Oceanic Probe HLC

[kyanite302]

Hi All!! I am new to diving. I just got a new Probe HLC and tried it out in the pool. I had a very hard time staying stable in the BC when inflated. The instructor from my LDS, who was in the pool with me discovered, in addition to the shoulder dump valve on the inflator hose not working properly (an easy fix), that there is a more significant issue with the seams in the bladder. The hybrid bladder design seems to have compartmentalized chambers that fill air both around the tank like a back inflate and on the sides like a traditional jacket style BCD. I know this is a new model but I am wondering if anyone else has experienced issues like this? Ultimately, my concern, while I think it is probably too early to bail on the BC, this is a significant investment in gear so should I be concerned about this being the "tip of the iceberg" for quality with this BC?

 

[herbdb]

I would give it some time and practice. If you are properly weighted in a pool, you should have very little air in the BC. You will find many threads from new divers with the same pool issues. I use a standard Oceanic BC and have never used a hybrid, so I can't comment on the bladder design. I am sure you will find someone with experience. Welcome to diving.

 

[CT Sean]

First Are you talking stable on the surface or stable at depth (or both)?

I have an Aeris Atmos LX which is very similar is design to the Probe with it's "hybrid" bladder and I don't have much stability issues with it. As stated with proper weighting you should not have much air in the bladder at all. HOWEVER the issue I do have with it is that the hybrid design causes it to be ridiculously bulky around my sides and waist - which I very much dislike - which is why I put together a backplate and wing rig over the winter (which desperately needs to get wet ). Certainly give the Probe a chance but if it just isn't working out don't feel obligated to stick with it - and also don't feel obligated to buy it because it's what the shop that is certifying you sells (Conjecture on my part I know but it does happen)

Welcome to diving BTW

 

[kyanite302]

Thanks for the thoughts. I did a lot of research before I decided on a BC and I like the Probe. It is very comfortable. The problem I had with the BC was not a weighting issue but an actual problem with the bladder. There are seams that separate a portion of the bladder that generally sits around the tank from a section of the bladder around the waist. We pulled the BC out of the water and laid it out with air in it and it was clear that the left and right sides were different. Not much of a problem submerged with very little air in it but a definite issue when inflated at the surface. The LDS took it back and was contacting the rep about it today. My concern really is if this is a real issue or a one-off problem. I would not want to have this same issue crop up a couple years down the road when everything is out of warranty!

 

[robbcayman]

Hmmm.. I don't have the probe, but I do love the excursion. The excursion is back inflate and I can't see ever wanting another BCD. I hope you get this issue worked out, because aeris/oceanic make solid products.

 

[Keenan134]

Hi, i have just purchased the HLC and would love to know how its going for you now a few months down the track.

 

[unclescratch]

I just used my Probe HLC (new) for my advanced diving certificate. I think overall it is a great piece of gear but it is a bulky. I use it with the Oceanic Air XS alternate air source and seems to bee a very good fit for me. It was very comfortable underwater and easy to reach everything. I did the Peak buoyancy class and had a hard time staying in one spot which is normally not a problem for me, I think I need to readjust my weights ( I use 12 lbs -all in front but next time I want to go to 8 in the front and 4lbs in the back)

My main concern on this BCD is that after diving, I let it dry for a day. I put it on to show my friend and pulled the rear dump and a lot of water came out. Is this normal? I did use dump to descend on one of my dives. This is the first BCD I owned but am not sure if water is suppose to be in the air chambers. I like the BCD but if this is not suppose to happen, it is still under warranty and I can do something about it.

 

[Shftrdog]

You might be over weighted. It shouldnt take very much air to keep you aflot at the surface. Take some time with it and then make a desion

 

[herbdb]

My main concern on this BCD is that after diving, I let it dry for a day. I put it on to show my friend and pulled the rear dump and a lot of water came out. Is this normal? I did use dump to descend on one of my dives. This is the first BCD I owned but am not sure if water is suppose to be in the air chambers. I like the BCD but if this is not suppose to happen, it is still under warranty and I can do something about it.

It is normal for some water to remain in the bladder following a dive. I usually hold it upside down and drain the water through the dump valve. The inside can also get pretty funky over time. You can purchase a rinse kit that allows you to fill the BCD with water from a hose to really clean it out.