Editing Diving weighting system (section)

====Weight belt====
Weight belts are the most common weighting system currently in use for [[recreational diving]].<ref name="ygraine" /> Weight belts are often made of tough [[nylon]] webbing, but other materials such as [[rubber]] can be used. Weight belts for scuba and breathhold diving are generally fitted with a quick release buckle to allow the dumping of weight rapidly in an emergency.<ref name="BSAC manual" />

A belt made of rubber with traditional pin buckle is called a ''Marseillaise belt''.<ref name="decathlon" /><ref name="spearfishingworld" /> These belts are popular with [[Freediving|freedivers]] as the rubber contracts on descent as the [[diving suit]] and [[lungs]] are compressed, keeping the belt tight throughout the dive.<ref name="renepotvin" />

The most common design of weight used with a belt consists of rectangular [[lead]] blocks with rounded edges and corners and two slots in them threaded onto the belt. These blocks can be coated in [[plastic]], which further increases corrosion resistance. Coated weights are often marketed as being less abrasive to [[wetsuits]]. The weights may be constrained from sliding along the webbing by the use of metal or plastic [[Glossary of underwater diving terminology#belt slider|belt sliders]]. This style of weight is generally about {{convert|1 to 4|lb|kg}}. Larger "hip weights" are usually curved for a better fit, and tend to be {{convert|6 to 8|lb|kg}}. 

Another popular style has a single slot through which the belt can be threaded. These are sometimes locked in position by squeezing the weight to grip the webbing, but this makes them difficult to remove when less weight is needed.

There are also weight designs which may be added to the belt by clipping on when needed.
Some weightbelts contain pouches to contain lead weights or round [[lead shot]]: this system allows the diver to add or remove weight more easily than with weights threaded onto the belt. The use of shot can also be more comfortable, as the shot conforms to the diver's body. Weight belts using shot are called '''shot belts'''. Each shot pellet should be coated{{clarify|date=February 2016}}<!--coated with what? Copper and nickel plated shot is available but any scratch through the plating would set up a galvanic cell and accelerate corrosion --> to prevent corrosion by sea water, as use of uncoated shotgun shot for sea diving would result in the lead eventually corroding into powdery [[Lead(II) chloride|lead chloride]]
<gallery>
File:Taucherblei.JPG|Solid belt weight and pouches holding lead shot for scuba diving
File:Aa scuba shotbelt.jpg|shot belt, and lead-shot-filled anklet, and foot rulers for scale
File:Aa weightsandbelts.jpg|scuba diving weights and weightbelts
File:Scuba diving weight.jpg|3 kilogram scuba diving hip weight, curved for better fit
File:Plumbum weight, 3kg (diving).jpg|3 kilogram compact scuba diving weight
File:Dive weights - 500g Bright Weights P8160081.jpg|Dive weights - 500g Bright Weights - small lead weights with plastic coating
</gallery>