B.C. Choices

[DetectorGuy]

I use a Seaquest Pro QD (last years model) and I started to have the same dilemma with only so much room in the ditchable weight pockets. I went to a LDS and asked the "sales man" why it doesn't have a non-ditchable weight pocket like the Aqualung literature claims. They told me "Nope it doesn't have one but if you buy this higher end model, then you will have those non-ditchable pockets. I was kinda disgruntled but took it back home. I looked it over again and found out that it does have a LARGE non-ditchable pocket in the back that is accessed kinda through the arm hole. I keep 5 pounds in there and 10 pounds of  ditchable weight in each side. The BC has 40 pounds of lift and once I get more accustomed to the drysuit I will undoubtedly be able to loose more excess weight. I like the BC but if I had the money I would spring for the Seaquest Black Diamond (also a jacket style) as it has the ability to pair up two tanks. I haven't tried a backplate with wings but I would like to someday to see what I'm missing. So if you are wearing an integrated weight BC and it appears not to have non-ditchable weight pockets look it over really close and you might be just as surprised as I was. Option 2 would be to get weighted tank boots. These come in ditchable and non ditchable styles. Option 3 would be to use a neutrally buoyant  aluminium tank. These are kind of new  to the diving market (I think) and Luxfer markets them for just this purpose. Option 4 would be to sell the alum tanks on Craig's List and spring for a couple steel tanks. Option 5 would be to get used to wearing the weight belt along with the integrated BC. Thats my 17 cents. John