Dive weights

[castanagajt]

I am seriously thinking of making my own dive weights.

I was wondering how much weight that I may need and what molds to buy. Also what common size of weight do you all use th most.

I am thinking of buying a 5lbs. mold and a 2lbs mold. any other suggestions?

 

[fisherdvm]

Have you considered using BB sized lead shots, and sewing mesh bags for them? I think I've seen ready made mesh bags for these on the internet before.

But I agree with the mould. It is more environmentally friendly, and don't harm diving birds and animals that might ingest lead shots.

I have two lead moulds that were given to me, but haven't got around to messing with them. Right now, I feel I could use a couple of 5's or even 8's for my drysuit - but am probably pushing the limit of my integrated pockets.

 

[Leo Darmitz]

Hi
If you are looking for weight moulds, I have twenty different sizes and styles. I have moulds from 2 pound to 5 kilo (11 pounds). I have both open and two piece moulds. I even have moulds for weights that freedivers like. If you used weight pockets, I have a couple of items that may interest you; one is my ALLTON 'D' and the other is the TROY bead. The ALLTON 'D' was originally designed for the freediver, but it can be cast without the belt slot to produce a 1 kilo (35.7 oz.) brick. It is the most space/weight efficient weight style I have. Another suggestion would be my TROY 3B. It is a two cavity, two piece mould that produces a 'ball' of lead that is 160 gm (5.6 oz). The TROY 3B can also produce a 130 gm 'bead' or a 70 gm 'button'. The beads can be strung together to make ankle weights.
If you are into both diving and fishing, the TROY 3B can also cast 160 gm fishing sinkers/downriggers. The TROY 3B has many uses. The mussle seed growers of the Atlantic north east, use them to keep their ropes vertical on their mussle seed farms.
Please E-Mail me at logicdesign@rogers.com if you would like further information.

 

[muddiver]

Unless you use less than 20lbs of weight, I suggest you make two 10 pounders and do the rest in small increments. I have a number of 2 bls and 1 lbs weights so I can adjust depending on what gear I cary for that dive. A 13 cu pony will add enought weight on one dive to change your buoyancy from the last dive.

Another idea is to build a commercial diver type weight belt out of a piece of conveyor belt. You can get the quick release buckle from AquaTech in San Diego or Miller Diving Equipment in Santa Barbara. They also sell the brick molds for the square blocks you bolt to the belt. Then make some suspenders like a DUI weight system and you don't have to scinch your belt down every time you put it on.

 

[Teamcasa]

If you decide to cast your own lead, be very careful when melting lead. The fumes can be extremely hazardous, not just for you but anyone in the area.