Rubber weight belt

[captainhook426]

Anyone know of a cheap place to get these? I'm a college kid, and I sort of sunk all my fun money into my dss BP/w and cannot really afford $45 for a mako, but I need one. Are there any alternatives?


Thanks

 

[Colliam7]

Anyone know of a cheap place to get these? I'm a college kid, and I sort of sunk all my fun money into my dss BP/w and cannot really afford $45 for a mako, but I need one. Are there any alternatives?

While I don't ever buy the 'broke college kid' routine - you make choices on what to spend money on - and I do believe you get what you pay for, you can get a Trident rubber weight belt, with a wire buckle, for about half the price of a Mako; Trident Stretch Rubber Weight Belt WB45blk with reviews at scuba.com.

You might also still be able to get a Cressi rubber weight belt (I understand that Cressi is discontinuing them) for ~$30: Cressi Elastic Belt Inox Buckle. Accessories Belts, Scubastore.com, buy, offers, dive..

I have a Mako, a Cressi, and a Trident. They all work. The buckles are different, and I somewhat prefer the Mako. But, if $20 makes that much difference, these are two other options.

 

[captainhook426]

I don't need you to "buy" my broke college kid "routine". I live paycheck to paycheck like the majority of us that have to go through school without the help of the government or parents. I sink my tax money into something that I love doing and forgot to consider a decent weight belt. I won't scoff at $20. I was, however, looking for alternatives that are not as well known. Up until I started looking into BP/W I had never even heard of a rubber weight belt, as many who are not familiar with free diving.

On that note though, I really do appreciate your input! I just find it hard to believe that there are not a ton of free diving companies out there hiding nice products like this.

Again, Thank you!

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Check on Amazon as well. I'm using the IST rubber weightbelt, $29.98 with free shipping I think. Belt and buckle are well made.

Amazon.com: IST Spearfishing Rubber weight belt, 1.5M (5&#39: Sports & Outdoors

It it a one-hand release; be sure to leave some excess length (do this with any rubber belt).... easy to just tuck the excess under the belt.

Best wishes.

 

[ams511]

I don't use a rubber belt but I did a bit a research on them on the spero boards. One thing mentioned is that rubber belts are not all the same. Not only do you have differences in the buckle but also in the thickness, stretch and durability of the rubber. So a cheap belt that wears out in a season or two may not be the most economical solution. Also a belt that does not stretch negates the benefits of a rubber belt.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

I don't use a rubber belt but I did a bit a research on them on the spero boards. One thing mentioned is that rubber belts are not all the same. Not only do you have differences in the buckle but also in the thickness, stretch and durability of the rubber. So a cheap belt that wears out in a season or two may not be the most economical solution. Also a belt that does not stretch negates the benefits of a rubber belt.

Good point.

I would encourage the OP to take a close look (zoom in on the online pictures) at the Mako belt (priced at about $32.95 right now) and the belt I linked (and use). While there probably are cheaply-made rubber belts out there, the IST belt is not one of them.

However, the IST is only slightly less expensive than the Mako belt. I'd actually buy the Mako if I were buying right now.

Both belts have the same style buckle. It is hard to tell from the photos how heavy these buckles really are... the pin is almost as thick as my pinky finger on the IST belt. The buckles are very sturdy, and they really are one-hand release, just like in the Mako video.

Best wishes.

 

[ams511]

However, the IST is only slightly cheaper than the Mako belt. I'd actually buy the Mako if I were buying right now.

The disadvantage of ordering the Mako belt is the shipping charges which add $10-12 to the price. Scuba Choice offers free shipping. IST is a brand you do not hear of too often but from what I have seen of it personally it is of the same quality as other manufacturers.

 

[Hank49]

If money and durability are the issues, I have a dive buddy here who uses a tire inner tube and a regular nylon weight belt plastic buckle. I've been diving with him for about five years now and he has used the same one.

 

[Keith.M]

The disadvantage of ordering the Mako belt is the shipping charges which add $10-12 to the price. Scuba Choice offers free shipping. IST is a brand you do not hear of too often but from what I have seen of it personally it is of the same quality as other manufacturers.

Funny to see this thread as I just (finally) ordered the Mako belt this morning.

While on their website, you are correct that the shipping was 11.51.

I decided to call and it turned out they allowed me to place the order on the phone, added 6.00 for USPS and it should mail out tomorrow for a total of $38.95

Not exactly cheap, but I have not heard a bad thing about this belt.

 

[Splitlip]

I use conventional 2 inch webbing with one of these.
XS Scuba Depth Compensating Stainless Steel Buckle for Weight Belt AC310 with reviews at scuba.com