Tungsten Worth The Expense? 2024
HoosierHawgs reply :
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 reply :
I'm curious to know the answer to this too
Felix77 reply :
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.
Alonerankin2 reply :
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 reply :
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 reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 12:41 AM, Scott F said: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?
Alonerankin2 reply :
In the late 90's it was pretty cheap... Today, it's redicilous in cost.
Scott F reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 12:43 AM, jakob1010 said: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 reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 12:48 AM, Scott F said: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 reply :
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 reply :
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 reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 12:53 AM, hatrix said: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 reply :
That's funny.
WRB reply :
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 reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 2:52 AM, WRB said: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 reply :
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 reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 12:50 AM, ww2farmer said: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 reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 3:04 AM, jakob1010 said: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 reply :
I can't justify the price. I lose too many sinkers fishing cover.
hatrix reply :
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 reply :
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 reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 7:00 AM, Senko lover said: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 reply :
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 reply :
I don't think its worth it...
Weld's Largemouth reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 12:53 AM, hatrix said: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
Catt reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 12:38 AM, Alonerankin2 said: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.
Well ok, trig a soft plastic on tungsten and go throw it in a grassy soft bottom area, then when you feel no difference you can decide if the expense is worth it...aint for me!
At 8-12 dollars for a single punch weight is another reason I'll keep punching with a jig.
Sam reply :
For pond and fun fishing - no.
For tournament fishing - yes.
Sam reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 8:58 AM, jakob1010 said:Peg them when you fish heavier cover. You'll lose less. Looks like I'm gonna bite the bullet, I need the sensitivity, bad.
Jakob, do you keep your finger on the line coming off the reel to feel the hits?
Your line and rod will transmit what the bait is doing so it is imperative that you keep a finger on your line as it comes off the reel all the time.
A tungsten weight can enhance the transmission but it is your finger that is "doing the work" when you are concentrating on what is going on beneath the surface.
Senko lover reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 8:58 AM, jakob1010 said:Peg them when you fish heavier cover. You'll lose less. Looks like I'm gonna bite the bullet, I need the sensitivity, bad.
Let us know how it goes.
DogBone_384 reply :
It is in MA. Lead weight under an ounce is prohibited.
Catch and Grease reply :
With the chain pickerel cruising under the mats here I lose tungsten weights like crazy when flipping grass and pads...
Jar11591 reply :
Hate the price, but since I tried tungsten last year, I cannot switch back to lead or steel. Whether it's worth the price is up to the buyer, but for me it's worth it to pay the extra money instead of getting lead or steel.
Jar11591 reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 9:45 PM, Catch and Grease said:With the chain pickerel cruising under the mats here I lose tungsten weights like crazy when flipping grass and pads...
This is true. Gotta think twice about using tungsten in waters with toothies.
fisherrw reply :
that's a lot of money thought right?!On 12/27/2014 at 11:13 AM, Weld said:I use pure gold bullet weights.. my favorite on 2 lb test, great fight, especially when I hook into a tree stump
.ghoti. reply :
Simple answer; NO.
*Hootie reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 10:49 PM, fisherrw said:that's a lot of money thought right?!
I wish I was 14 again...lol.
Hootie
desmobob reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 8:35 AM, hatrix said: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.
I still have a bunch of lead worm weights that I bought years ago and never used. When I would see the price of tungsten weights, I used to wonder why anyone would shell out that kind of dough for a weight.
This fall, I was fishing a local lake that has a good amount of rock and ledge. I snagged someone's lost C-rig and pulled it up, finding a tungsten weight on it. I used that weight to throw a T-rig and on the first retrieve, I said to myself, "NOW I know why people shell out the money for tungsten!"
The difference in feel is surprising.
Tight lines,
Bob
ColdSVT reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 1:02 PM, Catt said:Well ok, trig a soft plastic on tungsten and go throw it in a grassy soft bottom area, then when you feel no difference you can decide if the expense is worth it...aint for me!
At 8-12 dollars for a single punch weight is another reason I'll keep punching with a jig.
Pretty sure our friends aat siebert outdoor have em cheaper than that
HoosierHawgs reply :
On 12/28/2014 at 12:36 AM, ColdSVT said:Pretty sure our friends aat siebert outdoor have em cheaper than that
What's the price of weights at Siebert? I may have to check them out....
Alonerankin2 reply :
On 12/28/2014 at 2:10 AM, jakob1010 said:What's the price of weights at Siebert? I may have to check them out....
Check the Flea market... He put some tungsten up for sale...
Weld's Largemouth reply :
Lol yea i was being sarcasticOn 12/27/2014 at 10:49 PM, fisherrw said:that's a lot of money thought right?!
HoosierHawgs reply :
On 12/28/2014 at 2:27 AM, Alonerankin2 said:Check the Flea market... He put some tungsten up for sale...
Will do! Thanks!
crankbank reply :
The tree hugger in me is the main reason I go with tungsten, but as mentioned above the size vs. weight is also another key benefit.
Brent Bartman reply :
You need to evaluate your fishing to make this determination.
I feel like sensitivy isnt a reason to buy tungsten. my point being when i want to feel the bottom Im probably using a jig or T-rigged/C-rigged soft plastics. I have never caught a fish because tungsten gave me a better feel of the bottom. so for bottom fishing with 1/2 OZ or less lead wins it for me. Even using Mono on a 1/8 oz T-rigged worm I can feel almost everything. If i step it up to Braid I can feel even more. sure. I might feel a few more pebbles or twigs on bottom but I dont think thats important is this situation. when it comes to finding cover that bass are holding Lead is all you need.
Where I justify tungsten cost is punching and flipping. I want the heaviest weight I can find with the smallest possible for punching. If im catching fish on small profile Beaver tungsten is the way to go. or if im trying to bust threw thick hydrilla or pads or get down deep into timber i will go with tungsten.
But sometimes it takes a the biggest profiled creature bait with as many appendices as possible. So if im tossing lobster size brush hog at pillings or docks i will use 3/4 lead sinker for that HUGE profile. that im looking for.
The point is buy tungsten for a reason. and trust me. you will know when you NEED Tungsten. But if your fishing from shore or open water lead is probably everything you need.
hatrix reply :
On 12/27/2014 at 11:08 PM, desmobob said:I still have a bunch of lead worm weights that I bought years ago and never used. When I would see the price of tungsten weights, I used to wonder why anyone would shell out that kind of dough for a weight.
This fall, I was fishing a local lake that has a good amount of rock and ledge. I snagged someone's lost C-rig and pulled it up, finding a tungsten weight on it. I used that weight to throw a T-rig and on the first retrieve, I said to myself, "NOW I know why people shell out the money for tungsten!"
The difference in feel is surprising.
Tight lines,
Bob
To me there is also a massive difference. Maybe my rods and line are crap or the calluses on my hands dull my senses. Whatever it is I find it very hard to not use them anymore.
HoosierHawgs reply :
On 12/28/2014 at 6:51 AM, hatrix said:To me there is also a massive difference. Maybe my rods and line are crap or the calluses on my hands dull my senses. Whatever it is I find it very hard to not use them anymore.
My guess is its like a puzzle. They are all pieces, but the puzzle isn't complete until you put them together.
pbizzle reply :
On 12/28/2014 at 10:29 AM, jakob1010 said:My guess is its like a puzzle. They are all pieces, but the puzzle isn't complete until you put them together.
But some of us can still make out the picture on the puzzle if a piece or two is missing.
HoosierHawgs reply :
On 12/29/2014 at 2:52 AM, pbizzle said:But some of us can still make out the picture on the puzzle if a piece or two is missing.
This is true. But a puzzle image is clearer w/all the pieces. How much is this last piece worth?
OK Bass Hunter reply :
It's worth it.
Munkin reply :
Sometimes it is worth the cost but I do not use it all the time. Heavier punching weights and times where I want a smaller profile in clear water.
I like the guys that think Tungsten is good for the environment? You may want to re-check the facts on it.
Allen
ColdSVT reply :
Tell that to the state..wait no...dont you dare!On 12/29/2014 at 6:53 AM, Munkin said:Sometimes it is worth the cost but I do not use it all the time. Heavier punching weights and times where I want a smaller profile in clear water.
I like the guys that think Tungsten is good for the environment? You may want to re-check the facts on it.
Allen
W is much less toxic than lead,but toxic none the less...just like everything else lol
HoosierHawgs reply :
On 12/29/2014 at 6:53 AM, Munkin said:Sometimes it is worth the cost but I do not use it all the time. Heavie punching weights and times where I want a smaller profile in clear water.
I like the guys that think Tungsten is good for the environment? You may want to re-check the facts on it.
Allen
I don't know anything about tungsten. Is it or is it not environment friendly?
pbizzle reply :
Certainly not $5 a pack! Lol.On 12/29/2014 at 2:56 AM, jakob1010 said:This is true. But a puzzle image is clearer w/all the pieces. How much is this last piece worth?
louviere83 reply :
Just picked these up at www.kajunboss.com. 5.92 each for 1 1/2oz tungsten wasn't too bad. Better than the 10-11 bucks I've been paying.
HoosierHawgs reply :
What is the cost for shipping?On 1/15/2015 at 9:48 PM, louviere83 said:
Just picked these up at www.kajunboss.com. 5.92 each for 1 1/2oz tungsten wasn't too bad. Better than the 10-11 bucks I've been paying.
louviere83 reply :
3 something
FishTank reply :
I heard here locally Dicks sporting Goods is clearancing out all Tungsten. I will clean them out.
HoosierHawgs reply :
Cool! I'll check it out this weekend! ThanksOn 1/16/2015 at 9:17 AM, FishTank said:I heard here locally Dicks sporting Goods is clearancing out all Tungsten. I will clean them out.
tomustang reply :
On 1/16/2015 at 9:17 AM, FishTank said:I heard here locally Dicks sporting Goods is clearancing out all Tungsten. I will clean them out.
They did that 3 months ago in my area, nice half price too.
FishTank reply :
On 1/16/2015 at 10:30 AM, tomustang said:They did that 3 months ago in my area, nice half price too.
they only had a few left but I picked up a couple of packs for $3 each and a spool of Trilene xl 6lb 100% FC for $10.
flipin4bass reply :
You've got a little more than 4 months until the Memorial Day sales...put tungsten on your list and be done with it. 
S Hovanec reply :
Not worth it to me. The way I lose DS weights, I'd spend more money on weights in a day than I do on gas for the boat.
*Hootie reply :
DSG never works for me. Stopped at my local store back in the fall to pick up some tube baits. They had one pack. Not one pack of the ones I wanted. One pack period, in the whole dang store. I probably have more of a tackle selection than they do.
Hootie
HoosierHawgs reply :
On 1/17/2015 at 5:18 AM, *Hootie said:DSG never works for me. Stopped at my local store back in the fall to pick up some tube baits. They had one pack. Not one pack of the ones I wanted. One pack period, in the whole dang store. I probably have more of a tackle selection than they do.
Hootie
This happens a lot to me as well. I usually tend to stay away for the most part.
Arv reply :
One more vote for size. If it's under 3/16 I go lead as those small weights are also a small size despite being lead. Even then, I'm not positive that I have a higher number of caught fish because of smaller sized weights. I'll still throw lead weights 1/4 to 1/2oz and catch fish.
Bluebasser86 reply :
The only reason I buy tungsten is for flipping weeds, only time it's worth it to me.
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