Inner Tube Weight Belt

[PhatFireMan]

I recently saw some freedivers using home-made weight belts made from what looked like small diameter bicycle innner-tubes. Probably a road-bike size tube from what I could tell, and probably not more than 4 to 8 pounds of lead-shot, maximum capacity. The obvious thought behind their design was to maximize streamlining, the belt was worn on the pelvis/hips instead of around the waist interfering with the diaphragm. Seemed like a smart idea.

The one thing I did not get to see was how the ends of the tube were sealed together and/or fastened to a buckle. Or maybe there is no buckle, and the belt itself, being rubber, just stretches around your hips when you pull it up into position? And IF that is the case...makes it a lot harder to ditch in an emergency.

I tried using the search function but came up empty handed. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[azapa]

the only thing I have seen (and use) similar to what you describe is a neck weight. Search for how to build one and you will find many good DIY guides. I have never heard of or seen what you describe used on the waist.

 

[PhatFireMan]

the only thing I have seen (and use) similar to what you describe is a neck weight. Search for how to build one and you will find many good DIY guides. I have never heard of or seen what you describe used on the waist.

Cool, thanks. I will look into that.

Just to clarify...it was the local "regulars" at Honaunau that I saw using these weight belts, back in September of '10. Never seen them before, or since.

 

[rovanpera]

I'm using a belt like that, I just have a normal plastic weight belt buckle on it.

 

[Elduderinio]

I'm using a belt like that, I just have a normal plastic weight belt buckle on it.

Haha, I knew YOU can answer this question!

 

[Grytsig]

The one thing I did not get to see was how the ends of the tube were sealed together and/or fastened to a buckle.

I tried using the search function but came up empty handed. Any thoughts?

If it has same design with neck weight this is one way how to build it: Making a freediving neck weight

 

[rovanpera]

mine is just looped thru the holes in the buckle like a normal belt.

 

[Elduderinio]

The one thing I did not get to see was how the ends of the tube were sealed together and/or fastened to a buckle.

I tried using the search function but came up empty handed. Any thoughts?

If it has same design with neck weight this is one way how to build it: Making a freediving neck weight

This works just fine! But make sure you don't use only one cable tier, two or three is safer.

My bigger one (3.5kg, mountainbike downhill tube) is leaking water, the lead starts to rust and when I hang it for drying the whole mess seaps to the floor.. well, nothing I can do about that I guess.

 

[Grytsig]

Thanks, Elduderinio, this is good point. I've never paid attention at leakage. Probably mine is already leaking. At least it dries quite long every time.

 

[PhatFireMan]

...If it has same design with neck weight this is one way how to build it: Making a freediving neck weight

Perfect. Thank you!

 

[rovanpera]

Oh sorry, I should read before posting. Im using an inner tire just as a belt with normal weights, not a neckweight-style solution. I'm changing weights all the time depending on situation...

 

[neurodoc]

I've successfully made a neck weight with innertube. It really is easier than you would think; you do one end first, add the required weight, then close off the other end. To close it off you take a piece of your nylon webbing, maybe 1 1/2" or 2" for a belt or 1" for a neck weight, and tie a knot in the end of the webbing. Then insert the knot in the open/cut end of the innertube. Then use a zip-tie (plastic wire tie) and close off the innertube, capturing the knot inside and leaving maybe 2" of tube. Pull it real tight so the shot doesn't get out. Then turn the last 2" of innertube that is left-over inside-out so that it covers the ziptie and looks pretty (also protects from sharp ends of ziptie where it is cut.)
Here is a link to an article on it:
Making a freediving neck weight
Should be able to up-size it using a mountain bike tube. I would recommend a heavy duty tube and not a superlight road tube. Cheaper ones are thicker and heavier, which is better in this usage. Make sure you do a pre-swim check on it to make sure it isn't about to dump birdshot all over the bottom of the pool or ocean. If you want to be totally safe/environmentally risk-free, you may want to use bismuth shot and not lead shot. In the US, we cannot use lead shot for waterfowl hunting anymore, so nontoxic alternatives are now available.
have fun and be safe
neuro

 

[jpma]

Oh sorry, I should read before posting. Im using an inner tire just as a belt with normal weights, not a neckweight-style solution. I'm changing weights all the time depending on situation...

Hi, I'm interested to try out making a weight belt of what you mention,
can I have more info or maybe pictures?

thank you,
sorry for the bump in everyone

 

[rovanpera]

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