Best STA?

[blueaway]

Other than built in STA's like Pioneers, can I get some opinions on preferred STA's. DR looks unwieldy. Otherwise, I'm trying to decide between OMS or Koplin low profile one piece and the AUL two piece. I don't need any xtra weight, all tropical for now.
Thanks

Yes, tried searching but STA is less than 4 letters.

 

[reubencahn]

I have no idea if it's the best, but I have the Koplin lightweight STA. It's nicely made and finished and doesn't gouge my tanks.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Well, I have two. First I bought the Koplin heavy STA. I found that its too heavy for me. THen, I got the FredT two piece, and I love it. I think the AUL one is actually a FredT. Its lightweight, and cradles the cylinder very nice. I would recommend that one...

 

[divegeek]

I also have the Koplin LW STA. I just came back from tropical diving and it was perfect. The only issue was that the way it was shipped to me, it kept loosening up. So I added two lock washers and haven't had any problems since.

 

[Scubaroo]

Having owned both FredT's one piece, two piece, and the Koplin lightweight, I have to give my vote to the Koplin STA for the lightweight category. I have to disclaim that I also happen to be a reseller for the Koplin ones under the OxyCheq brand, but I just like it a heck of a lot better. FredT's heavy STA is great though if you need the extra weight - that thing is SOLID! All steel construction.

 

[O-4]

I have both the FredT (AUL) 2 piece STA and the Koplin lightweight STA; and they are both excellent products. I guess it depends whether you want the flexibility of the FredT 2 piece, or the ultralight weight of the Koplin model. I don't think that you can go wrong either way. You might consider sending them a PM prior to deciding.

 

[divegeek]

I'd also try to find out which product keeps the tank closest to the backplate. Scott's LW STA pushes the tank out 5/16" more than going STA-less.

 

[Scubaroo]

5/16" isn't bad - it's made from 1/8" steel if I remember, so there's at least that thickness between the tank and backplate, plus the thickness of the camstrap!