Weight can be a rather uncomfortable subject for many people, but there’s nothing to fear from this post! The weight we will be discussing today is one of the crucial components of SCUBA gear: diver weights. There are a few different varieties of weights on the market today, and each type will suit a different diver’s needs, whether it be based on price, comfort, or function. Let’s take a closer look at our options.
Block Weights
Block weights are the original type of weight made for divers, and are exactly what the name implies — a block of lead. These weights are cast in various weight increments, and can be purchased coated or uncoated. The coated version is simply covered in a very thin layer of plastic to prevent corrosion, wetsuit damage, or damage caused to a dive boat by dropping an uncoated weight on the deck. Block weights come in two forms:
- Weight Belt
- BCD Integrated
Weights that are designed for belts will have one or more slots through which the belt will be threaded. This format allows divers to strategically place the weights in an order that is conducive to comfort, or in such a way that weights of particular heft can be dropped from the belt in case of emergency, rather than dropping the entire belt. The latter use is generally implemented only by very experienced divers.
BCD integrated weights are a solid piece of lead that fits into pockets on a BCD. Some divers find this type of weight to be cumbersome for the issues that can be presented by the unwillingness of block weight measurements to conform to BCD pocket sizes. For many, BCD pocket real estate is far too valuable for other uses than integrated weights, and so generally, the block weights designed for a belt are a more popular choice.
Soft Weights
Soft weights are rapidly becoming a favorite for divers due to their comfortable wear and ability to squeeze into smaller spaces. 
Soft weights are a pouch filled with lead shot, similar to BB gun pellets. The amount of pellets in the pouch determine the weight, and this type of weight can be used in a nylon or neoprene belt, or stuffed into BCD pockets. The individual pellets allow for conformity to every individual diver’s shape, and are easily squished into any available space in luggage.
What’s your favorite type of dive weight?
Plates and tanks in various combinations dive plan dependent.
Hard…but that’s only because I have a weight integrated BC.
Hard…but that’s only because I have a weight integrated BC.
soft
soft
Soft, I value my toes!
Soft, I value my toes!
Soft…to hard on my hips since 90% of my dives are shore & the walk down cqn be brutal…not to mention the 2 to 3 feet of snow we often have to treck to before we get to the waters edge
Soft…to hard on my hips since 90% of my dives are shore & the walk down cqn be brutal…not to mention the 2 to 3 feet of snow we often have to treck to before we get to the waters edge
Soft-and I have a weight integrated BC also
Soft-and I have a weight integrated BC also
I use an intergrated BC and soft.
I use an intergrated BC and soft.
Hard because that’s what my salesman has and he sells for $1 a pound haha
Depends on the amount of weight I need. Usually hard, but have used soft before.
hard.. i make my own.
hard.. i make my own.
Nice, Darrell
LeisurePro also carries molds for divers who would like to make their own weights!http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=gcsSearch&Term=weight%20mold
Nice, Darrell
LeisurePro also carries molds for divers who would like to make their own weights!http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=gcsSearch&Term=weight%20mold
think that’s where I got mine
think that’s where I got mine
The weight of a lawn mower and a weed eater, along with their workouts, are my secerets to health and fitness
The weight of a lawn mower and a weed eater, along with their workouts, are my secerets to health and fitness
Soft, a little bet on the coral when you loose one because your buddy didnt check you as well as he said he did.
Soft, a little bet on the coral when you loose one because your buddy didnt check you as well as he said he did.
soft
soft
Soft weights in my intergrated BC
Soft weights in my intergrated BC
Soft!
Soft!
Depends where I’m diving. In below 40 degree water in my dry suit I use both soft (in my BC) and hard on a weight belt. other than that I try to just use soft in my integrated BC.
Depends where I’m diving. In below 40 degree water in my dry suit I use both soft (in my BC) and hard on a weight belt. other than that I try to just use soft in my integrated BC.
Old school. Still have my original hard belt weights.
Old school. Still have my original hard belt weights.
Hard – because I throw the belt up on the docks after cleaning boat bottoms and would wear thru the soft belt in no time flat – plus my dive shop melts old lead and makes his own 4.5# weights.
Hard – because I throw the belt up on the docks after cleaning boat bottoms and would wear thru the soft belt in no time flat – plus my dive shop melts old lead and makes his own 4.5# weights.
I use both. I use hard weights with my dry suit in cold water. I use soft weights when diving in warm water with my wetsuit. Soft weights would be way too bulky for the amount needed for dry suit diving in my opinion and at that rate would loose any comfort advantage.
I use both. I use hard weights with my dry suit in cold water. I use soft weights when diving in warm water with my wetsuit. Soft weights would be way too bulky for the amount needed for dry suit diving in my opinion and at that rate would loose any comfort advantage.
Soft. Just because thats what the guy on Craigslist was selling cheap. plus it is easier on the boat when you drop one. although on a recent trip to Hawaii. I found about 40lb of fishing weights and though about collecting them and melting them down. that is if i could afford shipping them back to the mainland.
Soft. Just because thats what the guy on Craigslist was selling cheap. plus it is easier on the boat when you drop one. although on a recent trip to Hawaii. I found about 40lb of fishing weights and though about collecting them and melting them down. that is if i could afford shipping them back to the mainland.
Hard…just because that’s what I’m stuck with at the moment. Got an integrated BC on layaway. Planning to switch to soft after I get it.
Hard…just because that’s what I’m stuck with at the moment. Got an integrated BC on layaway. Planning to switch to soft after I get it.
soft
soft
Good question!!!
Good question!!!
Neither, since I have a balanced steel, tank, backplate and wing rig :p
Neither, since I have a balanced steel, tank, backplate and wing rig :p