BP/Wing People: How essential is a STA?

[milbournosphere]

BP/Wing soon-to-be newbie here. I seem to be hearing two general thoughts about single tank adapters.

It seems like one can wrap the tank bands directly through the plate, or opt for a single tank adapter. In the former case, my understanding is that the wing can sort of 'hang loose' on the tank straps when the setup isn't mounted on a tank. This seems like it'd be somewhat annoying after a while. I don't anticipate diving doubles any time soon, and am looking to move to a BP/Wing rig.

Would you recommend strapping the tank bands directly to the plate, or investing the money in a STA setup? Input is appreciated.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Depends on the wing and the plate. Some wings require one, some are designed to work without them. Some plates have slots for cambands, allowing them to work without an STA, but others have no slots and require one. Me, I like my H plate with slots and old Pioneer 27lb wing that works without an STA, because the whole thing is about as close to having the tank bolted to my spine as I can get.

I think all new H wings are STA-required creatures, while DSS and Oxychq wings have the same kind of no STA needed approach as the older H wings did.

 

[Mike.D]

Hey mate

My 30lb single tank wing has its straps mounted straight onto the plate. No problems for me. Its has two cam bands instead if one though.

 

[milbournosphere]

Thanks for the input. I have my eye on a used DiveRite SS plate. It looks to have slots for two tank bands. Haven't settled on a wing brand yet. I'm going for used-quality right now as I am in the process of paying for a wedding, so I'm more on the lookout for a deal than anything else.

 

[Dirty-Dog]

As others have said, the STA may be mandatory or totally optional. My wings attach to the BP with sex bolts and there are slots for two cam bands on the BP. I can also sandwich the wing between the BP and STA, if I prefer. The STA moves the tank further from your body (which I don't personally like) but it also adds a few pounds to your back, rather than your belt.

 

[FM1520]

I have and really like Deep Sea Supply rig. Cam bands go through the wing and around the tank. The wing (30# horseshoe) is held to place by the tank. No STA.

 

[mathauck0814]

I really like the STA. Especially for local diving in SD. An additional ~2lbs of functional weight on the kit is 2lbs you don't have to carry on your hips. With a SS plate, a can light and a HP120 I am able to dive with just 6lbs of lead in a drysuit with thick undergarment. Which is nice, especially for shore entries.

 

[paulw]

I use a DiveRite SS back plate and don't like my gear to move around at all but didn't like the added height and weight if most sta's, I found the OMS sta (part# BCA293) and I really like it.
OMS Cylinder Soft Bands and Cylinder Adapters http://www.OMSdive.com

 

[dvankirk]

The Oxycheq 30# wing that I use doesn't require an STA, but I use their mini sta's for extra stability.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

As has been mentioned, it depends on the design. Both styles work fine, but if you are going to buy random brands and put together your own rig that way, you might get results that aren't ideal.

You may also end up with a good setup this way as well.

For example, if you are going to try and save $60 buy not buying a STA, you may end up with the tank sitting on the grommet in the webbing at the top of the plate and causing tank wobble.

It just depends on the design of the wing really.