Threading a weight belt buckle should be a skill every diver should know how to do safely. Alec steps us through the threading process and variations depending on the buckle.
***** Alec Peirce Scuba *****
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Rating: 4.84
Another pointless video I'm afraid, people don't need to know how to thread a weight belt. It's very obvious, if you can't do it, the question I would ask you is: "if you can't thread a weight belt buckle, can you tie your shoelaces?" Seriously. Ridiculous…..
I'm glad I saw this video; I was looking all over the internet on how to thread cam buckles
Guilty for being a stainless steel buckle guy. Nice on the belt keeper. Seen a guy in Okinowa loose 15 pound of plastic coated bullet weight. No keeper. Cheers my friend.
Another great informative video Alec, thanks. Just 2 notes, I constantly see people putting on the weight belt the wrong way around. A friend said to remember 'MALES are always RIGHT'. I.E., the male end of the belt should be in your right hand when putting the belt on. This was very helpful reminder tip.
Secondly: As you mentioned, with drysuits you need an incredible amount of weight. I am also fat, so I am 'pair shaped'. So I use a "weight harness". All scuba shops sell them but they never mention the option. So the weight belt can have tonnes of weight on it and yet it will never fall off your body as you get deeper because it is held onto you as a harness. I do admit it takes a bit to get used to dawning a harness. Using weight spacers helps immensely. I am using an elastic/stretch belt (in the harness) and that helps for comfort too. Maybe you can discuss this in a video too?
Keep the videos coming !
Great advice Alec, what are your thoughts rr integrated versus weight belts or combination of both
I would not trust a threading method that does not double back on itself. While the cam holds the opposite end from sliding, you also want the near end to stay put, and the only way to ensure that is to double back. The retainer at the end of your recommendation sort of satisfies that. But without that retainer, absolutely not.
Another reason to use more of the slots in a plastic buckle is to spread the load and prevent the thin plastic strips from breaking. Important if you put a lot of lead on the belt.
I looked at this a little bit skeptical-boy was I wrong. I have never used weight belts lately and I am going to dive in the Caribbean probably using a weight belt. I wouldn't have known a thing about them. A big thanks to always keep me learning.
Hi Alec, just confused the heck out of my betterhalf waching this, was going to show her the "how to thread the tank" video, did not noticed this was new. Oh well, learned something i did, she too.. Anyway I would like to suggest a video and that is about drop weights. Personally I have the Mares Hybrid AT BCD, with it two drop pockets that both include 12 pounds of weight each. You might be laughing now while you silently compare me and Kevin he he, just kidding, not that big he he, just joking Kevin, just use lots of weight due to my drysuit.. But I digress.. One of my biggest fear is those pockets falling out during a dive, especially a deep dive. Believe me, it has happende twice now, one I retrieved and one I lost. Luckily both happend one a shallow dive so I took the "elevator".. So I was hoping you had some nice techtips to share or perhaps some ideas to better secure them. I would love to not use them, but that would be when I change to double sets and wingbased bcd down the road if any.. Any tip for me and everybody else with the same concern?
Thanks again Alec for another great video
Alec, great video! Do you have any suggestions for adjusting weights for buoyancy trim?
I didn't like the buckle that came with my first belt, so I replaced it with a "ClearPath Buckle" by XS Scuba. It has a sort of built-in keeper under the buckle and just two slots on the buckle body itself; it keeps the threaded end of the belt down to just one layer, yet is very secure. Since most belts are of a standard size, if one doesn't like his or her buckle there are usually options that aren't too expensive.
Very good vid Alec. Thus seems to be the most difficult thing for new divers along with the tank buckles also.
Keep em coming. Love the experianced tips!!!
Love the tech tips! I've been cutting my girlfriends dives much shorter with my air consumption. I've pretty much decided I want to switch from al80 to a larger tank.
What is your opinion of LP & HP steel tanks? how do they differ other than psi? Lifespan? How available are the fills for hp tanks?
One of my local dive shops puts the cylinder in water during the fill the other does not what is your opinion on this?
Belts – searched you previous 2 videos and still no talk about stretchy ones (better fit as you go deeper) vs nylon strap you are showing. Or buckle release vs preset size one you just hook on. Just yesterday I somehow had my belt come undone at the surface getting inside by BCD (kayak diving) and thankfully felt is get loose and was able to grab one end before it sank to 100+ ft below. I'm seriously re-considering the buckle (metal on rubber band) as it's too easy for it to happen… as you mention I can't remember ever needing to dump my belt (would come up too fast anyway) but seen plenty loose it or their BCD integrated weights…
Dear Alec. I really like your videos and I have seen them all. Some several times. But I have question that I belive you have not covered enough. It is dive knives and how to protect it from be lost down there…and maybe as well yourself as you dropped the knive and can not reach or totally gone. One problem I see when put it back into the scabbard again and the position is on the left Bcd side or on chest. This close to the body you not sse where you exactly point the knife anf into the narrow scabbard entry. The Bcd, dry suit or bcd tubes are very close and may be a serious risk of being punctured. I this respect the old fashioned leg position may be better. Easier to see what you are doing and less things to puncture. I see that the knife shall have a lanyard to the scabbard and a second lanyard from the scabbard to a D-ring. The knife shal be put into the scabbard away from the body. Then when rendered harmless one can attach it in proper position close to body again. Maybe safer to use a scissor?