Weight Pouches

[syruss32]

DoubleBubbles,

If you are interested in getting just the bags so you can fill them to your desired weights, here is a site that sells just the bags.

Scuba Chick Accessories

As for filling them you can us lead shot found at gun shops and sporting goods stores. (Use #8 or larger.)

I have also heard that stainless steel is good if you can find it, such as ball bearings. But have never tried it, so am not speaking from experience.

Good Luck!

 

[DoubleBubbles]

Well here is what I did.

I first checked the price of soft weights from my LDS. It was going to cost me $87 out the door for 2-5#, and 6-4# (total of 34#) weights.

So I go to ScubaChick's website listed in a post above and ordered 14 empty weight pouches for a total of $28.85 including shipping. Tom Holt, who has a post above was been very helpful in answering any questions I had. I then went to a local gun shop and bought 50# of number 8 lead shot for $41.11

What did I get then for $69.96? I got 2-5#, 8-4#, and 4-2# weights (total of 50#). I not only saved $17.04, but I also gained 6 additonal weight pouches which in turn gives me bouyancy flexibility when I go from fresh to salt water diving on weekends.

All in all, I think I did well. And "making" my own soft weights has not become an inconvenience or hassle. I did go to my local Walmart looking for a suitable fabric to use, but came up empty handed.

 

[The Chairman]

Think it was well worth the weight!

:tease:

 

[Hawk]

Very punny!

 

[DoubleBubbles]

Well the pouches arrived today; they are very nice quality, and are color coded. I had mentioned in a previous post about possibly making my own, but as cheap as these were, there is not much point in it. Tom Holt at ScubaChick was very helpful; even informing me when the pouches were shipped. I ordered them late Friday and they went out Tuesday (Monday was a federal holiday) and arrived today. I am going to try to make time to fill them tonight and will try to post a pic of them later for y'all to look at. You can find these bags at http://home.ec.rr.com/tholt/weights.html

 

[ScubaBaby]

but I am glad you've got what you wanted doublebubble!

 

[DoubleBubbles]

Well as promised, I finally got around to filling the bags I got from Tom Holt at: http://home.ec.rr.com/tholt/weights.html

They are well built bags; sturdily stitched and great velcro. Tom had the bags here in less than a week (including a weekend and a federal holiday).

You can see the whole process at my page at: http://webpages.charter.net/sprins/weights

Those of you who like to get the best bang for your buck need to consider this path in the future. It is far too easy to do not to take advantage of the savings.

 

[scubakat]

Another reason to make your own....

If you know exactly how much weight you use you can sew the right poundage into a pair of b-i-g pouches that are shaped to fit your integrated pockets. Never again wonder if you got the right combination of small pouches.

-kate

 

[Brad]

It is entirely possible to avoid lead contamination, so why not give it the extra effort. Lead is very unhealthy and exposure can and will lead to medical problems. I would recommend that anyone who is actually going to make their own weight pouches to please (please!) consider using SST balls instead of lead. Here is a link to a source:

http://www.mcmaster.com/

go to 'metals' then 'Stainless steel'

As those bags 'work', the shot will constantly be eroding themselves and the particles of lead will continuously contaminate anything they come in contact with. I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but this is definately one toxic exposure that you CAN eliminate.

Personally, i use the encapsulated lead weights because i don't want to even take the chance. The only significant difference will be the size of the bag and i think that would be entirely worth the peace of mind.

I sincerely hope you reconsider the use of lead.

Brad

 

[tholt576]

It's a lot heavier than lead and so the weights can be more compact. Lead is known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects, and who knows what stainless steel will do to me over time. ;-)

Seriously, I think the health risk may be a bit overstated. Having said that you can buy steel shot lots of places if you are concerned. I'd put the extra money into a better regulator, but that's my choice.

Tom
www.scuba-accessories.com