Mounts vs flight travel: are counterweights allowed in carry-on?

[GTom]

Soon flying with my astro gear, most of my stuff streamlined, light as possible. Still have some weight left from my carry-on allowance, not to mention I've never seen carry-ons being weighed. Question is, can I keep the SA GTI counterweights on board? Heard the shaft can be considered as a weapon, I'd put that in the checked luggage, but another 2.5kg would really cut into my Ryanair's 20kg checked allowance.

If that helps: flying out from Edinburgh to Tenerife.

Edited Sunday at 18:15 by GTom

[OK Apricot]

Just returned FUE, and as I do with other trips, counterweight goes in the hold for me. Security/airline may class it as a weapon/blunt instrument and not allow it onboard in hand luggage so I just lob the mount, counterweight and tripod in my checked bag. Never had a problem so far... 

... From a SA GTI user.

[900SL]

I asked same question at check in desk a year ago, they said weights should go in hold, blunt heavy instruments 

[GTom]

Thank you for both answers, they'll go in the hold then

[Louis D]

Consider upgrading to a harmonic drive for travel to eliminate counterweights altogether.

[Elp]

Technically mounts are solid lumps of metal, I'd even say my HDs are more dangerous than CWs due to their sharply designed edges, but airlines allow these in carry on?

[GraemeC]

Have you considered using hollow, dumbbell weights? I made up a couple a few years ago when I was carrying my vixen mount all over everywhere. I filled the dumbbell weights with sand from my destination (there is usually plenty of that around).

[Zermelo]

It would be good if the airlines followed the practice of mount manufacturers when quoting payload capabilities - just count the weight of the OTA, and the counterweights travel for free.

[Elp]

That hollow CW idea is actually very good.