Buying a Scuba Weight Belt - Features to look out for when buying a weight belt

Regardless of the style of weight belt, the most important feature is a quick release devices which can easily be operated by one hand, so if you are about to buy a weight belt check for this feature and see whether you are comfortable with the release mechanism.

I recommend that before you buy a scuba weighting system, you test out the different types so that you may determine which scuba diving weighting systems is most suited for you. The last thing you want during your dive, is to experience an uncomfortable weight system. It can get really frustrating and will completely take away your focus from your diving activity. So take your time and choose wisely.

Traditional weight system

The most commonly used scuba weight belt is the traditional weight belt which is made either from nylon or neoprene rubber. Weights for this type of belt, are made from lead and individual pieces can be purchased separately.
This type of scuba weight belt requires plastic clips to prevent the individual weights from sliding out in place. If you use this type of scuba belt, it is important to place these clips as close to the individual scuba diving weights as possible to ensure that they remain firmly in place. Otherwise during your dives the weights, will move position around you waist and could make your dive quite uncomfortable.

Scuba belt pouch

Another popular weighting system is the scuba weight belt pouch. This system contains pockets along the belt which can be filled with bags similar to a bean bag containing lead shot or the traditional solid weights.
Advantages to this system is that the pockets are secure in place that means you do not have the possibility of sliding weights like in traditional scuba weight belt. When used this type of weight belt system with the 'bean bag' combination, the weights contour to the shape of your body thus making it more comfortable.

Scuba weight harness

Scuba diving weight harnesses are another type of weight system. A belt and a shoulder harness are used in conjunction to secure the weights on the shoulders.
The advantage of this system is that it secures the weights into position eliminating the possibility that the weights can move around whilst this type of weighting system also alleviates the diver from back and hip pains which are generally associated to traditionally scuba weight belts.

Scuba Integrated weight systems

Another category of weighting systems is become increasingly popular are the integrated systems. Certain types of Buoyancy compensating devices (BCD) have integrated weight plates which are normally found at the back side of the BCD.

The advantage of this type of system is that, it reduces the amount of equipment you wear whilst underwater and, as a result, is much more comfortable since the weight is distributed along your back.

This article is an excerpt from a series of informative guides appearing on Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com under the Wetsuit section of the site at http://www.scuba-snorkeling-adventures.com/scuba-weight-belt.html where you will also find helpful tips on how to set up your scuba belt.

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