I use the ring connections or hard attachment, when I side mount. I also do the stride entry a good bit. I found the key to easy ring connecting is use a smaller bungee. Once in the water my tanks, 100 Cu Ft Faber steels, retract right into place. Before entry they hang along my side a little in front. When clipped up on the tail, which I do in water, the reduced weight of the tank or buoyancy characteristics, allows the bungees to work. This however is how I prefer to do it and may not please all. Check out the Dive Rite site, Lamar shows some good pointers.