STA standoff distance

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Well I think I am pretty much set on what back plate I want but I have heard rumors of people diving with an STA having issues with being like a "turtle" I assume that the farther an STA moves the tank away from your body the more tendancy you would have to roll over.

My question is what STA has the lowest profile ( I want a heavy one though) meaning which one keeps the tank closest to the body and are STA's brand specific meaning will say a halcyon STA work with FredT's plates (not to say I am getting either of those brands its just an example). I know some plates dont require an STA but the plate I am looking at do. Thanks

 

[Nemrod]

The STA has nothing to do with turtling, they (those that turtle) have other issues that I am not inclined to discuss. The DiveRite STA, single piece, is a thin piece of stainless, bolted to the plate the tank will set approximately.25 inches higher than without--or less if you grind the tops off the carriage bolts. This is insignificant and a STA will hold the tank very secure and stable.

Most plates can be used with or without a STA. Some plates have more bend in them like my Hammerhead and some have less like the DSS. This factor alone --if important to you--can result in more variation in tank distance from you than a STA.

Notice that the STA is well enveloped by the wing and is fully recessed into the pocket.


A STA does not cause the turtle effect, heavy steel tanks and heavy steel plates and incorrect weighting and bouyant exposure protection does. This can be delt with with practice and correct rigging.


N

 

[fire_diver]

The new generation of OxyCheq Mach V wings have integrated stabilizers. No STA needed, and the tank is rock solid. Look into those.

FD

 

[chrispete]

My wife dives a DiveRite stainless STA like Nemrod has with a DiveRite alum backplate and Rec wing, I dive an Oxychq stainless (low profile) STA on a DiveRite stainless B.P. with a Trek wing. Neither of us has any tendancy to turtle whatsoever. I've dove with dozens of divers similary configured, none of them have ever had issues with "turtling" either.