Which Harness and STA?

[Yoyoguy]

All,
I am looking to purchase a basic harness with crotch strap and STA. Is there any you can recommend? I don't really want one of those crazy expensive fancy harnesses just looking for your basic harness system with shoulder and waist D rings and crotch strap. Partially Pre-assembled would be nice BUT is not a deal breaker as I know there are several you tube videos out there. Not sure if all STAs are created equal...seems most are around the 40$ mark. Trying to keep everything budget friendly. Thanks!

 

[RandomGuy1]

I just recieved my DSS bp/w with a single piece of webbing. I was a little intimidated knowing I would have to assemble the harness myself before I saw it / did it. It really was so simple anyone could do it, so I say go for a simple single piece harness. As far as STA, the DSS bp I have doesn't require so I'm no help there.

 

[The Chairman]

I went with a hybrid, the Zeagle Express Tech: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bu...h-first-last-bc-most-will-ever-need-want.html

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Can't go wrong with these guys ... and the price is nice ...

Hog Hogarthian Harness Basic - Dive Right in Scuba

Hog Single Tank Adapter STA - Dive Right in Scuba

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[tursiops]

Hog Hogarthian Harness "RED Webbing"
Hogarthian Harness (Dir) for Backplates "Black Webbing Model"
Single Tank Adapter
Dive Rite Single Tank Adapter - Blem - Northeast Scuba Supply Store

 

[tbone1004]

partially assembled isn't a thing with single harnesses because of the way they are threaded. You start at the middle and work your way out on each side. If it was partially assembled you wouldn't be able to thread it evenly and even it it was, it has to be adjusted to each diver in the exposure protection they are planning on using.

Harnesses are all the same basically, webbing is only sourced from a small handful of suppliers usually domestic, and d-rings and buckles are all sourced mostly overseas. Only differences are in the specific hardware, you may want bent d-rings, you may not, if you're in cold water all the time you might want thicker d-rings so it is easier to use with gloves. etc.

STA's are all basically the same, the 11" bolt pattern was standardized 20+ years ago so it works with all plates. You said you're buying an Oxycheq Mach V wing, so if the cam band slots in your backplate line up with the wing you may not need one. I prefer them, but not everyone does. If you're diving cold water you may want to consider a weighted STA. You'll get 6lbs from the backplate but if you are wearing more lead, the weighted STA's help take more off of your weight belt. You can always remove the weight as it is just a lead insert held in by the cam bands.

Cave Adventurers - OxyCheq Weighted Single Tank Adaptor - Marianna, Florida USA - Never Undersold! if weighted

Cave Adventurers - HOG Single Tank Adapter - Marianna, Florida USA - Never Undersold! if not

Cave Adventurers - Cave Adventurers Hogarthian Harness - Marianna, Florida USA - Never Undersold! for harness

 

[Yoyoguy]

partially assembled isn't a thing with single harnesses because of the way they are threaded. You start at the middle and work your way out on each side. If it was partially assembled you wouldn't be able to thread it evenly and even it it was, it has to be adjusted to each diver in the exposure protection they are planning on using.

Harnesses are all the same basically, webbing is only sourced from a small handful of suppliers usually domestic, and d-rings and buckles are all sourced mostly overseas. Only differences are in the specific hardware, you may want bent d-rings, you may not, if you're in cold water all the time you might want thicker d-rings so it is easier to use with gloves. etc.

STA's are all basically the same, the 11" bolt pattern was standardized 20+ years ago so it works with all plates. You said you're buying an Oxycheq Mach V wing, so if the cam band slots in your backplate line up with the wing you may not need one. I prefer them, but not everyone does. If you're diving cold water you may want to consider a weighted STA. You'll get 6lbs from the backplate but if you are wearing more lead, the weighted STA's help take more off of your weight belt. You can always remove the weight as it is just a lead insert held in by the cam bands.

Cave Adventurers - OxyCheq Weighted Single Tank Adaptor - Marianna, Florida USA - Never Undersold! if weighted

Cave Adventurers - HOG Single Tank Adapter - Marianna, Florida USA - Never Undersold! if not

Cave Adventurers - Cave Adventurers Hogarthian Harness - Marianna, Florida USA - Never Undersold! for harness

Tbone,
Thanks. The harness is really budget friendly and will likely be what I buy since it seems like it is just the ticket I need (cheap, basic, and works). You are correct that I have the oxycheq Mach V (or will whenever the return goes through) but you had stated that if the slots on the wing don't line up with my plate (which is a dive rite plate) then I would have to go with an STA. I figured id write them both in the same thread so I don't end up making two different threads later. Some people have even recommended the STA over the built in ones so I might go that route anyways.

Tbone....do you recommend spending the extra 4 or 6 on the buckles?

 

[tbone1004]

call Edd and ask him, best answer there. If you have to wear 12lbs or more of lead the STA gets you extra lead. To me that is worth the extra money, I prefer STA's anyway. To each his own.

 

[eelnoraa]

Hog Single Tank Adapter STA - Dive Right in Scuba

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Not all STA are created the same. This specific one in the picture is not a very good model. The cam slot line up exact as the bolt location. If you pay attention to your BP, you will find the plate slot is like 2 inches lower than the top bolt (center to center). What does this mean? If you use this STA, you tank will be 2 inches higher than if you use the plate slots. there are better design STA out there, such as this (https://www.divegearexpress.com/dive-rite-single-tank-adapter-13-in-33-cm-no-straps). the upper slot is cut lower than the bolt. It is a much more reasonable deisgn

 

[tbone1004]

I beg to differ greatly, as a DIR diver you should know the reason why....

With the cam bands centered over the bolt holes, it puts the tank in the exact spot that doubles are with the top of the band right below the crown of the tank.....