Oceanic GT3 exhaust

[harakiri]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the SB forums and am currently in the process of buying my first set of diving gear. I'm trying to get the most value out of a AU$3200 (~US$2500) budget.

I had my eye set on getting a Sherwood Blizzard as I like the moisture retention fins and wide exhaust tee. It's also a good price here in Australia (AU$499 or US$387).

Then I discovered the Oceanic GT3 CDX5 going for $199 at LeisurePro. This seems like a pretty good deal to me, BUT the short exhaust tee is a bit of a concern to me.

I want to get into underwater photography, so regulator exhaust deflection/dissapation is something that is important for me to consider. I've only read a couple of forum threads that mention it as a bit of a problem.

I was wondering if users of the GT3 can give me some feedback regarding how the exhaust bubbles come out? Do they get right into your face? Is it annoying/tolerable/no problem?


Cheers.
JP

 

[keyshunter]

harakiri,
The Oceanic GT3 CDX5 that I had exhibited more bubble interference than I was used to in my Sherwoods (long tee) and Titan LX's. While this interference was annoying to me, it might not be to others. Incidentally, my Apex ATX also had quite a bit of bubble interference. I suspect that this was one of the reasons that it was not very long until Apeks brought out the XTX series, which has interchangeable long and short exhasust tees.

 

[siikik]

I have the GT3 and I don't notice the exhaust... either that or I've gotten used to it. It's never a problem when horizontal, only vertical (head up). While vertical, I can feel the bubbles pushing my mask a little but they still vent to the sides, not in front of it. I don't seem have an issue with my mask loosening and letting water in because of the bubbles, either. And I don't have the best fitting mask, which would make this issue go away.

The wife has also never mentioned any exhaust issues with her GT3.




Ken

 

[harakiri]

keyshunter:
Thanks for the info. I'll look into the XTX series as I've read they are awesome regs. I'll probably have to stretch the budget a little bit to get a 100 or 200 model!

siikik:
Very interesting to hear about how the bubbles affect your mask! Thanks for sharing your experience.