Why not use vertex groups???
I use the Forgotten Tools Add-on, which has a Selection Sets tool. This allows you to save sets of Vertices, or Edges, or Faces…
Using this avoids the problem Blenders Vertex Groups has - of not being able to select two rows of faces (one row apart) in a group without the faces between also being added.
Get Forgotten Tools free here on blenderartists, or go pay $5 for it on Blender Market.
In blender you do not need to select anything before adjusting weights. Change to Weight Paint Mode and paint away…
You can use a Paint Mask if you like with these two Icons (at the top to the right of “Weight Paint”)…
Whatever is selected in edit mode will become the mask - and you can Shift-Click to add/remove. Or use the tool the arrow is pointing at to select areas - which you will probably have set to Box Select. I prefer Lasso select.
Typical Blender - many ways to skin the proverbial cat…