Choosing Scuba weight belts is more about personal preference than a recommendation, additionally, there are so many kinds of weights to choose from that it is often almost impossible to make an decision if ever you have to purchase weights. The best approach to select a particular type of weight belt is to be able to test them out first preferably in a swimming pool to see which kind you are most comfortable with or in need of. Try renting out different weight belts and test your buoyancy and trim to see what works best for you. Some of the more common type of weight belts are:
Lead Block Belts
Lead Block Belts are the most common type of weighting for Scuba use, which consists of a two –three inch nylon belt with a quick release buckle onto which lead weights, which may be coated or uncoated lead of varying weights ranging from 2 – 15 pounds can be attached/laced through the loop as per requirement. Lead block belts are also the most inexpensive kind of weight-belt, and is notoriously known for causing discomfort due to the weights digging into the divers hips. However that being said, it is also one of the most commonly found type of weight if you rent scuba equipment from a dive store.
* Pictured above: Sea Pearls Uncoated Lace Thru Style Weights available at Leisurepro.com
Pocket Belts
Pocket weight belts comprise of a regular nylon belt with pockets running along the length of it, into which lead blocks may be added as a cheaper option or neoprene Lead Shot pouches as the more expensive option. The benefit of the pocket weight belt is that it is easy to add and subtract weights to adjust buoyancy after each dive, and the weights don’t dig into the diver’s sides as much making it a more comfortable alternative to the basic lead block belt.
* Pictured above: XS Scuba Weight Belt available at Leisurepro.com
Lead Shot Belts
Lead shot belts consist of a pocket or a pouch into which round lead shot can be filled based on desired weight requirement. The primary benefit of using a lead shot belt is that is much more comfortable to wear on a dive as compared to a block belt. It is said that most divers once they have switched to lead shot, will never switch back. Custom pouches can be purchased either cylindrical or rectangular to suit the divers need. The problem with the shot belt is that it is difficult to adjust the weight needed for each dive as buoyancy changes over time, and needs supplemental pocket weight blocks to overcome this. Alternatively you can create or purchase smaller shot pouches to add or remove from your main shot belt as desired.
* Pictured above: Aqua Lead Shot Soft Weights available at Leisurepro.com
Brace Systems
Brace Systems comprise of a harness belt that may or may not come with a backplate, onto which quick release weights can be attached onto distributing the weight over a larger area. Brace systems are ideal for anyone with a back problem as the weight is distributed, and much more comfortable to wear than a hip belt. Brace systems with a steel plate help evenly distribute the weight of the tank as well. In case of an emergency the weight bags/pouches can be released easily.
*Pictured above: OMS One Piece Harness System #BP-166 available at Leisurepro.com
Integrated Weights
Integrated weights are systems built into your BCD. This eliminates a need to carry a separate belt, and most people find them much more comfortable than weight belts while diving. The only downside is that it makes your scuba BCD unit heavier to move around before and after the dive
V-Weights
V-weights are used by divers that carry twin tanks. It consists of a v-shaped or “toblerone” shaped lump of lead weight that sits between the two cylinders, keeping the weight of the divers lower back. V-weights are comfortable to carry and divers do not need to wear a weight belt. However, V-weights cannot be jettisoned in case of an emergency ascent.
Featured above: Xs-Scuba “V” Weight Pouch #WB550 available at Leisurepro.com
V-Weight Type 2
The second kind of V-weight which is mounted in between the backplate and the diver is sometimes known as a P-weight or Polish Weight. This can be used by divers using a single tank, but require a backplate and harness belt system.
Tail Weights
Tail weights are essentially V-weights that are mounted lower down the twin tanks usually bolted to the bottom plate to give the diver more trim. Tail weights help divers maintain a horizontal position more easily by distributing the weight lower down. More recently, Tail weights have been available in the form of scuba air tank end caps, or lead weight belts that can be attach
Featured above: 7.25″ Tank Boot with 5 LB.Weight available at Leisurepro.com
Ankle Weights
Reduces leg and fin buoyancy and minimizes back stress for a more comfortable dive. Often divers find their legs floating upwards, and find it difficult to maintain buoyancy because of this. Ankle weights help solve trip problems. Divers should ensure that their ankle weights should fit snugly (not tightly) around the leg and have a one hand easy release buckle.
* Pictured above: Durward Ankle Weights available at Leisurepro.com
