Posted by MHk on October 22, 2001 at 14:16:39:
In Reply to: Does my wing have enough lift?? posted by ChrisM on October 22, 2001 at 11:45:38:
Chris,
I recall meeting you at the Casino Point demo, but in all honesty I don't remember how big you were.. To that end, in order for me to discuss weighting and lift I'll have to speak in generics but feel free to e-mail me if you want to get into specifics..
I use both the 27 and 36# wings and I'm 6'2", 220 lbs and I feel the 36 and even the 27 provide ample lift capacity and those are what I generally recommend for diver's in our area. By in large most out here will dive with added lead and added neoprene as opposed to the warm water guys. So in theory your OVERALL weighting I like to start with 10% of your body weight, plus maybe a pound or so as your starting point. You'll need to dial that number in after a few dives at what you are trying to balance is ample lift capacity at the beginning of your dive [ ie; when you are the heavist point of the dive] and your weighting so you can hold a 15' stop with a nearly empty tank..
Accordingly, you need to look at ALL components of the weighting package and that includes, but is not limited to, BP's, steel tanks, light cannisters, weightbelts, keel weights, V-weights, even ankle weights for that matter [ although we don't recommend those] etc. etc. SO for example if you weight 200 lbs you may want to start with 20 lbs [ ie; 200 lbs X 10% ], that may get adjusted a pound or so either way depending on comfort level. SO if you need 20 lbs and you are diving a BP [ that's 6 lbs negative] so you only need 14 lbs of weight. Subtract from that any keel weights, light cannisters and that is what you would wear in your pouches or weightbelt..
Assuming you aren't totally overweighted, and coupling either a 7 mil wetsuit or a drysuit 36 lbs provides ample lift capacity..
Hopefully that answers your questions but if you need specifics e-mail me..
Later