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Mako rubber weight belt question...

Thread Status: Hello , There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
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Mike Bostic

Member
Aug 5, 2016
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Yes, I am a newb.
I ordered a mako belt to make some upcoming snorkel excursions more enjoyable - probably going to end up using 4 or 5 pounds of weight to perform 12 - 15 ft. dives over shallow reefs.

My question is regarding excess belt length. Do you leave it or cut it? If you cut it, how much excess do you leave for a "handle?'

Thanks!
Mike
 
Don't cut it till you have the weights on, threading the weights on eats up some of the length. I have about 6 inches spare when the belt is on, cut it a bit longer than you think you need in case you make a mistake with the cut, be mindful of were the holes are when you cut and don't cut too close to them. (y)
 
Don't cut it till you have the weights on, threading the weights on eats up some of the length. I have about 6 inches spare when the belt is on, cut it a bit longer than you think you need in case you make a mistake with the cut, be mindful of were the holes are when you cut and don't cut too close to them. (y)

Thanks for the helpful reply, Pinniped72
Mike
 
Also, take into account the thickness of your wetsuit which will require a couple more inches. I made my first weight belt too short by not measuring carefully. I recommend putting the maximum number weights you will ever use on the belt then put on your wetsuit and belt and tighten it. After that, leave at least 6" extra so you have plenty to grab at if you need to do a quick release.
Start conservative, you can always cut off more if its too long - but if its too short then you've wasted a belt.
 
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All of the advice so far is spot on. I would like to add, consider if you will ever dive with different wetsuits. I live in NorCal where I use a two piece 7mm but I also dive in SoCal where I use a one piece 3mm. I have a mako rubber belt and when I dive with my 2 piece 7mm, I need the whole belt length. Where I use my 3mm, I tuck the end of the excess into the belt making a loop I can grab. Obviously if you don't intend to dive multiple suit's I would cut the excess leaving 4 to 6 inches. Something to think about.
 
All of the advice so far is spot on. I would like to add, consider if you will ever dive with different wetsuits. I live in NorCal where I use a two piece 7mm but I also dive in SoCal where I use a one piece 3mm. I have a mako rubber belt and when I dive with my 2 piece 7mm, I need the whole belt length. Where I use my 3mm, I tuck the end of the excess into the belt making a loop I can grab. Obviously if you don't intend to dive multiple suit's I would cut the excess leaving 4 to 6 inches. Something to think about.


Thx - good advice.
Mike
 
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