Weights and Lead Weights for Spearfishing

Weights and Lead Weights for Spearfishing

Weighting is one of the essential elements of spearfishing equipment. Compensating for the buoyancy generated by a neoprene wetsuit is essential to achieve neutral buoyancy at the desired hunting depth and to reduce fatigue during sessions. Incorrect buoyancy forces the spearfisher to perform continuous, unwanted muscular effort, with negative effects on the quality of the spearfishing session.

In this category you will find a complete selection of weights for spearfishing: standard belt lead weights, coated lead weights, quick-release lead weights, weighted back weights, lead marker weights, ankle weights and plates for back weights. The products come from brands specialized in the sector and cover all weighting needs, from beginners to advanced freedivers operating in deep water.

Product types

Belt lead weights

Belt lead weights are the most common type used in spearfishing. They are fitted directly onto the elastic weight belt and allow the weight to be distributed along the hips. They are available in several shapes: classic lead weights that grip the belt securely thanks to their geometry. Anatomically shaped lead weights, which reduce hydrodynamic bulk. Many models are available with a rubber or plastic coating, which protects the belt from abrasion and reduces noise during movement. Available weights range from 500 grams to 2 kg per individual piece.

Quick-release lead weights

Quick-release lead weights are designed to be released with a single action, without having to slide them off the belt. This feature is important when calibrating weighting for different operating depths. The attachment systems in this category include pressure clips and plug-in systems that remain stable during the dive but release with a single movement. They are available in standard versions and with colored or camouflage coating, with weights typically from 500 grams to 1 kg per individual piece.

Weighted Back Weights

The back weight is a dorsal support worn on the back that allows ballast to be distributed over the upper body. This solution divides the weight between belt and back, reducing the load on the belt and optimizing horizontal trim during bottom ambush hunting. 

Lead Marker Weights

The marker weight is a weight that attaches to the belt and is connected to the dive flag buoy by a line. The marker weights available in this category are made of plastic-coated or bare lead, with quick-release fastening systems. Some models incorporate a small anchor function to keep the buoy stationary in wind or current. Indicative weights range from 300 grams to 500 grams.

Ankle Weights

Lead ankle weights are worn around the ankle using a strap. Alternatively, in the form of curved plates, they are inserted above the ankle between the wetsuit pants and the sock.  They are mainly used to compensate for the buoyancy of the lower body, preventing the fins from lifting toward the surface during bottom hunting phases. The models available come in neutral or camouflage versions, with weights from 500 grams to 1 kg per ankle weight.

Lead plates for back weights

Lead plates are individual elements to be inserted into the pockets of compatible back weights. They allow the back weight to be customized by adding or removing individual plates according to operating conditions, depth and wetsuit thickness. The available plates weigh from 500 grams to 1 kg each.

How to choose weights for spearfishing

Choosing the right weight depends on several variables that must be evaluated together.

The first factor is wetsuit thickness. A 7 mm wetsuit generates much greater buoyancy than a 3 mm suit, and therefore requires a significantly larger amount of lead. In general, the required weight increases with neoprene thickness and the diver’s body size. At the same time, it decreases as operating depth increases. Many cold-water spearfishers using 7 mm wetsuits need 8-12 kg of total weight, distributed between belt and back weight.

The second factor is weight distribution. Concentrating all the lead on the belt can create a horizontal imbalance and fatigue the lower back. Adding a back weight allows part of the ballast to be moved to the back area, promoting a more neutral horizontal trim that reduces drag while moving forward.

The third factor is modularity. Quick-release lead weights allow you to reduce your ballast quickly when necessary, for example when increasing operating depth during a spearfishing session. Combining quick-release lead weights with fixed lead weights is a common choice among experienced spearfishers.

The fourth factor concerns materials and coating. Bare lead weights are the most economical solution, but they can mark the boat’s fiberglass through friction and produce metallic noise during movement. Rubber- or plastic-coated lead weights reduce these effects, protect surfaces and provide quieter contact. Models with a camouflage finish reduce visibility in the water column, an important aspect for spearfishing.

Materials and technical features

Spearfishing weights use lead as the main material due to its high relative density (approximately 11.3 g/cm³), which allows compact volumes for the same weight. This feature reduces the bulk of the ballast compared to less dense metals and makes it easier to distribute along the belt without interfering with the diver’s movements.

The outer coating varies depending on the product type. Models with a vulcanized rubber coating have a soft surface that does not scratch, reduces contact noise and offers a certain degree of resistance to surface corrosion of the lead core. Models with a PVC or rigid plastic coating provide similar protection with a smoother surface, often available in camouflage colors. Bare lead, without coating, has a lower cost but requires greater care when handling.

Practical use

In coastal spearfishing, where working depths are usually between 0 and 20 meters, the ballast is typically distributed between back weight, belt and ankle weights. Quantities generally range from 4 to 8 kg depending on wetsuit thickness, the diver’s body size and the actual operating depth.

In deep spearfishing, with dives between 20 and 40 meters, neutral buoyancy is calibrated more precisely. Many spearfishers simply use a weight belt to operate at these depths.

The marker weight is connected to the belt and links us to the dive flag buoy, allowing it to be towed. If needed, it can be released and left on the bottom to anchor the buoy in a precise spot. 

Available brands

HS Drop is the brand with the widest range in this category, with a line of plastic-coated lead weights available in multiple colors and in both belt and quick-release versions. The colored finish of HS Drop models makes it possible to visually identify the lead weights or choose discreet color variants suitable for spearfishing.

Saplast offers a range of anatomically shaped lead weights (Anatomic line) in black and camouflage versions, ankle weights (Charly) and a back weight (Tortuga) with camouflage coating. 

Picasso offers hydrodynamic belt lead weights, lead weights with D-ring for carrying fish, belt marker weights with claws or integrated shaft extractors (Anchor Belt), and the Professional Float Anchor, a small lead anchor to connect to the dive flag buoy.

Salvimar offers ankle weights, plastic-coated lead blocks and belt marker weights.

Best Divers offers ankle weights, plastic-coated lead marker weights, plastic-coated lead blocks and a 3 kg weighted back weight.

Mares offers a quick-release belt lead weight.

Rob Allen offers quick-release lead weights (Drop Weight) and H-type belt lead weights.

Deep Blue offers H-type belt lead weights in 500 gram and 1 kg formats.

Sigal Sub offers a 500 gram quick-release belt marker weight.

Conclusion

Weights for spearfishing are a technical component that directly affects the quality, safety and effectiveness of every dive. Choosing the correct type, distributing the weight evenly between belt and back weight, and including at least one quick-release component are choices that define a conscious and safe setup.