Oceanic BC's

[Crowell]

I'm in the market for a new BC and I'm curious what you folks thought about the Oceanic product line, more especially the Oceanic OceanPro FX, Probe, and Chute 3 BCs.

I really prefer to go with Oceanic because of the padded lumbar support they have, and having tried on several other BCs, I like the fit and feel of the Oceanic M/L size BC, along with their weight release system.

I would somewhat prefer a back-inflate BC over a jacket style, and the only Oceanic I saw offering that was their Chute 3 model.

If you guys know of any comperable or equivalant models from other manufacturers I'd be interested in hearing about those as well, but I'm leaning more towards Oceanic because my LDS is an all-Oceanic store and I can easily get things serviced or replaced there as needed.

Thanks,

 

[opiniongirl]

Never had a complaint from a diver who had one - they are comfy!!
Nice thing about oceanic is that their service is outstanding - anytime I've had a customer who had an issue with their gear, they've always done a 100% job of ensuring satisfaction.

Only thing I've found, is that the weight pockets are a little light for diving cold water (Canada), in a drysuit, depending on how much weight you normally take.

I think you would be happy with any of those models.

 

[Crowell]

Ma'am, just the thought of diving in that icewater up there makes my skin crawl.

 

[opiniongirl]

Ma'am, just the thought of diving in that icewater up there makes my skin crawl.

Hey now,

It isn't that bad - once we head in to the igloo we warm right up - and there's nothing like fresh seal blubber to warm you up on the inside..

ha ha...it's definitely dry suit diving up here...but you get used to it!

 

[ShakaZulu]

Why don't you try a BP/W setup before you buy this BC??? I assume, you do want the best value for your money........

 

[Crowell]

What is a bp/w setup, and where can I get more information on that? I'm not familiar with the term.

EDIT: Backplate + Wings? Let me look into those now and do some research.

 

[ShakaZulu]

What is a bp/w setup, and where can I get more information on that? I'm not familiar with the term.

It's a backplate and wing setup eg the DiveRite setup. Search this board, and look in the DIR seciton. There is also a thread somewhere on the Hogarthian setup.

http://www.scubaboard.com/f333-hogarthian-diving.html

http://www.diverite.com/products/bcd/bkplt_harn.htm

 

[crpntr133]

If you go with the OCeanic you won't be disappointed. I also have a LDS that is Oceanic happy so we get a lot of guys wearing Oceanic. Personally I don't care for the bulkiness of them. I like my Zeagle Brigade.

 

[RICHinNC]

Check out these two websites in your bp research. www.diverite.com is a company that makes top of the line gear and they have tecrec stores all over the USA...and they are listed on the website.

One of those stores a lot of people use is www.northeastscubasupply.com and they sell the DiveRite gear by mail order. Plus, it is fully warranteed by DR....not some secondary warrantee.

They have a great deal you might be interested in ....a full bp and wing set up by DiveRite for only $449. I bought that one and it is great gear.

But While I used to dive a vest style....and now use a bp and wing....the bp system might not be for you....try one out and see how you like it first.
good luck
rich