBA divers who haven’t been diving for a number of years may be surprised to learn that weight belts are no longer the industry standard weight system. The use of integrated weight systems are on the rise.

SCUBA weights
Aqua Mesh Weight Belt with Zippered Pockets

SCUBA weights help divers maintain proper buoyancy during a dive. Without weights, divers have a difficult time getting and staying underwater. Inexperienced divers and those who are overweight may have difficulties balancing their buoyancy. These divers end up adding more weights to successfully complete the dive. Divers with lean body mass and extensive underwater experience usually get by without having to make major adjustments.

While weight belts used to be industry standard, they do have some known issues. First, it’s difficult to balance weight when it’s all distributed around the waist. Secondly, it’s easy to accidentally knock off a weight belt during a dive. If this happens, a diver may end up in an uncontrolled ascent. Weight belts are easy to adjust by adding or removing weights as needed.  In an emergency when a diver needs to head up quickly, those weights can be off in a second.

SCUBA weights
Tusa Liberator Sigma II BCD

Integrated weights are SCUBA weights that are integrated into the BCD. Weights can be added in various places depending on what the diver needs. It’s a bit more comfortable than wearing a heavy lead weight belt around the waist. It’s also easy to add weight specifically where needed. On the other hand, integrated weight systems have limitations to how much weight they can hold. A diver who needs a lot of added SCUBA weight may end up adding a weight belt anyway. Modern BCDs with weight integration are quick-release, ensuring you can drop the weight when necessary just as quickly as with a weight belt.

Regardless of which weight system you use, both are functional and do the job. Before forming an opinion, you might want to give them both a try. Buoyancy is one of the most crucial skills any diver can have, so attending to your weight in a way that is comfortable to you is of the utmost importance.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro