Made of nylon, cordura, neoprene, mesh or some combination, these belts create form-fitting pockets that ride more comfortably on hips. Unless filled to capacity, some loose-fill systems also require stitching each compartment separately to keep the shot from shifting in the belt. The downside to loose-fill belts is that once you've filled the belt with the appropriate amount of weight and sewn it shut, you're committed to using at least that much weight on all your dives. Some loose-fill systems provide additional open pockets that enable you to add weight if needed. Pocket belts are more versatile than loose-fill belts but not as versatile as standard web belts when it comes to distributing weight.
Integrated systems allow divers to redistribute some of the weight that's normally worn on a belt.
Unfortunately, weight belts and integrated systems just don't do the job for extremely rotund divers or thin divers with small waists, as well as some cold-water, river and dry suit divers who have to carry upwards of 50 pounds of weight. Belts rotate, slip and even fall off. Integrated systems just can't carry the weight load required, and the use of negatively buoyant tanks, ankle and tank weights can't completely solve the problem. These move the weight bearing area from the waist and hips to the shoulders, allowing the diver to carry more weight comfortably and eliminating the problems highlighted above. Of course, harness systems are more difficult to assemble, don and remove at depth, especially in an emergency.