BP/W questions from the green one

[Scubastud16]

Serge,

Listen to Tobin. He's the man with the plan, and the answers. Makes GREAT products. You can't go wrong with his stuff.

1 piece harness is easy, if you set it up right. There are several tutorials, including one on Tobin's site. I find if very easy to get in and out of.

P.S. I'm from the US, but I'm actually located in Sydney right now for 2 weeks, so I'm on a similar sleep schedule as you! Personally, I'd want my 7mm for this kind of weather

Danny

 

[vicdiver656]

If you are using a STA, there are very few Plate and Wing combinations that won't work.

DSS wings can certainly be used with a conventional STA.

If you wish to avoid a STA then compatibility between the wing and Plate can be an issue.

DSS Wings and DSS Plates are designed to work together, and do not require the use of a STA.

Tobin

As Tobin says, I wouldn't use a DSS wing and Hammerhead plate together, but might not be very good. When I used a DSS tropical wing with a DiveRite plate, the rubber "spikes" which held the wing onto the plate did not match up with the corresponding holes, so the wing was only held on by the cam bands.

As to the cam bands, both metal and plastic can be adjusted to proper tension, and then unlocked and locked, without adjustment. I shy away from the metal ones just because of habit. There is no reason to avoid them.

 

[vicdiver656]

Sure, I did not think it is impossible task to do. I was just wandering if someone already done it before. I do not have this plate in my hands yet, I bought it and I am waiting for delivery now But looking what other people say about these BPs and STA, I was guessing if it is a serious problem or what.. So, you see, I am not complaining, just collecting the info Anyway, judging by price, hammerhead SS BP/STA is an excellent deal, is not it? Elsewhere you can get BP for $150 + around $100 for STA. Not a bad idea even if you have to do some filing. If I'll have some time I might post the photos of BP/STA when it is arrived and after removing sharp edges, etc. The idea of rubber-coating however looks really good Minimal effort, good results. I guess you can polish it as well, if you care about how it looks.

Actually, that's an OK deal. When I wanted to get DSS, I could have gotten the entire rig for $465, with no STA. The backplate was around $150 and the wing was the rest

 

[SergeK]

Danny,

Well, Sydney's a lot colder in winter. Pretty much the same in summer. Victoria is much colder. So you see, Australia is still pretty big place, even if not so big as US
Regarding 1 piece harness actually I am going to try it hard before I revert to additional buckle. The plan is that unless it is completely unmanageable for me I'll stay with it. We'll see how it goes.

 

[SergeK]

As Tobin says, I wouldn't use a DSS wing and Hammerhead plate together, but might not be very good. When I used a DSS tropical wing with a DiveRite plate, the rubber "spikes" which held the wing onto the plate did not match up with the corresponding holes, so the wing was only held on by the cam bands.

As to the cam bands, both metal and plastic can be adjusted to proper tension, and then unlocked and locked, without adjustment. I shy away from the metal ones just because of habit. There is no reason to avoid them.

What I really would like to find is the cam bands that can be completely disconnected when you replace the tank. I mean you just unclip them, remove the tank, and clip it onto a new tank, rather than slide the rig onto the tank from the top as the standard cam straps work. Not sure, however, do they make anything like that at all. And, of course, if they do, are those bands reliable enough? Well you see I am pretty picky

Actually, that's an OK deal. When I wanted to get DSS, I could have gotten the entire rig for $465, with no STA. The backplate was around $150 and the wing was the rest

Well, my intention actually was to have a heavy STA, the point is I need too much weight on my belt at the moment. No arguments, DSS gear is top a quality one, who would say otherwise (competition, of course, will). But I need STA.

 

[r2t]

The one you already posted can be uncliped.
Stainless Steel Cam Latch Tank Strap, BCDS: Men, Scubamax, Stainless Steel Cam Latch Tank Strap

I unclip the bottom strap but loosen the top and still slide the tank on and off. They are reliable enough. They do seem to get loose after a while, so you may need to adjust them from time to time.

 

[cool_hardware52]

What I really would like to find is the cam bands that can be completely disconnected when you replace the tank. I mean you just unclip them, remove the tank, and clip it onto a new tank, rather than slide the rig onto the tank from the top as the standard cam straps work. Not sure, however, do they make anything like that at all. And, of course, if they do, are those bands reliable enough? Well you see I am pretty picky

Camband buckles that "disconnect" can also be a bit of hassle. If your rig and tank are vertical you need three hands to attach them, one to hold the rig up, and one each for the two ends of the camband.

Buckles that don't disconnect require that you slide the rig down over the top of the tank. This only requires the standard issue 2 hands, one to control the rig, and the other to manage the buckle.

Either will work, and both are plenty secure, but assumptions about ease of use are often found to be wrong in practice.

Tobin

 

[SergeK]

really? Could not I just use one hand to clip this band? Well, may it is not so good idea then.. Anyway, I'll try it and see how good these are. Thank you for info. The classical ones seem inconvenient to me but may be you right, if that will be the case I'll replace them with standard ones.

 

[cool_hardware52]

really? Could not I just use one hand to clip this band?

A "two piece" cam buckle requires two hands, one each to bring each end of the cambuckle into initial contact with each other.

That leaves no "spare" hands to hold your plate and harness up.

Tobin

 

[halocline]

Remember you're talking about a heavy tank that acts a little bit like a post; much easier to just slide the rig on and off the top of it.