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Lead Scuba Weights Explained

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on January 23, 2016

Lead scuba weights are a crucial component of every diver’s gear collection. While the number of varieties and sizes available may have you scratching your head, this also means there are many ways to customize your fit. Let’s take a look at the different options available, and how choosing the right scuba weights for your needs can improve your dives.

There are two main types of lead scuba weights: blocks and bags of shot. Lead blocks are designed with slots through which to thread a weight belt, allowing you to add or remove weight from your belt as needed for different dives. They are relatively inexpensive, but often have the downside of digging uncomfortably into the wearer’s hips. If you rent weights, these are most likely the type you will encounter, so having a little practice with them and understanding how they work is beneficial.

Lead shot bags are mesh pouches filled with loose lead shot. They come in varying weights ranging from two to five pounds. Although they are a more costly option, they are also quite versatile. One benefit of shot versus block lead is its malleability. You can squish and stuff bags into a pocket or small space that won’t accommodate a hard lead block. This leads to the diver having a greater ability to fine tune their weighting. A second option is having a refillable bag that allows you to add or remove lead shot according to your needs.

Since different underwater environments can affect your buoyancy, being knowledgeable about how to make adjustments is an important skill to cultivate. Do some test runs with the different types of scuba weights in a swimming pool. You can rent or borrow different weight types and belts to try them out, allowing you to experiment and find what works best for you. Proper weighting means good buoyancy, which should be the goal of every diver on every dive!

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro