First dives with BP/W - Couple of questions

[Lefty17]

I picked up a used Hog 32# BP/W setup from the classifieds here and had a chance to do two dives today. First impression is that it was much more comfortable and less bulky than the back inflate bcd I had been using previously. I adjusted it dry using instructions from this site and a how-to and it was a pretty decent fit. Trim was great and floating not he surface was a non issue.


A couple of questions:

I am using an STA that came with the setup and the tank seems to sit really high even with the top cam band at the very top of the tank, AL80. I'm thinking about giving it a shot without the STA as it looks like the cam band slots on the wing along are much lower and should lower the tank valve more in line with my neck rather than near the top of my head. Does anyone see any problem with this?

A couple of times the tank/harness would shift to my right. Kind of roll off center. A quick shrug and it was back where it should be. Does this mean the left shoulder part of the harness is too loose? The left and right seem to be adjusted evenly. I can get my fist pretty much between the harness and the front of my shoulder when I am in the water.

Thanks!

 

[JohnN]

I picked up a used Hog 32# BP/W setup from the classifieds here and had a chance to do two dives today. First impression is that it was much more comfortable and less bulky than the back inflate bcd I had been using previously. I adjusted it dry using instructions from this site and a how-to and it was a pretty decent fit. Trim was great and floating not he surface was a non issue.


A couple of questions:

I am using an STA that came with the setup and the tank seems to sit really high even with the top cam band at the very top of the tank, AL80. I'm thinking about giving it a shot without the STA as it looks like the cam band slots on the wing along are much lower and should lower the tank valve more in line with my neck rather than near the top of my head. Does anyone see any problem with this?

A couple of times the tank/harness would shift to my right. Kind of roll off center. A quick shrug and it was back where it should be. Does this mean the left shoulder part of the harness is too loose? The left and right seem to be adjusted evenly. I can get my fist pretty much between the harness and the front of my shoulder when I am in the water.

Thanks!

I dive a HOG SS BP and 32# wing. Ditch the STA, you shouldn't miss it. As for the harness, I thought two-three fingers under the shoulder straps was the adjustment 'standard'. I've gone to a UTD 'quick adjust' system (but only on the right side). It allows me to loosen the right harness strap for ease of entry/exit (particulary nice in a dry suit), but tighten up things nicely.

 

[TSandM]

If the rig is shifting on your back, tighten the crotch strap. With a single tank setup, you can have the shoulder straps quite loose (making the rig very easy to get into and out of) if the crotch strap is tight.

 

[Lefty17]

Thanks for the help! Ditched the STA and tightened up the crotch strap. We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

 

[tbone1004]

Keep in mind that even without the STA the tank shouldn't ball that much lower, the STA's allow the tanks to actually ride a bit lower than they do without because you can reach the valve a bit easier with it the extra inch farther out on your back. You don't need it obviously, but for safety you really do need to be able to reach the tank valve to manipulate it with the rig on your back, so it has to be up somewhat high. We generally recommend that when you pull the straps of the harness straight up, they end up about in line with the valve outlet, this puts the first stage in the gap behind you head when you look up so you don't hit it and you can easily manipulate the valve

 

[divad]

If you want to use the STA, you can just run the bands under the STA.

 

[Lefty17]

Two dives today without the STA and it was much better all around. Tightening the crotch strap must have helped as well as I had no tank shifting. Thx again everyone! Awesome dives today! Whales, dolphins, sharks and eels! To

 

[phlegm]

just out of interest, why are people suggesting ditching the STA? what are the pros and cons of using or not using one?

I'm in the same boat, just got my rig and trying to get it set up right. How tight should the shoulder straps be? I have them pretty tight but I still feel like the rig shifts around on my back a lot underwater. Feeling really top heavy (I have weight pockets on the cambands) and the rig shifts up so if I look up my head hits the wing and sometimes even the plate.

 

[JohnN]

just out of interest, why are people suggesting ditching the STA? what are the pros and cons of using or not using one?

I'm in the same boat, just got my rig and trying to get it set up right. How tight should the shoulder straps be? I have them pretty tight but I still feel like the rig shifts around on my back a lot underwater. Feeling really top heavy (I have weight pockets on the cambands) and the rig shifts up so if I look up my head hits the wing and sometimes even the plate.

Tighten the crotch strap to stop the rig from riding up. I adjust the shoulder straps so I can get three fingers between the strap and my chest

 

[Dave616]

just out of interest, why are people suggesting ditching the STA? what are the pros and cons of using or not using one?

This Thread might help.