STA with a BP/W

[coyote]

Hi All.

I picked up a diverite back plate, wing and basic harness last weekend. So far I love it. Everything feels closer to my center of gravity and the whole setup really cut down on the drag I was getting from a Drysuit & regular BCD.

So here’s my question: Do I need to buy a single tank adapter? In the pool I just ran the tank straps through the slots on the plate, and then buckled the tank down tight. Both an aluminum and steel tank felt rock solid against the plate. Both sat right where they should. And even with a pony attached to the steel tank, the tank didn’t budge.

[Scubastud16]

It's personal preference these days. If you need the extra weight, heavy STA's are nice. I bought one for ease of changing tanks.

[cmburch]

The reason I purchased an STA was for extra weight. I dive cold water. I have never tried it without, but I assume it will work just as well. I have Dive Rite TransPlate, SS BP, STA, SS tank Cams; and an Oxycheq Mach V. The STA is very stable especially when hiking down cliffs so the load doesn't shift causing me to work harder to keep my balance. I do not know if it would make much difference in the water, but could always get one later if desired.

[LiteHedded]

Originally Posted by Scubastud16

It's personal preference these days. If you need the extra weight, heavy STA's are nice. I bought one for ease of changing tanks.

why is it easier to change tanks? I'm putting together a singles rig and I'm just curious

[medicdiver]

I purchased a STA for the added weight and to stabilize the tank. Mine didn't sit as well as yours I guess.

[CompuDude]

If you're happy with what you've got, I see no urgent to spend more money.

I prefer a STA, but then, I'm not happy with STA-less options other than those from DSS.

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by LiteHedded

why is it easier to change tanks? I'm putting together a singles rig and I'm just curious

All the components stay aligned better and makes a sstable unit. The straps don't slide up and down in the plate slots(which might be an issue with some as it limits vertical adjustment) and side to side movement is kept to a minimum. But I do 90% of my diving off a rolling crowded deck. The STA makes changing over much easier.
I also have 2#s of weight on my upper strap.

[cmburch]

On my all Dive Rite TransPlate, SS BP, STA, SS tank Cams; and an Oxycheq Mach V; the BP and STA strap openings are the same size, so there would be no difference in ease of changing out tanks or movement if cinched down properly. The height of the strap openings are different though. The lower STA strap opening is about the same level for both STA and BP, but the upper STA strap opening is about 2" higher than the BP's. The STA holds the tank off the BP about 1" or so.

[Splitlip]

My Oxy lite weight STA only holds an 8" diameter tank off about 3/8 of an inch. Just an 1/8 off the bolts if you use them to hold the wing to the plate . It would be less for a 7 1/4" tank for Al 80's and HP steel 100's.That is an LP 98.(or HP 120 )

[LiteHedded]

I think I'll use an STA on my singles rig if for no other reason than the added weight