How to prevent lead weights from moving around on the belt?

[lommnb]

When I pick up my weight belt the lead weights shifts toward the buckle. Not only does this cause balance problem for me, weights bunch up against buckle makes it hard to put the tail end through. I find myself frequently adjusting the position of the weights.

Is there any way to fix at least the first three pieces of the weights, which I never take off, to their positions?

 

[Scott]

Weight Keepers can be found at most dive stores

 

[johnatabc]

I was taught to twist the belt before feeding it through the second slot in the weight.
John

 

[Tortuga68]

If your belt is long enough, you can try putting a fold in it over the permanent weights... pass the belt through one hole in the weight, twist it 180 degrees, and pass through the second hole in the weight

edit: John beat me to it!

 

[reefduffer]

For a gear solution, look at these keepers:
keeper weight - Search Results for keeper weight - www.leisurepro.com

When I used a rental belt (I now have a weight-integrated BC) I was taught to put a half-twist in the belt between the two slots in the last weight on the open end, to keep the weights from falling off the belt, and this worked pretty reliably. You could do that on any of them, which would probably would at least make your problem with shifting a lot smaller.

Edit: Wow, no replies when I started, and now it's all been said.

 

[g1138]

That fold trick doesn't work if you use vinyl coated bullet weights. Weight keepers are the solution then.

I would recommend getting metal weight keepers as the plastic ones can break due to sun fatigue or if you drop the belt the wrong way.

If you use the traditional 2 slot weights then the folding trick will work. A single weight keeper at the end (non buckle side) will ensure that no weights are lost if you're doing a weightbelt roll.

 

[spectrum]

The SS weight keepers work well for us. Use 4 to keep each side's weight where it belongs. be sure to reserve at least 8 inches in the back so your cylinder has a happy place to be. beyond that set them so the are more down your side and extend under you to some extent while keeping god space for the buckle and adjustment. This way the weights are not up on your back and you lower your center of gravity.

I switch gear a lot and often need different weights. I have one belt with a 5LB on each side with an XS Scuba picket right behind it. That belt is quickly configured from 10 - 20 pounds. I have another with just the pockets for 0-10.

Pete

 

[Tortuga68]

The SS weight keepers work well for us. Use 4 to keep each side's weight where it belongs

Do you mean you have two weights on either side, with two keepers on either side of each weight?

If so, why not put the keeper on the top of the weight?

 

[DevonDiver]

If you use a rental belt, with 2-slot weights, then the twist method is cheap (free!) and simple. If you're making your own belt up, then I'd use proper weight retainers (as Scott illustrates in Post 2#) to hold each weights in place exactly where you want it.

 

[irishsquid]

Weight Keepers can be found at most dive stores

That's what I use. I went into a Dive Shop last year and asked for a couple "weight keepers" and they looked at me like I was speaking Romulan or something. I had to explain what I was asking for.

Do you mean you have two weights on either side, with two keepers on either side of each weight?

If so, why not put the keeper on the top of the weight?

Works like a charm!