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Stage and sidemount bottle rigging hardware: size-specific rigging sets for 130–160 mm cylinders, 7 L/S40, 10 L/12 L long steel, and S80 aluminium; a dedicated sidemount bottle rigging set; bungee straps in multiple lengths; neoprene hose holders for sidemount hose routing; and stainless steel zip ties for permanent rigging assembly. Eight products for streamlined, secure stage and sidemount bottle configuration.
Stage and Sidemount Bottle Rigging
A stage or decompression bottle that is not rigged correctly is a drag hazard, a gas switch complication, and — in tight spaces — a physical obstacle. Correct rigging produces a bottle that lies parallel to the body, valve facing forward, with no swinging or rotation, and can be deployed and stowed smoothly during the dive. The Sopras Tek rigging range provides size-matched hardware for the most common stage and sidemount bottle configurations in technical diving.
Stage Bottle Rigging Sets
Stage rigging sets consist of two cam bands with attachment hardware — a bolt snap and D-ring at the neck (for clipping to the diver’s chest or shoulder D-ring) and a bungee loop retainer at the base (for hooping around the cylinder bottom and securing it against the diver’s hip). The set must match the cylinder diameter to ensure the cam bands grip securely without over-tightening or slipping.
Four cylinder-specific sets are available: the 130–160 mm set (38 €) covers the outer diameter range of most standard aluminium stage bottles; the 7 L/S40 set (39 €) is for the shorter, narrower S40 aluminium cylinder commonly used as a small deco bottle; the 10 L/12 L long steel set (38 €) is configured for the longer body of 10 L and 12 L steel cylinders; and the S80 set (41 €) fits the S80 (11.1 L aluminium) which is the most widely used stage bottle globally. Using the correct size set ensures the cam bands sit at the right positions on the cylinder body for correct two-point attachment geometry.
Sidemount Bottle Rigging
The SM bottle rigging set (44 €, SKU 761205) is configured for sidemount cylinder attachment. Unlike stage rigging which mounts a slung bottle to a backmount harness, sidemount rigging attaches each cylinder along the diver’s side — typically clipped at the shoulder valve and bungeed at the hip. The SM rigging geometry reflects the different attachment axis and the need for the cylinder to ride flush with the diver’s body profile during propulsion.
Neoprene hose holders for SM rigging (12 €, SKU 761220/1/2) are clip-on neoprene sleeves that attach to the cylinder body and provide routing points for the regulator first stage hoses in a sidemount configuration — preventing hoses from dangling freely, snagging, or creating drag. Three variants cover different hose diameters and cylinder positions.
Bungee Straps and Hardware
Bungee straps (8–10 €, SKU 761206/7/8) are pre-made elastic retainers in multiple lengths for the base attachment point of stage bottles. Bungee provides the tension that holds the cylinder base against the diver’s hip — it must be tight enough to prevent swinging but not so tight that the bottle cannot be removed smoothly during a gas switch. The multiple length variants accommodate different cylinder diameters and harness geometries. Replace bungee that has lost elasticity — a flaccid bungee that no longer holds the bottle firmly is a practical problem on every dive.
Stainless steel zip ties (11 €, SKU 761214/7) are 316 SS cable ties used for permanently securing components of stage rigging assemblies — attaching bolt snap D-rings, closing cam band loops, or fastening hose holders to the cylinder. Stainless ties are used rather than nylon in saltwater and high-UV environments where plastic cable ties degrade and fail unpredictably. Two variants cover different tie widths and lengths.
What to Look For
- Cylinder-specific sizing: Stage rigging cam bands are sized to cylinder OD. The wrong size will either not close correctly on a larger cylinder or will over-tighten and deform on a smaller one. Check the product descriptions for the OD range each set covers, then measure or look up the OD for your specific cylinder model.
- Bungee length matching: The bungee strap must be tensioned to hold the cylinder base firmly against the hip. Too short creates too much tension and makes one-hand removal difficult; too long allows the cylinder to swing. Start with the manufacturer’s recommended length for your cylinder OD and adjust based on fit.
- Stainless steel zip ties for saltwater: Nylon cable ties are not appropriate for permanent saltwater stage rigging — UV and saltwater degrade nylon faster than most divers expect. Use stainless zip ties for any connection point that you are not planning to replace after every trip.
FAQ
How should the stage bottle be positioned when rigged correctly?
The cylinder should lie parallel and close to the diver’s body — valve end forward (toward the head), SPG facing outward for easy reading, and the bottle tucked against the hip rather than hanging away from the body. The neck bolt snap should be clipped to the diver’s chest D-ring (typically left side for a left-hand stage), with the shoulder ring providing the upper clip point and the bungee at the base providing the lower retention point. In this position, the bottle creates minimal drag, can be accessed easily for gas switches, and does not rotate or swing during swimming.
How often should bungee straps be replaced?
Bungee loses elasticity over time and with UV exposure. Test each bungee strap before a dive trip by stretching it to approximately double its resting length — it should return cleanly to its original length with firm tension. A bungee that hangs loose at rest or does not return with meaningful tension should be replaced before the dive. For frequent divers, bungee straps should be inspected and replaced at least annually regardless of visual appearance.