Scuba Weight Belt - A Guide containing helpful information about scuba weighting sytems maintain your wetsuit

If you have read my wetsuit guides, you will by now know that a wetsuit will make you extremely buoyant whilst in water. For this reason, in order to get below the surface, you will need to carry a weighting system during descents to offset your wetsuits buoyancy.

It is here important to point out that a weighting system is not there to sink you but rather to allow you to immerse as you dive. Wearing the scuba weights correctly as well as having the right amount of weights will greatly effect your comfort and safety during your dives.

There are many different styles of weighting systems to choose from, however the common component to all weighting systems is lead. This is because lead is heavy enough in small quantities to offset the positive buoyancy created by you scuba wetsuit.

Regardless of the style of weight belt, the most important feature is a quick release devices which can easily be operated by one hand, so if you are about to buy a weight belt check for this feature and see whether you are comfortable with the release mechanism.

I recommend that before you buy a scuba weighting system, you test out the different types so that you may determine which scuba diving weighting systems is most suited for you. The last thing you want during your dive, is to experience an uncomfortable weight system. It can get really frustrating and will completely take away your focus from your diving activity. So take your time and choose wisely.

Traditional weight belt

The most commonly used scuba weight belt is the traditional weight belt which is made either from nylon or neoprene rubber. Weights for this type of weight belt, are made from lead and individual pieces can be purchased separately. traditional scuba weight belt

This type of scuba weight belt requires plastic clips to prevent the individual weights from sliding out in place. If you use this type of scuba weight belt, it is important to place these clips as close to the individual scuba diving weights as possible to ensure that they remain firmly in place. Otherwise during your dives the weights, will move position around you waist and could make your dive quite uncomfortable.

Scuba weight belt pouch

Another popular weighting system is the scuba weight belt pouch. This system contains pockets along the belt which can be filled with bags similar to a bean bag containing lead shot or the traditional solid weights.

Advantages to this system is that the pockets are secure in place that means you do not have the possibility of sliding weights like in traditional scuba weight belt. When used this type of weight belt system with the 'bean bag' combination, the weights contour to the shape of your body thus making it more comfortable.

Scuba weight harness

scuba weight harness Scuba diving weight harnesses are another type of weight system. A belt and a shoulder harness are used in conjunction to secure the weights on the shoulders.

The advantage of this system is that it secures the weights into position eliminating the possibility that the weights can move around whilst this type of weighting system also alleviates the diver from back and hip pains which are generally associated to traditionally scuba weight belts.

Scuba Integrated weight systems

Integrated scuba weight systems Another category of weight systems is become increasingly popular are the integrated weight systems. Certain types of Buoyancy compensating devices (BCD) have integrated weight plates which are normally found at the back side of the BCD.

The advantage of this type of system is that, it reduces the amount of equipment you wear whilst underwater and, as a result, is much more comfortable since the weight is distributed along your back.

A guide on how to set up a new traditional scuba weight belt for first use

When purchasing a new nylon or neoprene rubber scuba weight belt you will need to set it up to fit around your waist. You will need to begin by determining the proper length you will require.

It is best practice that when worn, the free end of the scuba weight belt protrudes about 150mm to 200mm from the buckle. If the belt exceeds this length, it may need to be trimmed accordingly.

Start by measuring the belt around your waist while wearing you wetsuit/dry-suit. Next add 50mm to 100mm to compensate for webbing length which is used up by running the weights and their retaining clips through the weight belt and leave an additional 150mm to 200mm more to fold under the buckle so as to allow you to lengthen the belt as necessary.

Once you have determined the correct length, mark with a felt pen, the intended point at which to trim and re-check the fit as necessary. If you are satisfied and are sure about the length, then proceed to cut the belt as necessary.

Once you have cut the belt, it is best to round up the corners of the cut edge to make it easier to pass the end of the belt through the buckle. I would also advice that, to prevent the cut edge from unraveling, try burning the edge with a fuel lighter.

You are now ready to determine where to place the weights. Keep in mind that the weights should be placed no less than 100 mm from the buckle and should also not be placed on your back.

The best area to place the scuba weight belt is on the hips as this will increase your stability during your dive. Another important consideration, is to try and distribute the weights evenly, as uneven weights will surely make your dive uncomfortable and unstable.

Next, use the retaining clips so that your weights do not slide. There you go.. Your weight belt should now be ready for its first use.

How to properly wear your scuba weight belt

During the preparation of the weight belt it is important that you evenly distribute the weights on the belt and adjust the belt to be no more that 200mm inches longer than your waist.

To put on the weight belt before entering the water, place it on the floor with the buckle end placed on the left-hand side and the free end on your right-hand side.

Step over it and bend forward, flexing your knees, to place the belt across your back. Be sure that the weight belt is worn so that it may be released by your right hand. Once you have worn the belt, ensure that it is snug but not so tight. scuba diver wearing weight belot

One thing to keep in mind is that you must be able to remove your weight belt immediately in case of an emergency. This means that it must be free and clear of all equipment. If you are wearing a dive knife always wear it on the inner part of you right leg. Especially in the case of free diving, if you need to surface, the last thing you would want is that your weight belt gets entangled with your dive knife.

When wearing your weight belt be extra sure that it is clear of all equipment, should you need to do a quick release. Therefore check that no straps, accessories or hoses are trapped and check that your dive knife is within the inner part of your right leg.

Loosen and secure the scuba weight belt several times until you feel comfortable. Make sure the weights are evenly distributed on the belt and are not interfering with the operation of the quick release buckle. The weights should be no less than 100 mm from your buckle.

A tip is for you to place your weights slightly forward towards your hip to increase your stability whilst diving. During your dive it is advised that, from time to time, you check that your scuba diving weight belt to ensure it is fitting correctly.

That is mostly it, all the essential information you need to know about scuba weight belts. I hope you found this article interesting. Read the rest of our wetsuit guides for more additional tips on: