DIR- Generic GUE Singles Weighting

[rongoodman]

Some people may suggest the weighted STA from Halcyon for 6 lbs of lead, but in reality that STA tends to push the cylinder farther back from the backplate making reaching the valve of the cylinder during a valve drill more difficult. A shallow, unweighted STA helps keep the cylinder closer to the backplate. The bolts on the weight insert for the Halcyon STA are also notorious for getting loose over time.

It's the same STA as the unweighted one, so there's no difference in tank position just because the weight is inserted.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

It isn't inexpensive, but one option is a heavier backplate, like from Sub Gravity: Stainless Steel Backplate - Subgravity. 10 lbs.

I don't know who else makes a heavy backplate.

 

[OrcasC205]

It's the same STA as the unweighted one, so there's no difference in tank position just because the weight is inserted.

Yes, even the unweighted Halcyon STA puts the cylinder farther from the backplate. The Halcyon has a square profile like |______| while the other brands have an angled profile like \_______/ (except the even more angled than my text art can show) which allows the cylinder to sit farther down in the STA.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

while the other brands have an angled profile like \_______/ (except the even more angled than my text art can show) which allows the cylinder to sit farther down in the STA.

Single Tank Adapter - SubGravity

Stainless Steel 316 Single Tank Adapter

sub-gravity.com

 

[rongoodman]

I’m still trying to figure out what a valve drill with a single tank might involve.

 

[OrcasC205]

I’m still trying to figure out what a valve drill with a single tank might involve.

Basically being able to reach and manipulate your valve in the unlikely event that you descend with it turned off. And like most things in GUE, it is a skill that builds towards the doubles valve drill if/when you move in that direction.

 

[kastkr]

Thank you so much all for the feedback - I am going to join the Seattle GUE FB group. I am thinking right now that a combination of weighted STA, cam band weights, and a portion of ditch-able weight on a weight belt seems like it will work.

Thank you as always for the advice and friendliness on this forum!

Thanks,
Tom

 

[rongoodman]

Basically being able to reach and manipulate your valve in the unlikely event that you descend with it turned off. And like most things in GUE, it is a skill that builds towards the doubles valve drill if/when you move in that direction.

I agree that it's something you need to be able to do, but I don't think I've ever heard of an actual GUE drill designed to demonstrate it.

 

[OrcasC205]

I agree that it's something you need to be able to do, but I don't think I've ever heard of an actual GUE drill designed to demonstrate it.

It's included in the requirements for a Rec pass for Fundamentals if you take the course in a single tank rig. The drill is covered on Page 19 of the GUE SOPs v3.0. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are available to students enrolled in GUE classes, but you may be able to google for them.

 

[rongoodman]

OK , thanks. I’ll see if I can find them.