Traveling with grenade weights

[DeeDoubleYou]

I searched all over and couldn't find an answer, so here goes...

I just purchased these 2 blue "grenade" pass-through weights to use as trim on my new Zeagle Brigade's top tank strap. About 90% of my diving is reached via airplane travel. Now, on my way home from work today, it occured to me that these things will definately look like bombs going through airport x-rays!! Has anyone traveled with these?? I figured if I put them in my gear bag, it's guaranteed to get searched. If I take them onboard with me, I'm afraid TSA will confiscate them while going through security. Any help is greatly appreciated!

P.S. I know there are many options for trim weights, but these are the most compact and easiest to use method I found.

[navyhmc]

My opinion only:

If you want to bring them with you, no matter what you do with them, your bag will probably be searched. Out of the two, I would rather they search my carry on as I have more control of it and will be present to witness the search. From what I can glean from the TSA web site, I can't see anything that makes your weights a prohibited item. Though I would call them trim weights, not "Grenade Weights" as that has an instant strip and body cavity search connontation to it. I wouldn't call the bullet weights either-same reason.

The best bet is to call the airline and/or TSA and see what they say. I can see it going both ways, on one side there is nothing that says you can't bring them, but if you get the wrong TSA dude or dudette it could go very wrong.

TSA | Transportation Security Administration | U.S. Department of Homeland Security has all the info.

[Rockhound76]

Heck, they opened all of our luggage both ways on the last trip, going as far as pulling the weight inserts (empty) from my Zeagle. The shoulder harness was halfway removed our of my son's Poseidon. I had to re-thread everything before we could go diving. When we got home on Sunday, we found TSA slips in EVERY piece of our checked baggage.

I can't think of anything that might have "tripped" the searches, but scuba gear in general looks different on x-ray, so that's probably it (or not).

Years ago, pre-9/11, gosh, think 1984 or '86, I had customs completely take my UW camera rig apart (carry-on) and then take me to a room alone for a more personal search. Not invasive, just thorough. When asked "why", I was told my camera "looked funny" on x-ray. It seems that the strobe arms looked like part of some weapons-system; like a "gun" they told me.

Missed my connecting flight. Had to fly to Memphis, spend the night sans luggage, then finish up the next day. I took it calmly, but no one ever said "Sorry". I'm something of a Libertarian and that day still sticks in my craw (as daddy would say).

Not fun, but sometimes you can't avoid it.

(NOTE: It didn't help that, at the time, I had a beard, long hair and a preference for Panama hats. My wife said I looked like an episode of "Miami Vice"...you know one of the characters that gets knocked off before the first commercial break.)

[Damselfish]

I don't think putting those weights on you tank strap are really any easier than threading on a regular lead block you can get at your destination. It will depend on the BC but I find it a pain. You could use a pocket that it either easier to put on the strap or you can just leave on, and slip a weight in it there. Save some weight in the luggage.

[DeeDoubleYou]

Originally Posted by Damselfish

I don't think putting those weights on you tank strap are really any easier than threading on a regular lead block you can get at your destination. It will depend on the BC but I find it a pain. You could use a pocket that it either easier to put on the strap or you can just leave on, and slip a weight in it there. Save some weight in the luggage.

I thought of that and decided on what I have since they have a through slot that I can easily move around on the strap. As for the pouch/pocket, the XS ones I found are too wide and prohibit the use of the velcro that keeps the strap from coming undone.

After keeping myself awake last night, I've decided to exchange these TSA nightmares for a set of ankle weights. That way I can wrap them around the tank valve and add 1 or 2 as needed. Now, I have known people to travel with these, any of you heard anything bad about doing this? Besides the obvious baggage weight restrictions.

Navyhmc... thanks for the website link, very helpful

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by Rockhound76

I can't think of anything that might have "tripped" the searches, but scuba gear in general looks different on x-ray, so that's probably it (or not).

We got singled out for the special search going to MIA from Boston because we were carrying on regulators. Apparently the first stages are dense enough that the x-ray can't go through them, so they did the whole explosives detection deal on them, x-rayed just the regs, and then let us go.

As for the lead weights, I'd carry them on, at least that way you can explain what they are instead of hoping that the baggage handler doesn't deem them a risk.

[Crimediver]

Those aren't grenade weights. Back in the 80's I had grenade weights. They looked exactly like a pineapple grenade. They were vinyl dipped lead weights made by Sea Pearls. I see some every once in a while. I had about 4 of them on my weight belt, looked like I was going to hit Omaha Beach at Normandy. They also had some for the less manly that looked like sea shells. Anybody remember them ? They would set off Devcon 3 with the TSA if you took them along to dive.

[scubasamurai]

heck i wouldn't take anything that look like the "b" word i am not even takjng my trim weights to belize. figure i can string weights from there

[DeeDoubleYou]

Originally Posted by Crimediver

Those aren't grenade weights. Back in the 80's I had grenade weights. They looked exactly like a pineapple grenade. They were vinyl dipped lead weights made by Sea Pearls. I see some every once in a while. I had about 4 of them on my weight belt, looked like I was going to hit Omaha Beach at Normandy. They also had some for the less manly that looked like sea shells. Anybody remember them ? They would set off Devcon 3 with the TSA if you took them along to dive.

I've seen the sea shell style.. In fact, the shop, where I bought my "formerly known as bullet/grenade weights", sells the sea shell weights. Mine are also made by Sea Pearls. Seems like quite the innovative, TSA scaring company!

It seems best to leave the weights at home.....

[Charles R]

I just Got back from a trip to Kona and @ the Phoenix airport they freaked out when my can light was in my carry on I guess the did not like the looks of the battery packs thing sticks wrapped together with wires coming out of the top I knew I was going to get "extra Screening" thats why I was @ the Air port 2 hrs early.