Ideal BP&W for short/small divers

[souladdikt]

What is the appeal of running an STA other than additional weight? I thought most BP setups don't need an STA unless you dive doubles (which I don't plan to for quite awhile).

Some wings do not have some sort of built in roll control. If they do have some sort of roll control then, yes, you can use it to add a bit of weight. Some plates do not have camband slots, so the STA would be required. You mentioned the Sub-Gravity not being heavy enough, so I thought you were looking to add some weight.

 

[Badger7]

What is the appeal of running an STA other than additional weight? I thought most BP setups don't need an STA unless you dive doubles (which I don't plan to for quite awhile).

Not quite, but very close. A single tank adapter bolts to the backplate using two fasteners and you thread the tank cam bands just through the STA and around the tank. You would actually remove the single tank adapter when doubles are used, as the doubles tank bands would bolt directly to the backplate instead of the STA. For those who go back and forth between singles and doubles on a backplate, an STA can be convenient as you only need to unbolt one and bolt on the other to go back and forth.

Otherwise, without an STA, you would thread the tank cam bands through the plate and through the cutouts in the wing and strap the tank directly to the backplate instead.

Using an STA stabilizes the tank every so slightly better, since instead of eyeing it up to vertical and cinching down the cam bands, the tank rests against the STA channel instead of of resting on the ridge of the backplate. Also some people like the extra bit of spacing that the STA gives you to improve clearance between the back of your head and your regulator, but scuba isn't a game won or lost in half inch increments. And yes, the little extra weight an STA adds can be helpful if it means a little less lead on the weight belt.

Beyond those nuances, single tank diving both with and without an STA are completely viable.

 

[grantmac]

STA is definitely preferred for single tank diving in my experience. Far more stability and less likely to pinch the wing.

 

[JLRO22]

That is all super helpful to know! Thanks everyone!

Now doing some more shopping and skimming... Every brand seems to have different types of harness types. I have narrowed down to broadly Continuous strapping and adjustable (?) What are the pros and cons to either or other types I may have skipped?

 

[Badger7]

I have narrowed down to broadly Continuous strapping and adjustable (?) What are the pros and cons to either or other types I may have skipped?

Give this thread a read-through, covers almost everything you would want to know:

D

Thread 'Continuous webbing vs adjustable harness for first BPW'

Nov 3, 2024

If you currently dive a basic, continuous webbing harness on your BPW, have you ever wished you had an adjustable harness?

I'm buying my first BPW setup. All of the configurations I have had a chance to try have adjustable harnesses (e.g. Diverite Transplate harness and the Scubapro S-Tek).

I'm looking for something as simple as possible and thus leaning toward a basic, continuous webbing harness. But I don't know what I don't know about that arrangement. There must be a reason why all of these respected tech brands offer an adjustable or "comfort" harness as an option.

Warm water...

• DunningKruger
• Replies: 82
• Forum: Buoyancy Compensators (BC's) & Weight Systems

 

[souladdikt]

That is all super helpful to know! Thanks everyone!

Now doing some more shopping and skimming... Every brand seems to have different types of harness types. I have narrowed down to broadly Continuous strapping and adjustable (?) What are the pros and cons to either or other types I may have skipped?

A nice, relevant post:

Question Post in thread 'Completely lost within various wing/backplate possibilites'

Aug 19, 2023

The amount of options on the market can be dizzying, but once you are familiar you realize that all the stuff available is similar to nearly identical. Here is some info that might help:

Backplate:
The backplate is just a slab of bent metal you strap a tank to and then strap on your back. There are some neat designs out there with neat cut outs and rad designs but in the end they all do the same thing. There are also lots of discussions about the finer points of using a steel vs. aluminum plate but it realy doesn't matter that much...the difference is a couple of pounds in a weight pocket...

• Zef

• 

 

[runsongas]

just get a one piece harness with the adjustment loop

DGX S/S Loop Adjustment Ring

The DGX Loop Adjustment Ring (LAR) is a simple device that allows the left shoulder strap of any 2-inch continuous webbing harness to be freely adjustable, making your harness much easier to doff and don.

www.divegearexpress.com

if you need extra weight, weighted sta is an option. or bolt on weights for DSS. cam band weight pockets are doable but less streamlined.

 

[rongoodman]

If you have the harness adjusted properly adjustment loops or other gizmos are usually not needed. Beginners often want to have the shoulder straps too snug, which makes them harder to get into and out of. They can be fairly loose, it's the waist belt and crotch strap which will lock things down.

 

[JLRO22]

If you have the harness adjusted properly adjustment loops or other gizmos are usually not needed. Beginners often want to have the shoulder straps too snug, which makes them harder to get into and out of. They can be fairly loose, it's the waist belt and crotch strap which will lock things down.

Is that something unique to BP specifically? I have 40+ dives with jackets and a weight belt, but jackets simply don't fit me well unless the shoulders are cinched down all the way, and even then I can't get it all the way tight.

 

[rongoodman]

There's no need to do that with a back plate and one piece harness. Try it and see.