Highland/XS scuba Cambands.....Doesn't seem right

[stuartv]

The best quick release tank strap on the market today is either Aqualung or Apeks
Grip-Lock Tank Band Assembly For Non-Wrapture System BCD (they are clones).

After watching that video, my opinion is that the DGX ones I use are superior to the Aqualung/Apeks ones and the ScubaPro ones.

The DGX ones have the buckle side sewn. No velcro. No chance of losing the buckle or that side getting out of adjustment.

On the bale side, the DGX one is made where the velcro is on the tank side of the strap. So, the tail of the strap is trapped between the tank and strap when the rig is fully assembled. There is no way for something to catch the tail end of the strap, pull it away from the velcro, and then allow the whole strap to get loose on the tank. The ONLY way for the DGX strap to get loose during a dive is if the buckle itself gets flipped open.

The bale on the AL strap does have a friction bar that would prevent it from immediately getting completely loose if the tail were pulled away from the velcro. But, it seems to me that the design of the DGX is simpler and more reliable.

Both the SP and the AL have the "feature" that the tail end of the strap is velcroed to the outside of the strap, inside of trapped between the strap and tank.

The DGX one, like SP and AL, does not have to be adjusted again once it is set for a specific tank diameter.

 

[-JD-]

@stuartv

The (way) older style ScubaPros are constructed like the DGX with with the velcro end on the inside.

With the AL/Apeks and newer SPs bands the the sliding center bar in the ring locks the webbing down against the rear of the ring when tensioned. SPs also have a slider to trap the strap end, minimizing the chance of it getting caught and loosened.

I will have to experiment to see if pulling the strap end completely loose from the velcro will allow it to loosen on the SP one I have here.

 

[stuartv]

@stuartv

The (way) older style ScubaPros are constructed like the DGX with with the velcro end on the inside.

With the AL/Apeks and newer SPs bands the the sliding center bar in the ring locks the webbing down against the rear of the ring when tensioned. SPs also have a slider to trap the strap end, minimizing the chance of it getting caught and loosened.

I will have to experiment to see if pulling the strap end completely loose from the velcro will allow it to loosen on the SP one I have here.

I didn't know the older SP ones worked like that. But, I know about the current ones. I have one on my ScubaPro Hydros Pro BCD.

I definitely like the DGX ones better. Simpler. Less parts. Works.

 

[moose_grunt]

I definitely like the DGX ones better. Simpler. Less parts. Works.

Ditto. Unfortunately they’re not available anymore. I’m hoping it’s an out of stock situation, but they’ve not been listed on the website for at least the past couple of months.

 

[-JD-]

Ditto. Unfortunately they’re not available anymore. I’m hoping it’s an out of stock situation, but they’ve not been listed on the website for at least the past couple of months.

I don't have one but it looks mostly the same:
Edge Tank Cam Strap with Stainless Pro Cam Buckle

Note - Edge also offers a different version that is more like the SP/AL/Apeks in length adjustment but uses a more Highland-esque latch:
EDGE Quick Fit Cam Strap with Stainless Steel Buckle

 

[Kharon]

On the Edge Quick Fit Cam Strap with Stainless Steel Buckle - how easy or difficult is it to change the strap to fit different diameter tanks? Also how small a diameter tank can it accomodate?

 

[Endler's]

The upper one is the Aqualung/Apeks clone. Do not get the Highland style, as it is not really quick release. Is DGX really quick release? 'Never seen one of course.

'Can't get scubaboard search engine to work. Have much better results with google.

Search string with quick release returned this, as most recent post.

 

[stuartv]

The upper one is the Aqualung/Apeks clone. Do not get the Highland style, as it is not really quick release. Is DGX really quick release? 'Never seen one of course.

'Can't get scubaboard search engine to work. Have much better results with google.

Search string with quick release returned this, as most recent post.

The DGX one has been discontinued for a while, but yes, it is quick release, just like the SP and AL ones.

 

[Zef]

The DGX one has been discontinued for a while, but yes, it is quick release, just like the SP and AL ones.

I contacted DGX about that about a year or so ago and they said that they were looking for supplier that could provide them at reasonable price. Either they have not found a reasonable and consistent supplier or it is not a high priority for them. If they had stock of what they used to sell I would buy a couple to see if they worked better than the edge ones I have that have the Highland type hook & bail.

-Z

 

[-JD-]

I don't have one but it looks mostly the same:
Edge Tank Cam Strap with Stainless Pro Cam Buckle
View attachment 568211

Note - Edge also offers a different version that is more like the SP/AL/Apeks in length adjustment but uses a more Highland-esque latch:
EDGE Quick Fit Cam Strap with Stainless Steel Buckle
View attachment 568212

@Zef which style of the Edge bands do you have?