BP/W single tank and NO sta

[oversea]

I have been thinking about taking gear on future vacations. My options are to bring my jacket as I have in the past or bring my BP/W. I personally think the jacket idea sucks. I have the ability to use my wing and plate with a single tank without the STA because it has the slots. Does the tank shift alot without the STA? My current setup is the Hammerhead II plate and I use Scubapro cinch straps. For those who have used these straps, you know they really grab. Eliminating the STA will save me about 5lbs, plus I have never dove it in a thin wetsuit and would assume I may be a bit on the heavy side.

 

[ppo2_diver]

You shouldn't have any problem with not going the STA route. Many people don't use them at all. I do use mine when diving singles, even on vacations. It allows me to take some weight off my weight belt.

 

[RICHinNC]

Two issues here as I see it.
One is traveling with gear and I used to travel with a Seaquest PQD. It is a fine bcd but bulky as heck and therefore a pain to travel with.

I have switched to a bp and wing (DR TransPlate w/Rec wing) and it fits into a carry on so that I have ALL my important dive gear with me at all times now....regs, computers and now bp and wing. And, I have never had any trouble with tank movement. My DR setup has two cam straps and they hold the tank...plus my pony bottle firmly.

Whatever works for you.

 

[oversea]

You shouldn't have any problem with not going the STA route. Many people don't use them at all. I do use mine when diving singles, even on vacations. It allows me to take some weight off my weight belt.

Thus far, I have only dove my plate in cold water with a drysuit. I won't use anything else, I am just a bit concerned diving it with a this wetsuit. Will it be too heavy? My plate and sta weighs just shy of 11lbs. I guess realistically, I'd still need a lb or two on my belt. Is your setup S/S?

 

[ppo2_diver]

Yes. My setup is SS. My STA is a lighter one, only weights two pounds versus my five pounder. With this setup, I only use four pounds of lead in my shorty or 3 mil full suit. When I dive singles in my dry suit, I only use 10 pounds for a steel tank and 14 for an AL80.