Recreational divers have a tendency to concentrate their lead weights in the middle of their bodies. The majority of the lead is located in two ditchable pockets on either side of the waist. If more weight is needed, it typically gets added to pockets mounted on the tank band or near the mid-section of the BC.

When the diver is in the horizontal swimming position, all the lead lines up in a vertical column known as the Central Drop Zone. This pushes down on the diver’s midsection. To compensate, the diver tends to arch the back leading to lower back pain and additional drag moving through the water. This is inefficient and can increase air consumption.

Enjoy diving more comfortably and efficiently by spreading your lead! While it is important to keep the majority of your lead in easily ditchable pockets, the rest of it should move forward and back. The new Phantom SL (Spread your Lead) has fixed weight pockets located up high on the shoulders. Each shoulder pocket can hold 2 x 2 lb weights.

Combine this with a set of ankle weights and now you have Spread your Lead. Instead of a Central Drop Zone, you have front, middle and rear weight positions. Try it for yourself and feel what you’ve been missing!

The new Phantom SL BC makes it easy to Spread your Lead. Thin weight pockets, located high up on the back of the shoulders, isolate up to two 2lb. weights on each side.

While 2 lb mesh shot bags will fit, XS Scuba strongly encourages using 2 lb hard blocks for a lower profile.

Phantom SL BC 

XS Scuba’s popular Phantom BC, a weight-integrated, back-inflation BC, has undergone a transformation for 2020. Introducing the new Phantom SL, the BC that allows you to Spread your Lead!

New Features for the Phantom SL:

• Weight pockets mounted up high on the shoulders for excellent lead spreading capability
    - Each pocket holds 2 x 2 lb. weights
  (hard or mesh weights)
    - A total of 8 lbs can now be moved forward on the
  diver’s body

• Includes a pair 1 lb. ankle weights to redistribute weight 

• An internal, heavy-duty polyethylene chassis extends well into the shoulders to support the shoulder weight pockets and to keep diver’s shoulders comfortable

• Swivel shoulder buckles optimize the routing of the shoulder straps for a more custom fit

• Enlarged thumb loops accommodate gloved thumbs to more easily pull down on the shoulder straps

• Reinforcement panel on the rear of air bladder for increased durability

• Increased back padding for added comfort

• All-new cosmetics because we all know that you must look good to dive well!

• MultiMax breathable inflator option available

Your Favorite Features Retained:

• Catch n’ ReleaseTM weight system for the easiest loading
  weight pockets
     - Secure your weights with visual, audible tactile confirmation
     - Single pull ditch for safety

• Lowered tank band integrates into BC’s waistband to transfer the cylinder’s weight to the hips

• No hard backpack allows the cylinder to stay in close, next to your body. This makes the cylinder feel lighter and much more comfortable

• Drop-down right pocket can hold slates or a small flashlight

• Knife mounting grommets on the left pocket

• 6 stainless steel D-rings provide many attachment options

• Only 4 sizes are needed to fit divers from XXS to XXL