Oceanic, Recall Kings

[Coalcracker]

Seems that Oceanic and Aeris products have constant recalls and problems. My LDS dropped the brand after many problems. When I called my favorite web retailer they simply said "Well it is Oceanic and they always have a problem." Well they obviously do, time after time.

I would like to take it to a more reliable brand. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[ronbeau]

Seems that Oceanic and Aeris products have constant recalls and problems. My LDS dropped the brand after many problems. When I called my favorite web retailer they simply said "Well it is Oceanic and they always have a problem." Well they obviously do, time after time.

I would like to take it to a more reliable brand. Any suggestions appreciated.

I have been using the Aeris ATMOS Ai dive computer for three years with no problems. My daughter's is two years old with no problems and my wife's is one year old wih no problems.

My Aeris ATMOS XT has been problem free for the year I have owned.

I use other gear besides Oceanic and Aeris such as Atomic regs and fins, SeaSoft for botties and DUI for my dry suit.

The LDS that I use has not experienced the problems that you have related.

I would be interested to see the responses you get to your posting.

 

[Jimmer]

I've been using Oceanic gear since I started diving 14 years ago, my LDS has been dealing with it longer than that, and they tell me the one thing they love more than anything else with Oceanic is how well taken care of they are. If a problem arises, Oceanic deals with it no questions asked and it's solved. They also haven't had any more problems with Oceanic compared to any other brands.

 

[scubatoys]

And neither have we. There have only been a few recalls in all the time we've been carrying the 2 different brands, and those were just affecting a few items within a narrow serial number range. Keep in mind that they produce more different gear than probably any other manufacturer. When you look at all the items in the Aeris line, oceanic, plus all the other people they OEM for - really their track record is pretty remarkable for trouble free products. I've been through their facility where they do final assembly and testing and it is an amazing facility with state of the art equipment, controls, and documentation.

If you go to the Consumer Protection Safety pages, and search scuba: Results for 'scuba'

You will see that every manufacturer has had an occasional recall... Dui, Scubapro, Cressi, Atomic... you name it.

I really think it's not only that they produce so many products - but they are so very prompt and straight forward anytime even a minor problem shows up. For example, when they had a minor software error on a computer that when in gauge mode, under certain circumstances at very deep depths, the calculations could get off, and show you were actually 1 minute off - to the safer side - not the more dangerous side... But anytime they have a problem, they notify the dealers and the public as soon as they can and offer to compensate the dealers for taking care of the problem instantly so as not to burden the customer any more.

Compare that to some of the activities of other companies in the past when even though they knew of computer software problems that would eliminate all the residual nitrogen from the computations if you changed your mix during a surface interval... they decided to try to hush, hush it until it came out in several huge lawsuits when people suffered severe bends cases. Then they started a recall.

I deal with the guys at Oceanic who are in charge of taking care of these things, and their excellent safety record, and the way they handle any problem that arises is part of the reason they have become as large as they have, and why a lot of their business goes to military contracts.

If a shop is saying they dropped the line due to recall issues... I kinda' don't think you're getting the whole story, as we carry their entire line from both companies, and it has been a fraction of the items ever affected, and when they were - they handled it in exemplary fashion.

 

[Mack Diver]

I have to agree with Scuba Toys. Oceanic / Aeris does a great job of staying on top of their game. When an issue does arise, it is caught quickly and dealt with effectively. I am especially impressed with the level of customer service they extend to their dealers and the dealers customers. I carry Oceanic gear in my shop and would not recommend it to anyone if I did not believe it to be a reliable product.

 

[matjo1]

We deal with both vendors (really the same) and I have to disagree. Sure there have been recalls (which company has not?), but they have been great about fixing the problem at little or no cost to the consumer. Maybe you and your shops impressions comes from the fact that they are not afraid to issue a "voluntary recall" for product even when they have the slightest doubt about satisfaction and safety for their customers. I wish all vendors did that. Don't worry, you are in good hands.

 

[fppf]

I would rather deal with a company that places more value in customer safety than one that sweeps small issues under the rug to avoid having a recall.

Oceanic will do a recall for the smallest of issues, way before they become a big one.

 

[Underwater Adventures]

I concur that Oceanic/Aeris has one of the best customer service policies around. As a dealer they have always been ahead of the curve dealing with issues that may arise (few as they are) and letting me know of plans to rectify.

I have been told by several employees to take care of the customer first and we will take care of you...period!

If your LDS has problems with either Oceanic/Aeris I don't think its because of some minor recalls they may have had it the past...I for one choose to dive with nothing but Oceanic...great value for the money and equipment I can always rely on.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Never heard of any problem they were not willing to fix and in a timely manner at again little to no cost to the end user and usually at little to no cost to the dealer. Sometimes things happen and they need to charge something but in no way do they gouge anybody. I'd be interested in the real reason your lds dropped them. i can also think of a few other entities that deserve a recall king title- Like Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, And GM along with the entire country of China. Hope a mod sees fit to change the title here. If it wasn't so late I'd also bring this to the attention of Nick Hollis. I'll do that tomorrow. Not fair to post something so inflammatory based on obvious hearsay and a disgruntled dealer.

 

[BKP]

Another voice... I've been using Aeris products for years, and have yet to have an issue, or have any of them recalled.

When I did have one question about a battery indicator on an Atmos II, I posted here, and was *immediately* given an explanation by the vendor rep.

I don't have a single qualm about 'betting my life' on these vendors...