How sturdy are the Oceanic GEO, Atmos and OCi staps / bands

[Craig66]

Looking at the Oceanic GEO / Atmos /OCi collection.

What is the collective experience with the safety and durability of the watch bands. Does not seem that bungee is possible with these models but am worried about losing a computer to a failed strap.

Any thoughts - Thanks

 

[hazmat]

I've been using these for over five years with 0 problems.

 

[eelnoraa]

Since it is a watch style computer, I don't think you want a bungee setup like DSS boots. It defeats the everyday watch purpose of these units. I have seen someone put Casio G-shock type of elastic band with Velcro closure on OCi. It works quite well above water as a sport watch band. Underwater, it works OK. It has some adjustability because of the Velcro. It fits wetsuit quite OK. More tension on the band would be nicer. Also, I don't think the band is long enough to fit drysuit

 

[hazmat]

The Oceanics come with an extension for the band that would fit a drysuit.

 

[pjhansman]

My Geo 2 strap started cracking after maybe 150 dives. My wife has that many on her Geo 2 without issue.

We now each have one of these attached to the buckle when diving in case a pin comes out or the strap breaks.

 

[hazmat]

That's an interesting way to do it. For what it's worth, Oceanic sells replacement straps. Definitely not as cheap as your method.

 

[tangfish]

I've been diving Oceanic computers on their OEM straps for about 13 years, and even my first one hasn't had a problem. I did have a strap keeper (the little loop you put the loose end of the strap into) start to split on one, but got a replacement from Oceanic. It still hasn't split in about 2 years since I noticed it, but I keep the spare in my save a dive kit.