More recently, the “weight integrated” system has become popular with the lead being installed into the buoyancy compensator. This transfers much of the weight, distributing it to shoulders, hips and back. But a tank with 30 pounds of lead installed can be a bear to handle out of the water.

The DUI Weight and Trim System is a unique alternative. It combines the advantage of a separate, independent weight system with the advantage of distributing much of the weight to the shoulders.

When I first saw this system, it came as nothing new. Similar systems have been available to commercial divers for some time. Commercial divers, often working negatively buoyant, need to wear large amounts of weight. Shoulder type harnesses are common. The DUI Weight and Trim is a lighter duty sport diver version of these systems.

This system is ideal for divers with dry suits that often need to wear a bit more weight. But I found it also effective and an added comfort for my wetsuit diving. My wetsuit lead needs are only a couple pounds different than when I dive my dry suit. Lead is lead and its all heavy. Getting that weight off my hips was a pleasure.

But the advantages of this system are far greater than just transferring weight to the shoulders. There is a reason and it’s called a “Trim System.” With this system, you can lower, raise, move forward and back the lead as needed, best suiting your needs. Proper “trim” of your lead in the water is important to achieving a stable, comfortable position in the water.

There are adjustment points on the waist in the front and back, allowing you to wear the lead far forward or more toward your back. A cross in the back fine tunes torque on the shoulders. But my favorite adjustment is the shoulders. By wearing the shoulders long, I was able to put the lead low, actually below my waist. Not only was the weights (and quick releases) completely free and clear of my BC, I found it better suited my trim underwater. No other weight belt allows you to trim your lead such as this.

The system consists of two weight pockets on each side for a total of 4 pockets that can easily hold up to 10 pounds each, solid or shot lead. The pockets attach to carriers on the waist belt by a strap and cord system that is a unique quick-release system. Large high visibility yellow loops attach to lines that secure the weight pouches. Pulling a loop free of the assembly releases two pouches together on that side. Half of the weight can be pulled clear at a time for a more controlled dumping. Also, because the weights are first pulled clear, rather than just dumped, an emergency dumping can be aborted even after the lead is pulled. And when the lead is pulled, it is drawn completely clear of the diver. This is a well thought-out system.

DUI (Diving Unlimited International) is most noted for their line of quality dry suits but also buoyancy control systems. For more information on DUI’s full line, including the Weight and Trim System, visit a DUI dealer near you. For your dealer call 800-325-8439 or visit their website at www.dui-online.com.

Dale Sheckler is Editor and Publisher of California Diving News, Producer of the SCUBA Show 2001 expo (June 2-3 at the Long Beach Convention Center), and co-author of the book newly released A Diver's Guide to Southern California's Best Beach Dives, 3rd Edition. Formerly, he was a commercial diver.