I always use the actual drop shot weights. The the main reason why it was developed is for you to control the length of line you have between your weight and hook. Sometimes when you drop shot your in a heavier weed line then other area's. So it's easy to move the weight up or down your line. I usually have about 2 ft of line from the hook to the end of the line this way i can control how high or low i want the bait to sit