STA vs. STAless bp/w

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I have a DR backplate w/ a 1 piece harness and an oxycheq mach v wing. have been using it without an STA for 4 months now and fine with it. A diver however suggested that i get a STA saying it holds the tank better thus more stable and comfortable. Is it really worth the extra cost?

I recently bought a DR plate and venture wing and find it fine when I strap the tank on myself but the dive boat personnel would just tighten the straps with the tank at any angle so I found I had to redo it each time.

I've just ordered a pair of mini STA brackets just to aid initial alignment to make it a touch easier for me and as guide for others. Will have to see how much they help.

Some use a single heavy full STA one to add weight to the backplate which may be another reason for using one.

Trantor
 
Borrowed a DR STA and tried it yesterday. The forst thing i notice is that it made the tank ride higher which i find a bit annoying. however, i was able to remove 2 lbs off my belt. Didn't notice it trying to turn turtle me, and except for the higher riding tank didn't notice any difference. And yes it was easier to align the tank while mounting it.

So like Msilvia mentioned i guess my only reason to buy STA would be to remove some weight off my belt. Now all i have to do is to decide whether thats worth the cost.
 
Just fitted the mini STA pair to my DR backplate.

The top one is clear of the top pair of cam slots so with the mini STA the tank position can be the same as with no STAs. But is weight is needed and not just an alignment aid then will not be of interest.

Looks like the Oxycheq mini STA pair would be the same. It also has offset fixing hole to allow ajustability of height.

Northeast Scuba Supply - Online Catalog - BCs



Trantor
 
I prefer an STA, I feel like it makes the tank more stable, it's a lot easier to disassemble my equipment and to switch tanks and wings.

Another way to take weight off your belt is to add weight pockets to your upper camband. These are a cheap way to take weight off your belt and aid your trim by spreading the weight you are using.
 
I prefer an STA, I feel like it makes the tank more stable, it's a lot easier to disassemble my equipment and to switch tanks and wings.

Another way to take weight off your belt is to add weight pockets to your upper camband. These are a cheap way to take weight off your belt and aid your trim by spreading the weight you are using.

Not all STA's are Stainless, DiveRite made lots of ABS Plastic ones.

Trantor: I just don't let the boat people build my kit. I shoo them away. :)

OneBrightGator: I do something similar, I put hard weight on the upper tank strap on my STA. I put two 4's so I can use the same weight belt regardless if I am using Doubles or a single. This moves my weight up which does give me better trim. Also, building my kit is easier, though only slightly.

I did just purchase an Aluminum plate with tank strap cutouts and won't use the STA as it will only be used in warm waters (vacations and pool time). The webbing will be adjusted for a wetsuit instead of a drysuit.

DrDuktayp
 
how do you attach those weights to your tank band? wont they fall off since i imagine that its only the velcro that will be holding the weight up.
 
I have a DR backplate w/ a 1 piece harness and an oxycheq mach v wing. have been using it without an STA for 4 months now and fine with it. A diver however suggested that i get a STA saying it holds the tank better thus more stable and comfortable. Is it really worth the extra cost?

My 2c... I use a Mach V (Extreme) wing with a Halcyon aluminium bp. I have used the wing with and without the STA. Personally I feel stability and comfort isn't an issue, with or without STA.

Otoh, I prefer using a STA.

Why?

I use the same bp for my single and double setup. Having the STA means I can quickly convert from a double to a single tank configuring (or vice versa), without having to install/remove cam bands and trim weights on the bp (since cam bands and weight pockets are attached to STA and can be installed/removed in "one piece").

When using the STA, the tank is placed slightly higher off the bp and this is perfect for when I need to reach/manipulate my tank valve. I can reach the tank valve when not using the STA but it feels less comfortable. The tank being higher (due to STA) also places the first stage far enough from my head that I do not constantly bang into it, even though I place the valve/first stage quite high...
 
The Diverite single piece STA will only increase tank set back by about a 1/4 inch or less. File the studs down flat.

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Cut an extra top slot for the ability to drop the tank lower when needed.

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Snug as a bug in a rug.

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A STA is far more secure and stable. Get a black permenant marker and paint out the gold monograms. Then you can be like the cool kids.

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N
 
nice pictures. very fine idea bout cutting some extra slots
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/peregrine/
http://cavediveflorida.com/Rum_House.htm

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