Any opinions on the Oceanic Hera?

[undefined]

I'm looking for a BC for my wife and have been eyeing the Oceanic Hera. It seems to be a replacement for the Isla, yet I haven't found any comments here on SB about it. Do any of you dive with it, or have any thoughts? My wife is very petite (5'1") and finding a BC for her can be a challenge...

 

[Doug Krause]

There have only been a select number of female dealers and instructors that have had a chance to dive the HERA. Our first production run is currently going through final inspection and will begin shipping to dealers this week.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

Like Doug said, not many have had a chance to use it yet. Not trying to change your mind, I saw the Hera and its awesome, but I have some Islas left that Im trying to get rid of to make room for the Hera......Are you interested in a deal??

 

[Scuba-Jay]

If you're digging oceanic, had you considered the Probe LX??

 

[undefined]

Jay,

I have given some thought to the Probe LX. I have dove with several jacket BCs, and while I do not doubt the support everyone gives to BP/W (and to a lesser extent, rear inflate), I have never had any trouble with a jacket. The Probe LX looks to have everything I will need - pockets for extra weights for students, sufficient d-rings to clip gear to, etc.

There don't seem to be a lot of posts on the Probe LX...

At the moment I'm torn between getting two Rangers (one for my wife, one for myself) or getting a Probe LX for me and a Hera for my wife. I always liked the "one throat to choke" approach when purchasing equipment for various tasks - if I stick with Oceanic for the BCD that will mean I'll only need to deal with one shop for support of BCD/Reg/Octo/Computer.

 

[Scuba-Jay]

undefined,

I am moving to Utila in Feb to DM and take my IDC. I did a LOT of research to decide what gear i wanted to have when moving forward in my diving career. I settled on the probe lx (and Atomic B2 reg) and bought a whole new set of gear last week. I was initially attracted to the probe after reading the 2006 testers choice article on www.scubadiving.com and decided to look into it further. Its a great BC, one of the most comfortable Ive ever worn, and is so sturdy!! The weight system is ultra user friendly and as of today I'm yet to find an aspect that i dont like. Dont disregard the probe just b/c you can't find many posts on it here. As far as I (and a lot of other DMs i know) are concerned its the best jacket BC on the market.

GL

Jay

 

[undefined]

Jay,

Thank you thank you thank you! Honestly, for those of us who are still rather new the BC forum can be somewhat intimidating. I have dove dozens of times in jacket BCs and have never had a buoyancy problem or other issues, yet I come here and it seems that if you do not dive with BP/W or rear inflate you must have some form of mental or physical defect. (Mild hyperbole)

I'm really digging the front pull for the lower exhaust valve, the extra pockets (hey - DM/Instructor means carrying extra crap for students). Heck, for that matter, I'm just excited by the idea of going WI. I only wear 8lbs (10lbs on a bad day) in salt water but getting rid of the belt is one heck of an appealing idea.

I think I'll give Joe at Scubatoys a call and see if he can drum me up a revised quote with the Probe LX + Hera. It's a bit cheaper than the Ranger LTD, and I don't see that I'll be giving up that much.

How long are you planning on staying in Utila? We're planning on heading to Roatan in late August or early September for a six month stint to get DM and Instructor - if you're still there I'd love to spend a few days on Utila and know someone to dive with already!

 

[Scuba-Jay]

So glad I could help ( = Right now my plan is to be there indefinitely. I'm heading out to Utila Dive Center (run by Andy Phillips) at the end of Feb. I'll be DMing with them for a few months, then taking the IDC, and then (most likely) looking for employment somewhere in the Bay Islands, either Utila or Roatan. We can get together for sure and by that time I'll have my OWSI rating so maybe i can drag you over to wherever I'm teaching and give you your DM course!!!

Jay

 

[undefined]

Jay,

Maybe we can drag you over to our favorite shop by the time you have your IDC completed! At the very least we will keep in touch and get some bottom time together when we're all in the same general area. You and I will be diving the same gear (unless you upgrade to BP/W before then )

For anyone still reading this thread - I'm going to place the order this week for the Hera (and my Probe LX). I'll post back here with my wife's opinions/review of the Hera after she dives it (Feb 17th is our next dive). If there are any questions, please post them here and I will be sure that she checks/confirms/judges based on any requested information.

 

[Doug Krause]

Jay -your commission check's in the mail.

Undefined - have a great trip and enjoy the new gear. I'd love to hear what your wife thinks of the Hera.

Doug