Why are weights so expensive?

[prunefoot]

Why are weights so expensive, aside from obvious shipping costs. Is lead that expensive?
Not that I have looked everywhere.. but I am seeing $3 to $4.50 per pound depending on just cast lead or lead shot in soft pouches.

For boat diving we have just used the weights made available on the boat, but we are looking at doing some shore diving and will need our own weights.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

My guess is that it is a low volume product. Keeping items in stock for long periods of time inflates their price.

 

[SOFDiver]

Lead is traded as a commodity like other metals. And leads price has been up for a number of years, then consider molding, transportation, and a profit, $3 a pound is not out of line. Buy hard weights, they will last forever as long as you don't loose them.

 

[Lorenzoid]

It's my understanding that some dive weights are an alloy, so the market price of lead is only one factor. If you need a LOT of weights, you can buy lead in bulk, molds, and a melting pot and cast your own. But if, like most of us, you only need a few weights for personal use, the cost is what it is at the dive shop.

 

[txgoose]

I don't understand it, but even if you go to buy buckshot for reloading shotgun shells it is usually $2 plus per pound. And it isn't in a mesh pouch.

 

[rhwestfall]

because they are sold in dive shops....

 

[Aviyes]

$0.95/lb on the commodity market, $ for shipping, $ for manufacturing, $ for shipping to retailer. Need some profit on the item.

 

[tursiops]

Look on Craig's List for your area. I've gotten a lot of weights that way....usually at about $1/pound or less.

 

[prunefoot]

$0.95/lb on the commodity market, $ for shipping, $ for manufacturing, $ for shipping to retailer. Need some profit on the item.

In my question I said I wasn't counting the shipping costs since obviously lead would cost a ton to ship.

Edit: I just realized you meant shipping from manufacturer to wholesaler/retailer.

 

[prunefoot]

Look on Craig's List for your area. I've gotten a lot of weights that way....usually at about $1/pound or less.

Thanks, I will check it out... but I'm landlocked so I don't have much hope