Do Record Weights Make A Difference? Try this from GrooveWasher... 

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I use a weight because it really helps clean the vinyl when you have a acrylic plater.

Always check with the manufacturer of your player for the suggested weight. I use a U-Turn custom and they provided the weight size while letting you know clamps are not recommended for their table. 😊

I use an orange weighted practice hockey puck. It's kind of light at 8.9oz or 251g but a lot cheaper.

I’m thinking about getting one. I have some pretty flimsy vinyl. Already loving an acrylic platter mat for static. It just looks cool having white on black

I like mine for getting my TTs level & they are very stylistic! & aesthetically pleasing.

This was an interesting video. I never had to use a weight on my turntable, and I kept my vinyl in good condition. Oh, I had some that got scratched (darn kids), but fortunately, none that got warped.

I think it would be interesting if you made a video comparing record weights to record clamps. There are differences, and some work better with certain types of turntables. It would be helpful, especially for those who are new to vinyl.

Hi Mark, nice video as always and glad to hear your caveats on record weights. I use the manufacturers’ recommended felt mats on my turntables. No slippage issues with those. Adding a weight to a Rega P1 shouldn’t present an issue, however, for the same money you can pick up a second hand Rega P3 12mm glass platter. I know from personal experience that they make a big difference. Part of the improvement is due to the flywheel effect of the heavier platter. Adding a weight in the centre will have virtually no impact on the rotational inertia. Think of a figure skater spinning on the spot. When they want to accelerate the rotation they pull their arms in and vice versa. The best turntables designs have platters with two components of differing resonant frequencies. Individually the components may ring like a bell when struck. Combined, however, each damps the resonance of the other. In these cases I would expect the aftermarket mats, weights, etc to have less of an impact. By the way, that record you’re playing in the video has a proper warp at the edge and a clamp/weight will only sort that if the platter is dished. Keep up the great turntable content. So many channels focus solely on the digital realm so this is something I can strongly relate to.

I use one on my fluance rt85 table because some of my vinyl moves on its own when the platter starts spinning

A clamp works better to flatten warps and doesnt add much weight on the bearing.

Soundeck also make an alloy version of their puck which weighs 270grams as opposed to their stainless steel model,which weighs 575grams. I have their stainless steel version, plus their platter mat.

On my Sota Escape, I use a weight every time. On my LP12, I never use it. I think subconsciously we do what we believe is best, so that becomes the habit. I must prefer the way I use them or I wouldn’t do it that way. Make sense?

Any concern that a record weight could actually contribute to some bowl-shaped warping in certain cases? Especially on a thinner record (like 130 / 140g) with the extra pressure coming down on the center? Thanks for the content as usual

I only use a weight on older very thin vinyl. Not sure 180g would need one?

What would you considered the safe zone in weight?

depends on the type of warp.... a severely dish warped record on the right side a record weight will do wonders ! try adding a record weight to the other side that is the opposite of a dish and it wont do much... edge warps nothing can be done except peripheral clamping

Currently I'm using two different record clamps. One is the Mitchell and the other is the Record Doctor clamp. I noticed from your review of the Hexmat Eclipse you used the Groovewasher weight. Could you detect any improvement in the noise floor with the weight on or off? Thanks for reading.

The best way to improve the sound of your TT is to invest in a better cartridge.

Already use a record weight

Is he promoting this product

Sorry, but I’m not convinced….so I will cary on playing records without any weights….

No they dont, only flatten dishwarps.