To STA or not to STA?

[Scared Silly]

I have never used a STA as it is easy to check the alignment of the backplate with the cylinder. So it has never been a problem. Except once, it was .25 degrees off and I spent the whole dive swimming in circles.

 

[Still Kicking]

You can't spell stable without S T A.

 

[Searcaigh]

I use a DiveRite BPW and have done without a STA until last year when I bought a 7mm wetsuit and needed extra weight.

I decided to use a Halcyon STA with a lead weight inserted along with a 4lb weight on an additional camband, the latter I use frequently on AL80 tanks for trim purposes.

I found this configuration unstable as that 4lb weight position is in the wrong place.

Ideally I want a 6mm SS plate, but that's another story.

 

[OTF]

Some wings need them, some don't.

I use one with my Dive Rite EXP. My Apeks WTX-D30 doesn't require one, it has little tank stabilizers built in. This keeps the tank closer and feels more stable than the EXP with STA.

 

[Sebs]

I use an STA because that way the wing sits slightly lower and the whole thing is more comfortable.

 

[Wants2divemore]

I use an STA because I find it much easier to change tanks between dives on a boat.