Choosing a Belt

There are a few different types of weight belts that are used by divers.  The  most common being the lead brick style, while they also make lead shot belts and vests.  During your training the dive shop will most likely provide you with a nylon belt that uses the lead brick weights. 

After you have become certified and have decided that it is time to purchase your own weight belt, instead of renting one, you should ask to try on the different weight belts at your dive shop.  This well give you the opportunity to determine which style fits and feels most comfortable.  Be sure to try on a BC and tank, similar to the type you use, at the same time.  You well want to know how everything feels together.

Check to see how easy or hard it is to use the quick release buckle on each type, since this could be critical if you find yourself in an emergency situation and need to drop your belt.

Putting on Your Weight Belt

Hopefully, your dive instructor demonstrated and showed you the following process of putting on your weight belt during your training but after having dived for years and watching divers struggle putting their weight belts on I sometimes wonder.

Begin by placing your belt on the ground with the inside facing up and the buckle on your left side.  Step over your belt so it lies behind your heels.  Bending forward, pick up your belt by the buckle and loose end, placing it on the small of your back.  Stay bent over while buckling your belt in place.

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Stand up and place on the rest of your gear on.  If needed you can readjust the belt for comfort.

Determining Your Desired Weight Amount

You well hear different theory's of how to determine the amount of lead (weight) that you well need.  You may be told to use from 10 – 15% of your body weight as a gauge but the best method is to actually test your buoyancy in a pool or if you have the opportunity to do it in the ocean.  Here are the steps for determining the correct weight.

Fully gear up, being sure to have on all the gear that you normally wear when diving.  Inflate your BC and enter the water to a depth too deep to stand.  Placing your regulator in your mouth breathe in and hold your breath.  Deflate your BC and check to see if you float at eye level to the water.  If you sink remove weight and if you float too high add weight.  When you test for your weight it may take a little time but in the long run you well benefit by being more buoyancy on your dives, not fighting to maintain your buoyancy and using less air.

Additional (Alternative) Weights

Some divers will add additional fixed weights to their gear, either to reduce the weight placed on their belt, or to shift their center of mass to achieve the optimum position in the water.

These include tank weights that are attached to the tank to shift the center of mass backward and upward or downward, depending on placement.

Ankle weights, which are typically 1 lb. of shot, are used to counteract the positive buoyancy of wet suits and positively buoyant fins.  The weights will increase your effort to kick and cause you to use more air while you are diving.