xDeep Weight Pouches and Pockets Review
These are xDeep’s dedicated system for harness-mounted ballast. They come in small (~6 lb) and large (~12 lb) versions and are designed to bolt directly to xDeep backplates. The inner weight pouch slides into a soft sleeve and is locked in place with a webbing buckle that threads through a fabric handle. This design is extremely secure but makes underwater reinsertion difficult and slow. These pockets should be considered semi-ditchable at best. Rigging is clean and modular — but only if you're already using an xDeep backplate.
Overall Score: 6.8 / 10
These standard trim pockets are a streamlined solution for adjusting tank position and overall diver balance. Each pouch mounts securely to a standard 2-inch cam band and holds up to 5 pounds of weight, typically soft lead. They are compact, durable, and stay put without sliding or twisting. These are not meant to be ditchable but excel at fine-tuning trim, especially for backplate-and-wing divers. Best used in singles configurations, as this is the only size available for that purpose.
Overall Score: 6.8 / 10
Last updated: July 2025
I’ve used xDeep’s 5 lb trim pockets and both the small and large Secure Weight Pockets across more than a hundred dives, ranging from quarry dives in the Midwest to Lake Michigan wrecks and cenotes in Mexico. These pouches support both drysuit and wetsuit configurations on a backplate and wing system. While they offer excellent modularity, their usability quirks are worth noting.
The trim pockets can be used universally on standard 2-inch cam bands. The Secure Weight Pockets, however, are designed to bolt onto an xDeep backplate. Use with other backplates is not recommended due to mounting incompatibilities and poor fit.
Yes. The inner weight pocket can be difficult to reinsert underwater because the outer sleeve is soft and collapses when empty. This is made more difficult by the buckle that threads through the inner pocket handle, which adds security but sacrifices ease.
The trim pockets hold up to 5 pounds each. Secure Weight Pockets come in two sizes: small (~6 lb) and large (~12 lb) per side. The larger size is well-suited for drysuit diving but adds bulk.
Not quickly. These are called “Secure” Weight Pockets for a reason. Ditching weight requires unthreading a buckle and pulling the inner pouch free. This is secure but not fast, and should be considered semi-ditchable at best.
Only if you're already diving a backplate and wing system — ideally xDeep. Integrated BCD weight systems are faster and more intuitive. xDeep’s approach offers more flexibility, but also more setup complexity and lower ditchability.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid fit on xDeep backplate | Very difficult to reinsert underwater |
| Trim pockets are low-profile and stable | Secure Weight Pockets are bulky at full capacity |
| System supports both trim and ditchable options | Requires xDeep-specific mounting |
| High build quality | Buckle threading system is cumbersome |
| Supports flexible weighting strategies | Not practical on non-xDeep rigs |
Why I Chose xDeep Weight Pouches
I was looking for a weight system that supported backplate diving in both wet and dry configurations. The trim pouches offered a stable way to adjust balance. The Secure Weight Pockets gave me the option for ditchable lead mounted directly to the harness. Since I was already using an xDeep backplate, these integrated naturally and didn’t require extra hardware. I chose both the small and large sizes to scale up or down depending on exposure suit and dive conditions.
Verdict
Both sets of pouches remain in my regular kit. The trim pockets are mounted permanently to my cam bands, and I rotate between the Secure Weight Pocket sizes depending on how much ditchable weight I need. They are not quick to adjust, and I would never recommend them to anyone not using an xDeep plate — but for my setup, they are solid and dependable.
Would I buy it again? Yes — but only because I’m committed to the xDeep system and comfortable with its tradeoffs.
Who xDeep Weight Pouches Are Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Divers using the xDeep backplate and wing system
- Divers who need modular trim and ditchable weight options
- Cold water or drysuit divers managing heavier weight loads
It may not be ideal for:
- Divers not using an xDeep backplate
- Anyone needing to make frequent weight adjustments during a dive
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score (0–10) | Weight | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | 7 | 30% | 2.1 |
| Ease of Use | 4 | 20% | 0.8 |
| Versatility | 7 | 15% | 1.05 |
| Durability & Build Quality | 9 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Value | 7 | 10% | 0.7 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | 8 | 10% | 0.8 |
| Total | 6.8 | ||
Rounded Display Score: 6.8
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 7: Does the job well within its intended system, but not fast or intuitive.
- Ease of Use – 4: Replacing the weight pouch is a chore. The buckle threading system feels overengineered.
- Versatility – 7: Great options for single tank, wetsuit, and drysuit use — within xDeep setups only.
- Durability & Build Quality – 9: No wear issues or degradation after heavy use. Materials are rugged.
- Value – 7: Not overpriced, but it’s a specialized system. Spares cost a premium.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 8: xDeep delivers reliable products with consistent integration across their ecosystem.
My Custom Setup or Configuration
I use the 5 lb trim pockets on my upper cam bands, and alternate between small and large Secure Weight Pockets depending on my total ballast needs. These are mounted to a stainless xDeep backplate with continuous webbing and no padding.
- Right Hip: I thread my long-hose stick through the waistband loops between the Secure Weight Pocket and harness.
- Left Hip: The D-ring included on the Secure Weight Pocket replaces the standard harness D-ring in that position.
This configuration works well for me but requires precise threading and harness tension. The Secure Weight Pockets integrate cleanly with the xDeep backplate, but I would not attempt to rig them on a different system.
Performance in the Water
- Stability: Pockets stay firmly mounted and never shift during entries or exits
- Accessibility: Not easy to ditch or adjust mid-dive — you need to plan ahead
- Comfort: Sits flat under the harness with no pinch points or movement
- Security: Rock-solid when bolted on and buckled correctly. Nothing has ever come loose