decouplers vs stack separators?

[federally]

I see that stack separators have more force but otherwise I don't understand the difference or why I should choose one over the other.

Edited March 24, 2014 by federally

[RocketPilot573]

Stack Separators detach everything that is connected to them, so they don't stay stuck to spent boosters. It's useful in some situations, but not very often. Also, the 2.5 meter separator is way thinner then the decoupler, so it looks better.

Edited March 24, 2014 by RocketPilot573

[FREEFALL1984]

You can create stacked probes (multiple probes each with a small RCS supply and suitable science, then you can eject them and they dont each need a docking port attached

[Red Iron Crown]

In most cases, a decoupler is better than a separator, as it weighs less and performs almost exactly the same function. Only use separators when you want the decoupler itself to detach from both parts that are decoupled.

[jmiki8]

I use stack separators only for cluster bombs, and "clustered satellites", mentioned above.

[federally]

Awesome! Thanks for the answers guys, conveniently I had an issue with a build yesterday this information will solve!

[Rickenbacker]

Stack separators are useful if you want a docking port at the top of the lower stage. Say you have a booster that will get you to orbit with quite a bit of fuel left. Using a separator you can leave it there, with a docking port at the top, so you can use that fuel later.

That said, I mainly use them under the 3-man capsule, because they look much neater than the old, fat decoupler and I will only be decoupling it when I'm about to land anyway.