Hollis ST Questions

[ReadyDiverOne]

All, considering buying a Hollis ST Elite travel unit to replace my nearly 10 year old Zeagle Covert, which I do love but is getting quite old with a lot of dives. So I have a few questions:

First, should I get the regular ST or the ST Elite? I would get the travel version of either one and I am almost exclusively a warm water recreational diver so I think the continuous weave would be fine as I would only need to make small adjustments if I were to say wear a 5 mil wetsuit as opposed to a 3 mil. I've heard adjusting the regular ST can be fussy, thoughts?

Second, what do people think about the weight pockets? Here is the link: LX2 Weight System - Hollis I've never used these kind of weight pockets as the pockets on my Covert, which was the original, were just little pockets with no inserts attached to the BCD that you put weights into that you can drop just by pulling the lower red strap velcro. What about doing without weight pockets and just going with a weight belt? I've always loved the integrated weights of my Covert but these new pockets seem larger and bulkier so maybe I'd be happy with a weight belt? Wearing a 3 mil in warm water I usually need 10 or so pounds, what is that like with a weight belt?

Finally, I assume installation of my Atomic SS1 with its attendant bespoke hose would not be an issue?

Am I missing any other considerations/questions/issues?

Many thanks for insights and inputs.

 

[Eanxbr]

If I am not mistaken, the only difference between the ST and ELITE is the single harness on the ST versus the "luxurious and adjustable Elite 2 harness, yielding a result similar to what you’d expect from a full-featured BCD." harness on the ELITE. Come to think about it, I think the ELITE also has some additional padding on the shoulder and back.

After many successful dives, I switched from the luxurious harness to a single harness. I feel like it is easier to get in and out of the system, despite the fact that the ELITE harness has quick release buckles on both sides in addition to the chest clip. Over time there is a chance the buckles may crack and break, but if that happens, it is not that big of a deal to put a new set on there. It came down to personal preference, and the single harness works best for me.

There is a bit of a learning curve to properly set up the single harness with the proper anchoring, while the comfort harness was much more flexible in getting the proper fit. I don't think you will have to adjust the harness all that much switching from a 3mm to a 5mm wetsuit with the single harness.

When diving a backplate and wing, you want to have the shoulder harness not as tight as possible on your shoulders. Give yourself some room there, about the size of a fist between the harness and the top of your shoulder, while the waist belt and crotch strap should be comfortably snug to your body. This lax shoulder harness will make life very easy slipping in and out of your gear and will allow you some flexibility when handling your tank if you need to work on trim.

As far as the weight pockets are concerned, how much weight do you normally use? The pockets from the link are a bit large, there are other options that are a bit smaller, but they are all installed on your waist harness. Nothing says you can't wear a regular weight belt instead of the pockets. it will give you a smaller profile in the water and in the luggage.

The SS1 will work just as well on the backplate and wing as it does on your current BCD.

Any chance for you to test the equipment before you buy it?

Hope this helps, let us know if you have any other questions.

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

Many thanks, that's very helpful information. Have to admit, I'm not really sure how these work and particularly how the continuous weave thing works. Will try to find a store in the DMV that carries them and try them on but not optimistic.

Re weight, I usually wear +/- 10lbs, what's that like with a weight belt??

And can you point me to the other weight pockets you mention?

Thanks again.

 

[lexvil]

Get a stainless backplate and you will be more than 1/2 way there on weight and a silicone weight belt like MAKO sells will do well for the rest or the weight blocks that are easy to use with destination supplied weight. Those weight pouches are way to much for your needs.

For the harness, the elite will feel more familiar to you and the single serves most people well, doesn’t work for me but I have my own method for webbing that fits me and doesn’t use quick connection or easy adjustment.

 

[Wheeler925]

I've got an ST Elite with those weight pouches. They're definitely designed with cold water in mind. You can fit 2 6 pound weights in each. Its a nice system, but I'm looking for something for travel, will probably get a Dive Rite Hydrolite myself.

 

[Eanxbr]

When you say DMV, are you in the DC, MD, VA area? If so, the folks at The Dive Shop Richmond may have a unit or two you can try on and review the difference between a single harness and the comfort version.

10lbs is not much, you can definitely use smaller pockets or a conventional weight belt. An idea for smaller pockets: HOG 5lb Drop Weight Pockets Small Pair

There are other manufacturers, but just to give you an idea of options available

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

I've got an ST Elite with those weight pouches. They're definitely designed with cold water in mind. You can fit 2 6 pound weights in each. Its a nice system, but I'm looking for something for travel, will probably get a Dive Rite Hydrolite myself.

Many thanks, the DiveRite Hydrolite looks great, maybe better. Certainly don't need that much weight capacity.

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

I'm seeing some not great reviews of the DiveRite Hydrolite on Amazon, seams coming apart, etc. Anyone have insight on that? And re the stainless steel backplate, need this to be light for travel so need to go aluminum or carbon. Any other backplates/wing setups I should be considering?

Many thanks.

 

[Wheeler925]

I'm seeing some not great reviews of the DiveRite Hydrolite on Amazon, seams coming apart, etc. Anyone have insight on that? And re the stainless steel backplate, need this to be light for travel so need to go aluminum or carbon. Any other backplates/wing setups I should be considering?

Many thanks.

Theres also the hollis LTS, which the primary negative reviews are because they don't have a crotch strap and the weight pockets are too small.

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

Ah, thanks, I see it. Weight pockets would be large enough for me. Anyone know whether it's possible to rig an after-market crotch strap?