Why not steel?

DJ_Callahan_27 · 02-13-10, 05:55 PM

I've noticed that there are alot of post about lead or tung. weights but why not steel. I have seen them sell as cheap as lead at times. Why aren't they considered as a good option? I haven't used them but it seems to me that they are smaller in size than lead of the same weight and of course more dense. Isn't that the whole marketing bs behind the arguement that tung. is better than lead? My question is, is tung. better than steel?

Just wanted to get your opinions on this matter. Seems to me that steel may be the best, most economic choice.

DJ

3dkicker · 02-13-10, 06:50 PM

Simple.....rust.

TN_Bassin · 02-13-10, 08:27 PM

With steel you have a large percentage of iron in it. Iron + Water= rust. With stainless steel you have iron but with a chromium coating to try to prevent rusting, but stainless steel being used in water over and over again is going to rust. Period.

As far as steel being the most economic. Look at what rust can do to a tacklebox/bag etc. Is the risk of having the rust munster coming to call worth the lower cost steel provides?

nofearengineer · 02-13-10, 08:41 PM

Hate to correct you, but steel is less dense than Lead. Lead is about 40% more dense than steel.

However, steel does have the advantage touted by Tungsten. It is very hard, and thus would transmit vibrations better than Lead, which is very soft.

Rust could also be an issue, but could be countered by making weighs out of stainless, but we all know how expensive that would be. Still not as expensive as Tungsten though.

muddy · 02-13-10, 08:43 PM

and steel causes cancer in California

Rebbasser · 02-13-10, 08:45 PM

Everything causes cancer in California

.

doc · 02-13-10, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddy

and steel causes cancer in California

I don't know about you guys but im never taking any of the baits, weights, or hooks I have in my box to California fishing. The way I figure it stay outta California with em and Ill be safe.

WTL · 02-13-10, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doc

I don't know about you guys but im never taking any of the baits, weights, or hooks I have in my box to California fishing. The way I figure it stay outta California with em and Ill be safe.

lol. California causes cancer.

BigBassin144 · 02-14-10, 10:11 AM

Nofear is right, steel is less dense than lead. Some other option, not even as popular as steel, are Tin and Bismuth. Tin has, however, become fairly popular in split shots because of its softness. Could you imagine trying to bite closed a tungsten split shot. Ouch.

Anyways, personally, I'd take lead over steel because most of the steel I've seen is a bit more expensive than lead.

BB

BigBassin144 · 02-14-10, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebbasser

Everything causes cancer in California

.

I'm going to laugh if in a few years, they discover tungsten to cause cancer in california.

BB

DJ_Callahan_27 · 02-14-10, 11:15 AM

Wow, I learn something new every day, Caliornia causes cancer!!! LOL Thats funny.
I wasn't aware that steel weights are less dense than lead. I don't think that I have ever used steel, just thought that it might be a better option. Looks like I wasn't even close to being right. BB whats the deal with Bismuth? I don't think I have ever heard of it.

Thanks guy for the info. I can alway count on getting educated in here.

DJ

cassidyta · 02-14-10, 11:22 AM

Um..I for one don't see the humor in the statement "Cali causes cancer"

bassinbob · 02-14-10, 11:22 AM

I can't even remember how many split shots I closed with my teeth as a kid. Just makes you wonder how many tons of lead are under your favorite fishing site.

BigBassin144 · 02-14-10, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ_Callahan_27

Wow, I learn something new every day, Caliornia causes cancer!!! LOL Thats funny.
I wasn't aware that steel weights are less dense than lead. I don't think that I have ever used steel, just thought that it might be a better option. Looks like I wasn't even close to being right. BB whats the deal with Bismuth? I don't think I have ever heard of it.

Thanks guy for the info. I can alway count on getting educated in here.

DJ

I don't think many people use it, if any. But looking at some places that make custom lure molds and stuff, one also can pour the lead too. They also offered tin and bismuth.

BB

Bassboss · 02-14-10, 11:27 AM

I've wondered the same thing before, but I pretty much came to one conclusion, rust, even if it is stainless, it'll rust. But also keep in mind, than how long do you keep one lead weight, how many times does it get used before it gets hung up and lost. Also if they sell painted ones, it'll prevent the rust some too right?

All in all, I think it'll be worth it to try if they made them, sainless, and painted. I know I would try it if they had it.

muddy · 02-14-10, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cassidyta

Um..I for one don't see the humor in the statement "Cali causes cancer"

Sorry Cass>>>>> I live close to New Jersey,talk about causing cancer

JohnnyG · 02-21-10, 08:36 PM

Now to throw another thing in the mix BRASS? HMMM......what do you think?

Jrob78 · 02-21-10, 09:17 PM

To me the main benefit tungsten has over lead, steel and brass is the smaller profile.

I do know that they make shotgun pellets out of bismuth and they are terribly expensive.

Garry2rs · 02-22-10, 11:14 AM

Lead melts at a low temperature, meaning it can be cast using light, inexpensive aluminum molds. It is dense, cheap and soft, meaning it's easy on tools and the pocketbook.
All the alternatives are more expensive, harder to form/shape and so they are harder on tools. All these things add to the cost.
If we are going to pay more anyway, silver worked as a lead alternative for the Lone Ranger, and it might lend just the right touch of class needed in California...grin.

TN_Bassin · 02-22-10, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garry2rs

If we are going to pay more anyway, silver worked as a lead alternative for the Lone Ranger, and it might lend just the right touch of class needed in California...grin.

Silver encrested with diamonds. Gives it that flash.

nofearengineer · 02-22-10, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TN_Bassin

Silver encrested with diamonds. Gives it that flash.

I think you might use those on your leader for this:

If you're gonna spend $1,000,000 for a lure, don't skimp on the accoutrements!!!

Bender · 02-22-10, 11:11 PM

NFE, I admire the staggered hooks on that lure but the downward facing one might hang up on the weeds around here.

BigBassin144 · 02-23-10, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bender

NFE, I admire the staggered hooks on that lure but the downward facing one might hang up on the weeds around here.

Well then ya better buy two incase you lose one.

BB

Bassboss · 02-23-10, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bender

NFE, I admire the staggered hooks on that lure but the downward facing one might hang up on the weeds around here.

It's also I giant Marlin lure for trolling.. so keep that in wind!

12 inches, and 3 pounds.

Captmikestarrett · 02-24-10, 10:48 PM

I used steel 1oz and 1 1/2 weights for years.. My Carolina rig uses them. I find the sound of the steel on gravel calls them right in to the trailing lizard..

Still use them..

Capt Mike

02-13-10, 05:55 PM	#1
DJ_Callahan_27 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Southeastern/Ky Posts: 155	Why not steel? I've noticed that there are alot of post about lead or tung. weights but why not steel. I have seen them sell as cheap as lead at times. Why aren't they considered as a good option? I haven't used them but it seems to me that they are smaller in size than lead of the same weight and of course more dense. Isn't that the whole marketing bs behind the arguement that tung. is better than lead? My question is, is tung. better than steel? Just wanted to get your opinions on this matter. Seems to me that steel may be the best, most economic choice. DJ

02-13-10, 06:50 PM	#2
3dkicker BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Spotsylvania, VA Posts: 4,483	Simple.....rust. __________________ Smitty www.smittystubes.com

02-13-10, 08:27 PM	#3
TN_Bassin BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bon Aqua,TN Posts: 1,013	With steel you have a large percentage of iron in it. Iron + Water= rust. With stainless steel you have iron but with a chromium coating to try to prevent rusting, but stainless steel being used in water over and over again is going to rust. Period. As far as steel being the most economic. Look at what rust can do to a tacklebox/bag etc. Is the risk of having the rust munster coming to call worth the lower cost steel provides? __________________ Other anglers are tough, but the fish are the real competition.

02-13-10, 08:41 PM	#4
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	Hate to correct you, but steel is less dense than Lead. Lead is about 40% more dense than steel. However, steel does have the advantage touted by Tungsten. It is very hard, and thus would transmit vibrations better than Lead, which is very soft. Rust could also be an issue, but could be countered by making weighs out of stainless, but we all know how expensive that would be. Still not as expensive as Tungsten though. __________________ Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

02-13-10, 08:45 PM	#6
Rebbasser BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 10,141	Everything causes cancer in California. __________________ It's happened to the best of them: John 21:3

02-13-10, 08:43 PM	#5
muddy BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 350	and steel causes cancer in California

02-14-10, 10:11 AM	#9
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	Nofear is right, steel is less dense than lead. Some other option, not even as popular as steel, are Tin and Bismuth. Tin has, however, become fairly popular in split shots because of its softness. Could you imagine trying to bite closed a tungsten split shot. Ouch. Anyways, personally, I'd take lead over steel because most of the steel I've seen is a bit more expensive than lead. BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

02-14-10, 11:15 AM	#11
DJ_Callahan_27 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Southeastern/Ky Posts: 155	Wow, I learn something new every day, Caliornia causes cancer!!! LOL Thats funny. I wasn't aware that steel weights are less dense than lead. I don't think that I have ever used steel, just thought that it might be a better option. Looks like I wasn't even close to being right. BB whats the deal with Bismuth? I don't think I have ever heard of it. Thanks guy for the info. I can alway count on getting educated in here. DJ

02-14-10, 11:22 AM	#12
cassidyta BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,928	Um..I for one don't see the humor in the statement "Cali causes cancer" __________________ If you have ever wondered if you should retie, the answer is yes.

02-14-10, 11:22 AM	#13
bassinbob BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Pitts. Pa. Posts: 3,801	I can't even remember how many split shots I closed with my teeth as a kid. Just makes you wonder how many tons of lead are under your favorite fishing site. __________________ you can have my fishin rod when ya take it from my cold dead hands

02-14-10, 11:27 AM	#15
Bassboss BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Shawano, WI Posts: 7,761	I've wondered the same thing before, but I pretty much came to one conclusion, rust, even if it is stainless, it'll rust. But also keep in mind, than how long do you keep one lead weight, how many times does it get used before it gets hung up and lost. Also if they sell painted ones, it'll prevent the rust some too right? All in all, I think it'll be worth it to try if they made them, sainless, and painted. I know I would try it if they had it. __________________ If you can't fix it with heavy squats or fish oil, you're probably going to die.

02-21-10, 08:36 PM	#17
JohnnyG BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: CLOVIS, CA Posts: 17	Now to throw another thing in the mix BRASS? HMMM......what do you think?

02-21-10, 09:17 PM	#18
Jrob78 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4,671	To me the main benefit tungsten has over lead, steel and brass is the smaller profile. I do know that they make shotgun pellets out of bismuth and they are terribly expensive. Last edited by Jrob78; 02-21-10 at 10:57 PM.

02-22-10, 11:14 AM	#19
Garry2rs BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: AZ. USA. and Ont. Canada Posts: 145	Lead melts at a low temperature, meaning it can be cast using light, inexpensive aluminum molds. It is dense, cheap and soft, meaning it's easy on tools and the pocketbook. All the alternatives are more expensive, harder to form/shape and so they are harder on tools. All these things add to the cost. If we are going to pay more anyway, silver worked as a lead alternative for the Lone Ranger, and it might lend just the right touch of class needed in California...grin.

02-22-10, 11:11 PM	#22
Bender BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Brighton, MI Posts: 2,414	NFE, I admire the staggered hooks on that lure but the downward facing one might hang up on the weeds around here.

02-24-10, 10:48 PM	#25
Captmikestarrett BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2006 Location: Accokeek MD Posts: 3,315	I used steel 1oz and 1 1/2 weights for years.. My Carolina rig uses them. I find the sound of the steel on gravel calls them right in to the trailing lizard.. Still use them.. Capt Mike __________________ Capt Mike Starrett light tackle guide Potomac River http://www.indianheadcharters.com

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