Cam Straps, STA, Sex Bolts?

[Elysian]

I was looking at this BP/W setup at Diver's Supply: TECHNICAL BCD PACKAGE, and it looks like a great deal, but I'm a little confused about what other components are needed. Doesn't a setup like this require some kind of cam straps and sex bolts? Are book screws the same as sex bolts? Does it need an STA?

[ae3753]

Depends on the usage of the BP/W.

For Doubles, then cam bands, sex bolts, and STAs are not needed. And that's why they are "options".

For Singles, then cam bands are needed. Sex bolt/book screws and STA are personal preference. I personally would get sex bolts/book screws. STA need is dependent on how the BP/Wing feels with only Cam bands, or if the STA is weighted and you want more weight on your back.

You need a crotch strap too.

Edit: Those book screws are expensive! And you only need two, unless you need more for a backpad.

[Elysian]

Thanks for answering those questions. So for a singles setup, I'd need the cam straps & book screws, and the STA is truly optional. That same site has cheaper book screws too: Oms Book Screws. Are the OMS book screws are as good as the Dive Rite ones?

[rstofer]

Thanks for answering those questions. So for a singles setup, I'd need the cam straps & book screws, and the STA is truly optional. That same site has cheaper book screws too: Oms Book Screws. Are the OMS book screws are as good as the Dive Rite ones?

It might not be all that optional. The STA is designed to stabilize the tank if the wing doesn't provide any form of support. The real purpose is to allow you to unbolt the STA and change to doubles without having to remove the cam bands.

The HOG wing has ridges running top to bottom that tend to stabilize the tank. The Deep Sea Supply LCD30, and other DSS single wings, provide even more support with rubber blocks. And they don't use sex bolts which means you can remove the wing from the plate instantly when you want to store the gear. Storing the wing separately tends to prevent the wing from being abused.

This package is a pretty good price even after you add all the options.

You might want to compare the price with a Deep Sea Supply rig using similar components. Among other things, the DSS plate can be either Kydex or stainless steel but the SS plate (at least) has rubber inserts where the web passes through. This tends to prevent chafing and helps retain the web. A superior plate! And it isn't 'one size fits all'.

The DSS rig comes with a 1" crotch strap. I prefer the 2".

Richard

[rstofer]

You can get DiveRite sex bolts for a little less money: Lift Bags and Marking Tubes by Dive Rite - Dive Gear Express

Richard

[fire_diver]

You really don't need the sex bolts. The cam straps will hold the wing to the plate.

Some wings are designed with anti-roll tabs that eliminate the "need" for a STA. You can still use a STA with those wings if wanted though.

[diver 85]

There are plastic sex bolts out there---for like a buck or so a set....Call Edd @ Caveadventurers.com, he sells them..I put them on my BP/W(with no STA, just 2 cam bands) & have worked so far-------------figured I had nothing(lol--almost) to lose...

[micklock]

I went with these Oxycheq Mini Single Tank Adaptors (M-STA) [ROWB-06-04] - $24.00 : Cave Adventurers!, We will NOT be undersold!!!

[Elysian]

I went with these Oxycheq Mini Single Tank Adaptors (M-STA) [ROWB-06-04] - $24.00 : Cave Adventurers!, We will NOT be undersold!!!

I was thinking about trying those later if needed.

[SelkieDVM]

The DSS rig comes with a 1" crotch strap. I prefer the 2".

Maybe this changed at some point but my two DSS Hogarthian harnesses came with 2" soft webbing crotch straps.