Heavy STA help

[Wingtip]

Ok, I was reading for a few months and saw several post that they were pleased with the BP and Heavy STA combination, so I finally broke down and ordered the Koplin 5# STA to try moving more weight from the belt. Now I'm afraid I made a mistake.

I've only dove it a few times but I can't seem to get horizontal figured out. I've moved the wing to the highest point allowable, and currently have 7lbs per side in DR pockets on my harness but I'm still fighting like mad to keep my head up.

Any suggestions/observations/quick fixes that people have discovered in the adaptation of the heavier STA? I was really excited to drop the lbs out of my pockets but am really discouraged that my trim is so far out of whack at this point I can't think of what else to try.

 

[Big-t-2538]

Wingtip once bubbled...
Ok, I was reading for a few months and saw several post that they were pleased with the BP and Heavy STA combination, so I finally broke down and ordered the Koplin 5# STA to try moving more weight from the belt. Now I'm afraid I made a mistake.

did you have the head down problem before you ordered the heavy STA?

 

[Soggy]

I've also had similar issues and the only solution I've come up with is to move the tank a bit further down on my back.

What kind of tank are you diving with?

 

[Wingtip]

No I had really good trim prior to adding the heavy STA, I was using the DR plastic STA and wearing more weight in the pockets which were too bulky to be really comfortable. Then I tried to "fix" what wasn't really broke, lol.

Diving a HP102, I've got two cambands and the highest one resting as high on the shoulder of the tank as I dare. The STA does have the possiblilty of moving the camband down though which I hadn't considered until now.

 

[Big-t-2538]

You might try getting a channel weight mounted low in the back plate and ditch the STA....

 

[deepdiverbc]

I agree with Big T about the channel weight but if that doesn't work you could add some ankle weights combined with fins that are negatively buoyant.

Also when moving your tank lower make sure you can still reach your tank valve.

 

[MarcHall]

Wingtip once bubbled...
Ok, I was reading for a few months and saw several post that they were pleased with the BP and Heavy STA combination, so I finally broke down and ordered the Koplin 5# STA to try moving more weight from the belt. Now I'm afraid I made a mistake.

I've only dove it a few times but I can't seem to get horizontal figured out. I've moved the wing to the highest point allowable, and currently have 7lbs per side in DR pockets on my harness but I'm still fighting like mad to keep my head up.

Any suggestions/observations/quick fixes that people have discovered in the adaptation of the heavier STA? I was really excited to drop the lbs out of my pockets but am really discouraged that my trim is so far out of whack at this point I can't think of what else to try.

1. With your tank, the weight in the pockets, the weight of the plate and the STA you could be overweighted. If so it will be lot easier to hold trim if you lose the excess weight.

2. You need to arch your back, initially the position can be bit uncomfortable to maintain head up but as you develop the muscles it becomes comfortable. It is not unusual for your head to be in contact with the valves.

3. You need to extend your legs.

If you think of your body as see-saw or a teeter totter your center of balance is likely too far forward. You can either remote weight forward of the center of balance, add weight to ther rear of the center of balance or extend the length of see-saw to the rear of the center of balance. (make your legs longer).

In proper trim your body will be flat with the arched back. Your
legs are bent at the knees with lower legs pointing up and then your fins parallel to the bottom. You can make your legs shorter by pulling your heels into the bottom of your tank, you can make your legs longer by extending your heels back.

By extending your legs you will move your center of gravity to the rear and you will be better balanced.

One side benefit of the Scubapro Jet Fins is that they are negatively bouyant, so if you are not using them yet I would suggest trying a pair and see if they help.

Take care

Marc Hall
www.enjoythedive.com
march@gue.com