Lead weights ...

Patch wrote:
> I am curious if the Sea Pearls plain (uncoated) weights will mark up our
> BCD's. We use coated weights now, but since the plain, uncoated ones are
> cheaper, I would like to try them. We have Zeagle's, and have the little
> yellow pouches, but it is simpler to just stuff the weights into the weight
> pockets, and remove when packing up.
>
> The soft weights are an option also, and I assume they are cleaner because
> of the bag.
>
> Thanks for any insight ...
>
> John
> Polk City, FL
>
>

I used to work for Seapearls quite a few years ago and we
had a demonstration that explained the differences between
the products.

First, take a #5 uncoated weight and throw it at your right
foot. It will do two things ... break your toe and mark
your shoe.

Next, take a COATED #5 weight and throw it against your left
foot. It will break your toe, but the shoe will be unmarked.

Now, if you don't want to do either of those, take a #5 shot
pouch and toss it at either foot and you will feel it hit,
but id does no damage at al.

The point is, shot is just more comfortable ... that's it.
As far as marking the BC is concerned, it really depends on
the condition of the lead. If your uncoated lead is marred
from constantly dropping it, then it will create sharp edges
that can and will chafe the nylon. However, if you keep it
new looking, especially the smooth molded Seapearls stuff,
it should be no problem at all.

Soft weight is messy if you don't take care of it properly.
Even the so called "Plated" shot will wear off the plating
and the lead will be exposed to oxidize. That oxidized lead
forms with the salt and creates a gray ugly mud to drain all
over your dive gear. You need to rinse it well and I soak
in some stuff called Salt-X to neutralize the salt before I
put it away. And the plastic pouches ... fugedaboudit! The
pouches will get punctured the first time you drop them and
let water in anyway.

Hope that helps.

Just my $.02

--

Ray Contreras
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