mike h More than likely a large should be fine. I weigh 215 and 6'1" and bought teh x-large and it fit well. I think the zippered pocket version material is more of a nylon which is lighter and drains better. While the velcro version is neoprene, compresses at depth and is much more comfortable in my opinion. The velcro fastens quite well.

TIMOTHY H I've never used a zipper weight belt, but I'd recommend the simplicity of velcro.

FRANK E The velcro is fine and easier than zipper type to add weights to and you always run risk of zipper breaking on zipper ones. Pockets are about the same on both types. Will hold 5 lb weights in a pocket easily. Look at your waists size with wet suit on. Figure on weights you normally need with full suit on and hood on. Look at number of weights you normally use and count pockets you need. If you normally use 15 lbs then a 4 pocket belt will do fine. If you are closer 18 lbs weight for diving in wetsuit might want a 5 pocket belt.

JULIANNE T I don't know about the zipper pockets, but the velcro ones are easy to use and work just fine (I have never had them come open when I didn't want them to). I would go by waist measurement for the size -- my husband is 185 and 5'6" and he got the 6 pocket - I am 5'4", 135 and got the 5 pocket. (6 pocket is better anyway because then there isn't a weight right in the middle of your back.) We keep buying these as they wear out because they are so easy to use and so somfortable.

MARY C They have several pockets based on how much weight you will need depending on your suit. Thin wetsuit needs less weight than a 5m. With these belts you get to customize how much you need. They do not come with weights. The soft lead bags are the most comfortable. If when you are straight up in the water and the water comes to mid mask you are neutrally balanced.

MARGARET D The weights go in the pockets. They do not come with the belt. It is nice to use more smaller weights with this belt so that the weight is evenly distributed.

EDWARD W The pockets carry either hard lead weights or soft lead shot filled bean bags. The extra pockets allow for variations depending on personal preference. You have to buy the weight separately or rent them. Good luck.

JULIANNE T There are so many pockets so that you can use a number of different configurations of weights. No, the weights do not come with the belt. The most effective way to use them is to put two or three pound weights (or four or maybe five, depending on whether or not they will fit and how much weight you need) in as many pockets as you need. I personally always use the front pockets so that my weights are near the front, but I only use the front two. My husband uses four of the pockets. The back pocket we never use because the tank hitting the weight can be a bit uncomfortable.

JENNIFER G It does not already come with weights. The pockets are designed to hold the weights, although every pocket need not be used. You can use either solid lead bars or shot. I prefer the shot as it is more flexible. I love this weight belt as it allows you to distribute the weights evenly about your waist and they stay put.The neoprene also shields you from the cold lead pressing against you. I would be hard-pressed to return to the webbing with weights strung on it.

PHILIP N Yes, the pockets slide along the belt but keep in mind that since this is made of neoprene, it will add buoyancy.

GORDON G The position of the pockets is fixed. Actually, there is not a separate belt, which is the only thing I don't like about the design. It is entirely neoprene except for the part that buckles. It makes the belt when it has weights in it a bit floppy until you strap it on.

HEATHER C They are permanently fixed.

EDWARD W Ken the pockets are fixed so you can't reposition them and limited in size so if you need more than 20 pounds for a thick wet suit or dry suit a standedard webbed belt, a DUI Harness or the Seasoft Harness that Leisure pro carries are better choices. I used this belt specifically with a 3/2 wet suit when I am snorkeling and use integrated weights when I am scuba diving with a thin wet suit. I think a harness may be a very intelligent idea even for light weights. Good hunting. Andy

SOUTH F They are fixed and probably won't go through the loops

STEPHEN J D The pockets DO NOT move ? fixed in place. However, the buckle is fully adjustable.

WILLIAM F I bought this belt for free diving. It is very compfortable with 6-16 lbs of weight. the belt is a little stretching which adds to it's compfortt with smaller amounts of weight, but strechy does not help when you are carrying more than 16 lbs. This belt works well with either solid or shot weight. good luck, Bill

LUIS J Z The belt is very comfortable to wear and should do the trick for free diving, as long as you don't need too much weight because it will feel uncomfortable if its overstuffed.

IRA M Yes but make heavy

KURT K I like the belt; however, given the opportunity I would try to purchase a BC that incorporates a quick release, fold-out weight pocket. It allows you fewer items tied to your body and it makes 'dumping' the weights quick and easy (quicker and easier than reaching under your BC and accessing the weight belt, etc...

JULIANNE T We only use the belts for SCUBA, but have used soft shot weights in them and they work just fine. The Velcro fastens very securely (and the belts are wonderfully soft around your waist, unlike webbed belts or even similar belts made of mesh fabric).

ARTHUR B Yes the belt works great for free diving and spear fishing it's very comfortable I've also used it with solid weights to and it works fine..

SHARON B I bought this for my daughter and she hasn't used it yet but the size of the pockets appear like they will accommodate a 5 lb. soft weight.

FRANK E I have not had a problem using 5# weights with this belt. I do not use all 5# weights. It is a mixture of weights in belt. No problem noted in this belt with it coming apart.

EMILIE S Sorry, have not used 5lb soft weight. Only had 5lb solid weights inside.

SOUTH F We are currently using ours w/5 lbs soft weights w/ no problem. I don't know the brand of the soft weight

SHAWN M Yes they do fit the 5lb lead weights. I like this thing a lot, very comfortable (I use it for free diving)

GREG C In my experience, they run a bit small, so take the larger of the recommended sizes. We got one that was right in the middle, and because of sizing and wetsuit, we ended up sending it back for an upsize.

EMILIE S Oh, gosh.... my boyfriend is a 34 waist and has the 5 pocket. Once it has the weights in it, it seems smaller. And don't forget, if you will be wearing a wet suit, I'd suggest going up in size. The 5 pocket doesn't fit him IF he has a 6 mil wetsuit on in winter. I can say they are good lasting. His is now 4 years old and gets used pretty regularly here in the Florida Keys. Just be sure to rinse it after each use.

GORDON G I'm not sure which size I have. I didn't know there was more than one. The one I have fits me at 34", and there is plenty of slack, so 40" probably would not be a problem. I don't think it could cinch up to 28", though.

FERNANDO P I believe it's too big for a child. Could you just put the weights in a BCD Pocket? My waist is 42 and it works well for me. I use some 18# to go down.

FRANK E I would look at the amount of weight they need to look at pockets in belt.If child only needs say 12 lbs to dive a 4 pocket belt would be fine. Same for adult. If adult takes 20 pounds to dive a 4 pocket belt would do (5 lbs per pocket) but would suggest a larger size to have more flexibility. I would suggest a 6 pocket belt for adult .

LeisurePro S Yes, the pockets hold up to a five pound block each, regular lead blocks or soft weights.

LeisurePro S I would recommend the seven pocket belt.

LeisurePro S The six pocket belt expands from 34" to 43".

LeisurePro S 35 pounds

LeisurePro S 5 pocket

LeisurePro S Belt with buckle included.

LeisurePro S This is just the belt

LeisurePro S That depends in the size of the belt

LeisurePro S A 4 pocket belt will hold 5 lbs per pocket or 20 lbs. You could possibly squeeze 6lb weights in but it will be very tight.