To STA or not to STA?

[*Floater*]

If you are worried about weight, then check out kidspots STA alternative: http://www.kidspot.org/personal/scuba/#sta

He says it cost less than $5. Also, I think Oxycheq makes some sort of a soft STA that probably doesn't weigh much, but I have no first hand knowledge of it.

 

[TSandM]

I don't know about wear . . . I have about a hundred dives on my DSS wing, which has the older STA substitute on a strap, and I see no sign of wear on the gadget itself or on the fabric of the wing. Of course, a hundred dives isn't that many, but it looks to me as though I've got plenty more before wear will be an issue. The new wings have the STA built into the stiff fabric of the center section. It will move less, and there should be even less wear.

I'm with Ken . . . If you aren't switching wings (or going from singles to doubles and back) and you don't need the extra weight, why deal with an extra piece?

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Some of us feel that an STA is an integral part of our rig. All set ups have them in one form or another. I prefer the tried and true single metal adapter. IMHO, its advantages far outweigh its disadvantages.

Given the OP's 'handle', I would guess that he plans on buying Halcyon gear. If so, I believe that he would be WAY better off using an STA. The Eclipse model has always required one and the the Pioneers work MUCH better with a standard STA. I'm not sure but I believe the latest Pioneers have changed and also require an STA. Perrone... what's the deal with the latest line of Pioneers?

If he buys a different product, then he's gonna have to petition Netdoc for a new name!

And... I can't let this one go either... "An STA just puts the tank further from your back." Huh??? We're talking 3/8"... less than half an inch! That has absolutely no impact on my diving.

halcyon, IMO, the only disadvantage of a STA is the cost. As far as the H line is concerned, it's another hundred bucks... but you do get the killer SS buckles!

 

[PerroneFord]

I havent' taken a CLOSE look since they changed to that funky bag look stuff for CE approval. I wouldn't buy one though.

For my money I'd get a DSS or Oxy wing. If it's going to be treated roughly, I'd get the Golem wing. As far as STA's there are several options out there. Halcyon is one. There are cheaper ones.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

halcyon... here are a couple of pics. The first shows a popular "STA-less" design attached to a cylinder. The second is a plate attached to a cylinder with a standard Halcyon STA. Decide for yourself if the difference in 'set back' is gonna make any difference in your diving.

 

[fdog]

I've had a lot of mileage with FredT plates, rarely with a STA because they were used mostly with doubles. When I did use a STA, I was pretty ambivalent about it, and generally used my jacket w/ a single for photography, anyway.

Since I've switched to the DSS plates, I've found that I dive them with a single way more than I ever did. Coincidence? I think not.

If you get a plate + wing designed to STA-less (like the DSS), then, I'd say dive it without the STA, and save yourself the weight and hassle.

Otherwise, use a STA. The rig won't ride well without it.

All the best, James

 

[Mako Mark]

I have the DSS BP with their 30 lb wing. IMO Tobin's STA-less design is awesome. I have had absolutely no problems with it. It's stable and the "buttons" that hold the wing on the BP don't allow the tank to shift off-center. I really like the low profile of the rig. I highly recommend it. I cannot speak to other STA-less designs.

I have to second this.

I have owned six different wing/BP combinations and Tobins is by far the best solution to this problem.

 

[Mo2vation]

Some of us feel that an STA is an integral part of our rig. All set ups have them in one form or another. I prefer the tried and true single metal adapter. IMHO, its advantages far outweigh its disadvantages.

Given the OP's 'handle', I would guess that he plans on buying Halcyon gear. If so, I believe that he would be WAY better off using an STA. The Eclipse model has always required one and the the Pioneers work MUCH better with a standard STA. I'm not sure but I believe the latest Pioneers have changed and also require an STA. Perrone... what's the deal with the latest line of Pioneers?

If he buys a different product, then he's gonna have to petition Netdoc for a new name!

And... I can't let this one go either... "An STA just puts the tank further from your back." Huh??? We're talking 3/8"... less than half an inch! That has absolutely no impact on my diving.

halcyon, IMO, the only disadvantage of a STA is the cost. As far as the H line is concerned, it's another hundred bucks... but you do get the killer SS buckles!

So if a Pioneer has the STA built in (like mine does) and after hundreds and hundreds of surf entries there is no appreciable wear on it (like mine) - what is the point of adding an STA?

Tank stability? That's a myth. Its fine with the built in STA

Weight? If non-weighted STA, no difference.

How does a Pioneer with a built in STA "work much better" with an (external) STA? What could be simpler than strapping a tank right to the back of the wing?

Makes no sense. Been diving one without for years and years. Works perfect as is.

I don't get 'cha.

---
Ken

 

[PerroneFord]

That's ok Ken. I like my STA. To each his own. Though it is pretty nice to be able to borrow ANYONE'S wing, and know its gonna fit.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

So if a Pioneer has the STA built in (like mine does) and after hundreds and hundreds of surf entries there is no appreciable wear on it (like mine) - what is the point of adding an STA?

Tank stability? That's a myth. Its fine with the built in STA

Wow! This is a dated topic, huh, Ken. The Pioneer wing hasn't been on the radar for how long... forever? I remember when Scubaboard was young and this was a hot topic. Seems like it was a 50/50 split between those that liked and used the Pioneer's integral STA and those that preferred the standard STA. I guess the subject is moot now that the new Pioneers have come out.

I won't presume to down-play your experience. If you say that it has worked fine for you then I believe ya... we'll just put a check in the pro-integral STA column.

What could be simpler than strapping a tank right to the back of the wing?

IMO, this is sort of a non-statement. It says nothing. It would be like me saying that nothing is simpler than spinning down two wing nuts on a STA... also a meaningless statement. I see nothing simple about having to unthread and thread cambands every time I want to remove my wing from the plate. I like to rinse my plate and wing separately. I pack them for a trip separately. I store them separately. I often switch between doubles and singles... even on the same trip ... and... I frequently use different wings. I see nothing simple about having to hold onto a plate and a floppy wing while I fit those two separate parts on a cylinder trying to keep every thing in the right place while I clamp down the cams. I guess one could jury-rig a few bolts to hold the wing and plate together but then that's another step... another step past "what could be simpler"... plus it doesn't solve the problem of the cambands sliding around. I can accept , however, that if one does it enough they will get used to it... or if one has not been spoiled by a STA that this might not seem that bad.

I suppose it all depends on one's style of diving... For my style a STA makes life so much easier. Plus... I like the little weight. My STAs serve two purposes; it adapts my plate to a single cylinder for quick and easy wing removal or swapping out tanks while at the same time it participates in my total weighting.

Each to his/her own... I guess. Good luck, halcyon.