TEST: TEKNODIVER BACK WEIGHT

BALLAST ON BUTTOCKS

We usually deal with products that have innovative features and that are presented to the market for the very first time but in this case we decided to write about a product with great potential that cannot be exactly defined brand new. It is in fact an item that was designed more than four years ago but which media have not talked much of although it is very useful. Perhaps this might be due to the fact that it has not a well-defined commercial name. TEKNODIVER, the company located in galatone (LE-italy) that sells it, on its website calls it "back-weight" and it is actually a neoprene belt that excellently solves the issue of ballast distribution, especially in winter when the ballast dramatically increases.

The idea is at the same time so simple and so effective, to place a portion of the ballast on the buttocks using a vest-like system. Through the "cuts" in the upper portion, this accessory connects to the normal weight belt on which you can mount your usual weights and then in the pockets with velcro closing you can put 3/4 weights of 1 kilo each (the ones for the belt or other kinds) according to the model you buy.

If you think that this accessory only solves the problem of ballast distribution on the back you make a mistake because it also contributes to make our diving experience more comfortable from other points of view. Once the belt passes through the cuts as shown in the picture it is still possible to mount  the regular ballast, however, the presence of the neoprene between a weight and the other prevents the them to slide along the belt and locks them in the selected position.

The lower part of the back-weight is provided with a ring to which you can connect a nylon belt that it equipped with an o-ring on the other end to be fixed to the weight-belt (see photo) on the front before passing it through the buckle to lock it. This step besides keeping the back-weight firm in the desired position prevents the whole ballast to slide towards the chest while diving to the bottom.

Surely you will be asking yourself the following questions:

1. isn’t swimming with weights laying on our bottom uncomfortable, as butt muscles do contribute to the fin movement?

2. doesn’t the nylon band between the legs tend to “cut” the groin area or by the way to bother on long distances?

About the first question, we have to consider that the bags with the weights lay on the coccyx area and therefore do not significantly affect the swimming. Even sitting on the rocks for example can easily be done although, to be honest, you feel there is something …

As for the second point, the nylon band passes above the beaver tail of the suit and over long distances has not caused any inconvenience. However this is a subjective matter that can be easily solved by replacing the nylon band with another material such as a piece of elastic cord.

The only aspect that could be improved is related to the cuts in which the belt passes because in our opinion they could be coated as the whole perimeter is in order to safeguard their integrity in time.

The company informs us that this accessory is available in two colors (displayed in picture) and with 3 or 4 pockets at 42 € including shipping in Italy.