Well I put upstate88's beads up to the test today. Mixed bag, went 1 for 3. Yes they are a bit heavier than the store bought trout beads, but not as heavy as the glass beads I use often. Just depends on the current you are fishing. You need that bead to get down, and I'm not a fan of adding spit shot to my leader. They fished well, seem durable enough. I may have to buy some of that clay.