Weights for integrated pockets

[mtroadking]

I was wondering what type of weights work best in the integrated pockets of most BCs.

Thanks
mtroadking

 

[H2Andy]

that would be soft weights (the ones in the little color-coded pouches)

 

[AndyNZ]

Or for the cheap, lead shot bought from your local gun shop and weighed into zip lock bags which are then wrapped in gaffer tape....

 

[Xman]

depends on the shape of the pockets...some pockets are easier to load into the bc with the appropriate sized solid lead weights rather than shot weights.
This is certainly the case with the Sherwood Freedom I use when I have to use a BC rather than BP/W

 

[billtodive]

Another option. Mold lead into old (and don't use again) loaf pan. This gives a very compact weight; fits the longer weight-integrated pockets very well. Just find a pan (mold) slightly smaller than your weight pockets. Mine are bent to fit on my hips...

 

[billtodive]

Oh, welcome to SB. If you fill in some bio info, you might find a dive buddy or two.
Very helpfull people on here, as you probably learned from the first reply.....

 

[spectrum]

First chack you manual. I have seen some that say not to use soft weights, I'm not sure why.

In general soft weights may be more comfortable but they do not last forever and will leach lead adding to polution and they will tend to stain your gear.

Hard weights Are durable and with less surface area leach lead. Coated hard weights are what I generally use. Solids are also cheaper in most cases.

You my find that you don't want all of your weight integrated and hard weights are easier to move to a simple belt or cam band. You will figure this out as you move from correct weight to correct trim.

I agree with billtodive that soilds will be easier to insert since they will have a form factor and won't ball up.

Pete

 

[del_mo]

I melted down tire weights (they are free) to fill out my weighting needs. Melt into small ingots, put them tightly packed into a mesh bag and weigh them at the post office if you don't have a good small scale.

 

[H20Bubbles]

I have found that hard weights work better in the Mares MRS pockets. One concern I have with the soft weights is that the sizes and shapes are "moldable" which can result in you have slightly different weighting and may cause trim issues.

 

[joe rock]

I use soft weights and have no problems with fit nor trim. This is one of those "what works for you" topics. I do support Spectrum's advice to check the manual, some do in fact recommend the use of hard weights.

My only concern with the soft weights is that if the pouch wears and you start dropping tiny little weight pellets...:sadlike: