Integrated weight pockets eliminate the need for a diver to wear a weight belt. As many divers find that weight belts either press uncomfortably on their hips or tend to slide off, integrated weight pockets have come as a welcome innovation.
Integrated weight pockets are incorporated into buoyancy compensators in a variety of ways. Some hold loose weights, such as the Cressi Aqua Pro 5 on the left. Other BCs use removable pouches to hold weights. Once the weights are closed into a pouch, the entire pouch slides and locks into the BC.
Integrated weight systems come in a variety of styles, and most work very well. The most important consideration for a buoyancy compensator with an integrated weight system is that it allows for the quick release of the weights. A diver should be able to easily release the weights from the BC with one hand, which will make him float in the case of an emergency. The BCs above use a clip release for their integrated weight systems. When the clip is pressed, the weights will either fall free on their own (left) or can be pulled from the pocket and dropped (right). Divers new to buoyancy compensators with integrated weights should practice ditching the weights on the surface of before diving with them.
