Hard or Soft Weight?

[matt151617]

I'm getting a weight-integrated BC. There's a guy locally on Craigslist selling weight... either $40 for 24lbs of soft weight, or $30 for 24lbs of hard weight (coated). Would the BC still be comfortable with all hard weight? Obviously I'd like to go cheaper.

[Ryanh1801]

I would go soft for only 10 extra bucks. I went hard only cause im a cheap ass.

[CompuDude]

Coated hard weights are my preference by far. Cost has zero to do with it.

[Ryanh1801]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Coated hard weights are my preference by far. Cost has zero to do with it.

May I ask why?

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by Ryanh1801

May I ask why?

Most BCs, comfort is a non-issue. They'll have a plate of some sort between you and the actual weights for this reason.

Hard weights won't break if you drop them. They might break your foot (LOL), but there's a simple solution to that: Don't be a dumbass who drops weights on their feet! LOL

There are environmental questions about soft weights. Both from a "what happens to all that LEAD if one breaks?" to "gee, my soft weights leave a milky residue behind when I sit them on the ground, what is that? Could it be lead powder generated by hundreds of soft lead balls rubbing against each other?"

There is a lead poisoning concern with any weights that you have to touch, but the concern (to you, and to others) is minimized by the use of coated hard weights. Compare to lead dust continually coming off soft weights...

To me, the choice is crystal clear. Others aren't bothered by it. YMMV.

[Empacher]

I use soft for the convenience and comfort. My ranger has room for both types, but I feel that the soft is way more comfortable. I've yet to have one break. The price on both is phenomenal...I pay $3-$5 per pound at my LDS

[oddbod]

I used hard weights in my Black Diamond, never felt them, tied them together with Zip ties so they couldn't move, the only time i used soft weights I found they pooled at the bottom or front as I was swimming.

[Eddym67]

Coated hard. They are the same price as soft. More versatile. can use with a belt should you later wear one. Cant feel them in your BC.

[gregor]

I don't have real prominent hip bones, so the soft weight has a tendency to slide down my waist unless i really sinch up the belt, the hard weight on the other hand kind of "digs in" but in a good way into my hips and stays put. Now most of the time i'm using a 4 lb belt so it's not a ton of weight, and if you have hips the soft weight isn't as rough on them, and won't leave bruises. You said they will be in your BC, so that reasoning is probably moot. I agree with compudude about the possibility of lead leaching into the environment and the lead shot has a ton more surface area to leach than the bricks.

[Martin2]

Originally Posted by gregor

I don't have real prominent hip bones, so the soft weight has a tendency to slide down my waist unless i really sinch up the belt, the hard weight on the other hand kind of "digs in" but in a good way into my hips and stays put. Now most of the time i'm using a 4 lb belt so it's not a ton of weight, and if you have hips the soft weight isn't as rough on them, and won't leave bruises. You said they will be in your BC, so that reasoning is probably moot. I agree with compudude about the possibility of lead leaching into the environment and the lead shot has a ton more surface area to leach than the bricks.

Agreed. As long as they'll actually fit in the pockets. Some BCs have oddly small pocket openings for weights.