Tungsten Worth The Expense?

[HoosierHawgs]

So, tungsten weights are smaller.. And apparently more sensitive.. But how much more sensitive? What makes them so $$$? I can by 30 lead weights for the price of 4 tungsten weights It has me scratching my head... Are they worth the money?

[MacDaddyFishin]

I'm curious to know the answer to this too

[Felix77]

It's a density thing. Since it is denser it transmits vibrations better. I think it's worth it at lighter weights. Once I get to 3/8oz. it's a toss up IMO.

[F14A-B]

Well ok , buy one pack, trig a soft plastic and go throw it in a rocky area, then when you FEEL the difference you can decide if the expense is worth it. For me, it is.

[Scott F]

Lead is being outlawed in places because it is toxic to wildlife. There are not a lot of other metals that have the density to make good replacements for lead. Tungsten has the right qualities but it melts at high temperatures so it is harder to mold and the metal is more expensive. The demand at this point is small so it costs a lot more to make make and sell. 

[HoosierHawgs]

Lead is being outlawed in places because it is toxic to wildlife. There are not a lot of other metals that have the density to make good replacements for lead. Tungsten has the right qualities but it melts at high temperatures so it is harder to mold and the metal is more expensive. The demand at this point is small so it costs a lot more to make make and sell. 

 

If demand is small shouldn't that mean the price should be low?

[F14A-B]

In the late 90's it was pretty cheap... Today, it's redicilous in cost.

[Scott F]

If demand is small shouldn't that mean the price should be low?

 

No, it's called economy of scale. If you were making almost anything, the cost of the machine, design and labor is fixed. If you only made a few, you still have to cover the initial cost so it costs a lot for each one. Once you make millions of them, the cost per item drops a lot. 

[HoosierHawgs]

No, it's called economy of scale. If you were making almost anything, the cost of the machine, design and labor is fixed. If you only made a few, you still have to cover the initial cost so it costs a lot for each one. Once you make millions of them, the cost per item drops a lot. 

 

Ahhh... I see.

[ww2farmer]

I don't buy them for any sensitivity purposes, because quite frankly IMHO it's not much of a factor. I buy them because of their size. A 1oz. tungsten is quite a bit smaller than a hunk of 1oz. lead.

[hatrix]

It is for sure worth it IMO. Tungsten and gold are almost exactly the same weight. I use to calibrate the CMM's at a place that made tungsten parts and if you didn't know it was tungsten and went to pick up even something small you would be like holy!

[HoosierHawgs]

It is for sure worth it IMO. Tungsten and gold are almost exactly the same weight.

 

Doesn't mean they should be the same price...

[hatrix]

That's funny.

[WRB]

The big advantage with tungsten bullet weights is 1/2 the size of lead. If you use a punch rig the smaller size 3/4, 1, 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 oz tungsten is the way to go. 1/8, 3/16, 1/4 abs 3/8 oz painted brass is what I use.

Tom

[HoosierHawgs]

The big advantage with tungsten bullet weights is 1/2 the size of lead. If you use a punch rig the smaller size 3/4, 1, 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 oz tungsten is the way to go. 1/8, 3/16, 1/4 abs 3/8 oz painted brass is what I use.

Tom

 

Is their an advantage when casting? What are the advantages of brass?

[desmobob]

We can't buy lead sinkers where I live, so the normal replacements are steel, which are HUGE compared to similar lead weights.  They also rust. 

 

I love tungsten weights but I sure hate paying for them.  :-)

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[ColdSVT]

I don't buy them for any sensitivity purposes, because quite frankly IMHO it's not much of a factor. I buy them because of their size. A 1oz. tungsten is quite a bit smaller than a hunk of 1oz. lead.

This right here!

[WRB]

Is their an advantage when casting? What are the advantages of brass?

Brass is a hard metal compared soft lead, slightly lighter density. The advantage with brass is the hardness prevents the through hole from closing, allowing the line to slide freely without any sharp edges found in tungsten weights and less expensive. I like to use glass faceted beads between the hook and weight (brass& glass) to make a clicking sound that attracts bass to strike. Top Brass bullet weights are good, Don Iovino makes up "Brass & Glass kits with painted weight and color coordinated tempered glass beads.

Give them a try, works for me.

Tom

[Senko lover]

I can't justify the price. I lose too many sinkers fishing cover.

[hatrix]

I think there is a huge difference in sensitivity. Bump a stick or rock or something and it is night and day to me compared to lead. I happen to have a ton of tungsten weights I never had to pay for so it is a non issue to me really. But when I did have buy them it killed me to pay $4-5 or whatever it is for like 3 stupid weights. I totally understand where people are coming from.

[zeth]

Tungsten is so much better.  Once you go tungsten you never go back.  i could not imagine punching mats with a huge lead weight.  Do the lakes rivers etc a favor as well and don't pollute them with lead.  

[HoosierHawgs]

I can't justify the price. I lose too many sinkers fishing cover.

Peg them when you fish heavier cover. You'll lose less. Looks like I'm gonna bite the bullet, I need the sensitivity, bad.

[travis23]

I use all tungsten, but if i am fun fishing in a creek, you can bet i will have lead on. I do hate buying tungsten though, but in my opinion its worth it.

[fisherrw]

I don't think its worth it...

[Weld's Largemouth]

It is for sure worth it IMO. Tungsten and gold are almost exactly the same weight. I use to calibrate the CMM's at a place that made tungsten parts and if you didn't know it was tungsten and went to pick up even something small you would be like holy!

I use pure gold bullet weights.. my favorite on 2 lb test, great fight, especially when I hook into a tree stump