Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
Share this on
Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
In the face of the ocean's challenges and unrelenting conditions, the necessity for gear that empowers you to prevail in every situation becomes undeniable. Enter our 5mm silicone diving weight belt. Crafted to excel amidst the harshest elements, it is primed to fuel your determination. Is it up for the job? Let's find out.
Hey everyone, today we're discussing Alchemy's five-millimeter silicone belt in the smoke gray color. Initially, when I received this belt, it didn't appear very gray. However, once I put it on and got it in the water, especially when contrasting with a black suit, the gray color really stood out. There are several advantages to this belt that I appreciate. The belt buckle clip, in particular, is a standout feature for me. It's considerably stronger and more durable than other options, reducing the likelihood of accidental unclipping, which can happen with snap-style clips. I've had those snap-style clips come undone while I was on the water or when pulling myself onto a boat, resulting in the belt detaching from my waist. This newly designed clip offers better security.
Moving on to the five-millimeter belt itself, it suits my needs well. I tend to wear extra weights due to the nature of my activities, such as underwater photography and shark diving. These require me to have neutral buoyancy at shallow depths. The strength of the five-millimeter belt is ideal for supporting a substantial amount of weights. It's dependable when you need to wear 12 to 16 pounds of additional weight. That said, it's important not to overweight yourself, especially when engaging in deep dives.
I'm also a fan of the logo positioned at the top of the belt, featuring bolts and other elements. It adds a cool touch to the belt's appearance, visible both on the front and back.
Remember, safety should always be a top priority, so it's crucial not to exceed safe weight limits, particularly for deep dives. In scenarios like mine, where additional weights are used, they're applied with careful consideration to the circumstances.
Hello everyone, it's Brad here from the Alchemy team. I'd like to share my thoughts on the Alchemy diving belt. Specifically, I'm talking about the five-millimeter model. They do offer a 3mm version as well, but my preference led me to choose this one, not solely due to its thickness, but primarily because of its Marseille style buckle. I have a strong affinity for this buckle style. I find it much more preferable as it enables me to achieve a secure and comfortable fit on the belt, while also providing a quick and efficient release mechanism.
The belt itself boasts remarkable elasticity. Once you've added a few weights, it's easy to achieve a snug fit around your hips, ensuring it remains securely in place during your dives. This feature is particularly beneficial for preventing any shifting or sliding during compression as you descend. To further enhance this stability, the silicone material of the belt exhibits a high degree of grip. It firmly adheres to various surfaces, including wetsuits and even ultra-smooth skins. I've found this characteristic to be exceptionally convenient, ensuring the belt stays exactly where it should – an essential attribute for any weight belt.
Regarding the color, this specific belt comes in smoke gray. To be honest, I wasn't expecting it to be this captivating. I initially anticipated a standard gray weight belt, but upon receiving it, I was pleasantly surprised. It exhibits a semi-translucent quality with subtle undertones of gray, resulting in a rather unique appearance that sets it apart.
Let's delve into a few specific details that highlight why this weight belt has earned its place as my personal favorite. I'll discuss the choice of materials, particularly silicone, its customization options, and the reasons that make it an indispensable piece of equipment.
The buckle itself speaks volumes. The Marseille style buckle is a favorite among freedivers for several compelling reasons – its user-friendliness, safety attributes, and aesthetic appeal. This buckle is a far superior choice, practically ensuring it won't unexpectedly unfasten during a dive.
One standout aspect of this weight belt is the material it's crafted from. I frequently emphasize to my students the advantages of silicone over rubber. It's crucial to comprehend that different materials can react differently to water temperature variations. Given my extensive involvement in cold-water freediving and spearfishing, where water temperatures can plummet, even reaching negative two degrees Celsius, I've personally witnessed the impact of temperature on material elasticity and performance. My experience has led me to conclude that silicone surpasses rubber in these aspects. It adheres more effectively to thick wetsuits, known for compressing, while also minimizing slippage and enhancing overall comfort.
The weight belt also boasts subtle yet significant features that greatly contribute to its appeal. One such feature involves the ability to affix velcro patches directly onto the silicone. This allows me to easily attach tags at depth, streamlining the process without undue distraction. I've encountered difficulties trying to achieve the same with other materials.
One of my preferred weight options consists of the modest 500-gram weights. These weights hold a distinct advantage due to their better distribution and symmetry potential. A noteworthy tip for fellow divers – considering factors such as the number of weights required, water conditions, and wetsuit thickness is crucial in achieving optimal weight distribution around the belt. An essential precautionary note: refrain from trimming the weight belt's end until you've worn it with all the weights in place. This seemingly small step can prevent unnecessary mistakes. The material's exceptional resilience to tension ensures that the holes remain sturdy, avoiding rips or damage. A common issue I've observed with other weight belts is damage that begins at the edge, leading to the belt's overall deterioration. Thus, the durability of the material in the face of abrasion is a truly commendable feature.
In conclusion, this weight belt's numerous attributes, including its material choice, customization potential, and design considerations, collectively make it an indispensable asset for anyone engaged in diving activities. Its practicality, durability, and capacity to enhance the overall diving experience set it apart as a truly exceptional piece of equipment.