Buy Lead Free

Advantages:

• Is the most widely-used lead substitute and is widely available
• Is not toxic to humans, the water, or wildlife
• Denser, harder, and more sensitive than lead, helps anglers interpret changes in the bottom and better detect bites
• Components are smaller and more compact than lead tackle of identical weight
• The heavy weight can help punch through vegetation better than bass fishing
• Is easier to see on Fish Finders than traditional lead-based tackle
• Attractive for anglers who finesse fish, ice fish, or use small jigs for panfish

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than lead
• Typically requires alloying with secondary metals and a much higher temperature to melt, making the manufacturing process more challenging.

Advantages:

• Budget-friendly and widely available at most tackle stores 
• Is not toxic to humans, the water, or wildlife
• Durable and corrosion-resistant
• Has been used for decades, mostly for metallic rattles
• Sounds produced by steel when hitting the bottom is different from the noise lead makes and can be an effective attractant for fish
• Used for heavy spoons for both jigging and trolling – sinkers and jigs can also be found made with these metals

Disadvantages:

• Is less dense than lead, requiring larger size for the same weight
• Has less sensitivity than tungsten, but around the same as lead

• Brass and glass is a great combo for making noise by putting a glass or plastic bead between a swivel and a sinker

Advantages:

• Price-wise, a middle-ground between tungsten and stainless steel
• Is not toxic to humans, the water, or wildlife
• More dense than both steel and tin (but less than lead,) making it good for small tackle
• Relatively low melting temperature – easier to melt down and mould into various tackle items
• Has a more natural look and presentation than lead or other metals, making them great for realistic lures
• Soft and easy to mould, making it great for tackle like split-shots

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than lead, but cheaper than tungsten
• Can be harder to find in store

Advantages:

• Is eco-friendly & biodegradable – zero toxic impact because it is a natural part of the environment and does not have any chemicals to leach
• Free or low-cost, especially when using DIY setups
• Ceramic is very smooth, offering low friction on lines (especially if polished/glazed)
• Is durable, resists corrosion or wear

 Disadvantages:

• Can be brittle and crack or shatter on hard surfaces
• Are not stocked by all tackle stores
• Has a lower density than lead and other metals
• Has a higher production cost because of its niche use