Integrated Weights vs Weight Belts

Weight systems have come a long way. While belt-style weights were once the norm, very few divers use them anymore — and for good reason. Modern divers prefer integrated weight systems because they’re more comfortable, more stable, and easier to configure for proper trim. But beyond comfort, the real question is how your weighting setup fits into your overall dive system — especially if you're diving a balanced rig.


Why Integrated Weights Took Over

Integrated weights are now standard on jacket-style BCDs and common even in backplate/wing setups. They reduce pressure on your hips, stay fixed in place, and distribute weight closer to your center of gravity. This helps improve trim and makes your kit more streamlined in the water.

There are different styles:


Why Weight Belts Have Faded Out

Weight belts still exist, but they’re mostly relegated to rental setups or freediving. Belts shift around, concentrate weight in a single place, and make it harder to fine-tune trim. They’re uncomfortable on long dives and inconvenient on boats. For most modern setups, they’re obsolete.


Balanced Rig: The Better Philosophy

The traditional mindset was: “If something goes wrong, ditch your weights.”

But experienced divers know that a safer and more reliable approach is to dive a balanced rig — one that lets you swim up from depth, with an empty tank and no BCD inflation, without needing to ditch anything.

This philosophy emphasizes prevention and control over emergency reactions. Ditching weight is a last resort — not part of the plan. That’s especially true for divers using drysuits, where much of the ballast is fixed or distributed and can’t be ditched — and where rapidly dumping weight can result in a dangerous, feet-first ascent.


Things to Watch For


Tips for Getting It Right