What to look for in a weight belt?

[Scout]

My son and I have been renting weight belts since we're fairly new divers. However, it looks like purchasing our own belts will quickly pay for themselves.

What should I look for in a belt? Mesh or neoprene? Stainless buckle? "Depth adjusting buckles"? Solid weights or pellets?

Thanks for the advice!

[NitroWill]

One that holds your weights

No really....


The basic $7 plastic weight belt will do the trick just fine..
If you insist on paying the extra for the pouches thats your business..
I dont see a flaw w/ the $7 belt setup..works fine for me..If you lose it or someoen picks it up on accident - no big deal..

[cummings66]

I personally bought a stainless buckle, 2 inch mesh and cast my weights for it. I use 8lbs on the webbing and if something were to happen and I lost it I wouldn't cry too hard.

I think you can buy whatever you like, but I myself don't see the point of spending extra if I don't need to.

[Texas Girl]

I have always used a simple mesh belt with pouches. The pouches allow you to easily place and change weights around; with only a strap, the weights can slide unless you secure them. With the pouches you can use either hard or soft weights. I personally don't see a need for a fancy "depth adjusting" buckle, but you do want one that is secure.

[Phestr]

I also used the pocket-belt. Mine had a plastic buckle, never had a problem with it. I liked the soft weights, much more comfortable.

[Xspect]

I have used both pockets and non pockets

I prefer the pockets because its very easy for me to reach into my belt to either give weight to someone who is light or add weights.

I dont like others touching my BC (bad experience) to put weights in my trims

I dont like to put weights in the pocket of my BC because when and if I need to dump weights I want to dump weights. (knocking on wood)

Basically I like the control pocketed weight belt gives me.

and I own a weight intergated BC !!!

[BuzzGA]

Until recently I always used a simple mesh belt but a gift of a new BCD has converted me to weight integrated. The nice thing about the weights in the BCD is comfort and it does keep the gear a bit more streamlined. But if I hadn't gotten the new BCD, I would still be perfectly happy with a good ol' weight belt

[subsur]

i use pockets on my bp set up. my buddy uses a belt with pockets and likes it. i'd go with a steel buckle but either will last for a while. pellets vs. sealed lead - it's easy to rinse a lead covered by plastic (sealed) then pellets. i have soft weight and ok with them but it takes more effort to rinse those mesh bags.

[MxDiver]

I agree the $7 weight belt should serve all your needs.
The only thing I would add is a belt slide on the opposite end of the belt from the buckle, that way if you ever hold the belt from the buckle side your weights won't fall off.

[NitroWill]

Originally Posted by MxDiver

The only thing I would add is a belt slide on the opposite end of the belt from the buckle, that way if you ever hold the belt from the buckle side your weights won't fall off.

Or you can just twist the belt each time you go thru the weight and they wont budge