Backplate wings and cam bands

[BlueDevil]

I have never used a backplate and wings before but I would like to give it a go. I am wondering about backplates that have cam band slots as opposed to using a STA for a single tank. I haven't seen one of these set up, and don't know any one that has one hence my question.

What I am wondering is whether the wing is held securely enough in place by simply threading a cam band through it and the backplate slots?


Thanks for any advice!

 

[SDAnderson]

Cam bands alone won't provide sufficient stability. Even with two bands roll is a real problem, if you only use one strap yaw becomes an issue, too.

One manufacturer tried a wing a few years ago that had a couple of slender rods integrated into the wing which were supposed to eliminate the need for a single tank adapter and resolve the offset issue created by a STA. It only sort of worked under the best of circumstances and results varied a lot from one backplate to the next. Many divers ended up either removing the rods so they could use a STA or retiring the wing - overall the results were sub-optimal and I don't think the manufacturer offers them anymore. Lots of them on eBay, however. :shocked2:

 

[Colliam7]

What I am wondering is whether the wing is held securely enough in place by simply threading a cam band through it and the backplate slots?

You may receive comment from members on SB who use only cam bands and find they are sufficient. I tend to agree with reefraff, and I use a STA because I prefer the (at least perception of) stability with a STA to diving with only the bands.

 

[Kern]

Cam bands alone won't provide sufficient stability. Even with two bands roll is a real problem,

You've obviously not used a Black Arts BP/W, an Oxycheq, what about a Deep Sea Supply set up. I'v tried these 3 without any STA & all 3 held a single steel tank as stable as an STA.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

My experience is consistent with the the majority of opinon above - get an STA. Thye are all things considered much more stable and it is not wing or plate dependent so if you change a wing or plate later, everything still works.

It is also a safe bet as opposed to buying something that someone feels works well enough for their tastes.

 

[dkktsunami]

Golem manufactures STAless wings that work perfectly - I do use a pair of flat head screws and wing nuts for extra stability.

 

[BabyDuck]

if you're buying a whole *system*, all from one manufacturer, you may be able to get away with using cam bands only.

if you're buying bits here & there from buddies and ebay, just plan on an sta - not all slots hit all wings in the right spot...ask me how i know...

 

[halocline]

The main problem is that without something covering the bolt heads that attach the wing to the plate, the tank will tend to ride on the grommets or bolts and not on the wing/plate surface. There are a couple of set ups out there, DSS and the old jet harness plate, that do not use grommets and bolts to attach the wing, and those work perfectly without a STA.

There's an easy DIY solution that I use for my hammerhead AL plate. I cut a strip of hard rubber decking, the stuff that is kind of a perforated rubber sheet about 1/2" thick or so. The strip is about 2" wide and a foot long or so, it sits right on the wing where the tank contacts. I use zip ties through the cam slots to hold it in place. It works great; it's not very compressible, but does provide a secure surface for the tank to couple to. Oxycheq makes a "soft STA" that's probably something similar, but there are grommets in it, and I can't understand why. The whole point is to cover up the bolts/grommets. Since the whole reason I got the AL plate was to have a lightweight rig for travel and/or steel tanks in warm water, I wanted to avoid the STA.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

DSS plates do not require STA's and there are no bolts required to attach the wing. I've used one for nearly 4 years now and sold a couple set up to friends. THere is no issue with tank roll.

 

[The Chairman]

I don't like STAs. I had them on my first Back Plates (an OMS and a FredT) and they put the weight further out from my body.

I have tried MANY a combination of sta-less backplates and wings and they all do GREAT. The center of gravity is closer to my chest and I am in complete control. They are simple to set up and I simply love them. I have yet to find a combo that I didn't like.