Weights & Belts

What to look for in a weight system

Frequently asked questions

How much weight do I need for scuba diving?

The right amount of weight varies considerably based on your body composition, wetsuit thickness, tank material, and whether you are diving in fresh or salt water. Salt water is denser than fresh water, so you need slightly more weight in the ocean. A 7mm wetsuit requires significantly more lead than a 3mm suit. A neoprene drysuit adds more buoyancy than a trilaminate. A steel tank offsets some weight compared to an aluminum tank. The standard starting point is to weight yourself so that at the surface with a full tank, you float at eye level and can descend with a gentle exhale. Your Instructor will help you determine your correct weight during your open water course — keep a record of it for future dives in similar conditions.

What is the difference between a standard webbing weight belt and a soft pocket belt?

A standard webbing belt threads hard lead blocks directly onto 2-inch nylon webbing — the weights contact your hips and lower back directly. This is the most common and lowest-cost option, but carrying more than 10 to 12 pounds this way can become uncomfortable over a long dive. A heavy weight belt can slide off your waist and down your legs, especially problematic for males that don't have hips to keep their belt at their waist. A soft pocket belt holds weights inside external pockets that sit away from the body, cushioning the contact points significantly. The 4-pocket belt holds up to 20 pounds total; the 6-pocket holds up to 30 pounds. For drysuit divers or anyone carrying significant weight, a pocket belt or dedicated weight harness is worth the investment in comfort.

What is the DUI Weight Harness and who is it for?

The DUI Weight Harness is a shoulder-mounted weight system that transfers all lead weight from the hips to the shoulders, eliminating the pressure of a traditional weight belt on the lower back and hip bones entirely. It sits comfortably on the sides of the hips rather than on the hip bone itself, and the quick-release handles on each pocket allow the weight to be dropped in an emergency just as a belt would be. It is particularly popular with drysuit divers who carry 20 to 40 pounds of lead — carrying this amount on a waist belt for repeated dives is genuinely uncomfortable. Our Divemasters rate it as a staff favourite and use it personally. Available with small pockets (better trim) and large pockets (higher capacity).

Can I add weight pockets to a wing and backplate BCD that did not come with them?

Yes — wing and backplate systems do not include integrated weight pockets by default. We carry a variety of weight pockets that can be fed through 2 inch webbing on your tank band or waist band. Choose based on how much weight you need to carry and the configuration of your BCD.

Do I need weight keepers on my weight belt?

Yes — weight keepers are essential if you use a webbing weight belt with hard lead blocks. Without keepers, the weights slide along the belt during the dive and bunch up on one side, throwing off your trim. Weight keepers with teeth grip the nylon webbing and hold each weight block in position. The no-teeth version is used to secure D-rings and accessories on harness webbing rather than to hold weights. For any belt carrying more than a single weight on each side, use toothed weight keepers between each lead block. The stainless steel buckle is preferred over plastic when carrying more than 10 pounds — plastic buckles can deform under sustained load from heavier weight configurations.