Question about Integrated weights (Oceanic Hera)

[TexasKaren68]

I just bought an Oceanic Hera BCD from a friend of a friend who sold all her scuba gear to me due to a medical condition. One thing I bought was an Oceanic Hera BCD.

I've been scuba diving a grand total of three times. The first was a discover scuba dive in Australia and the next two were my first two open water dives in Cozumel. I wore a weight belt for those dives but this BCD has integrated weights.

I tried on the BCD for size and it seems to fit well but I was having trouble getting the weight pocket open. First the pocket has to be "unclipped" and then the velcro pocket yanked opened in order to pull out the weights. It wasn't easy to do standing in my living room so I can't imagine what it would be like 40 feet under in an emergency. Maybe I've been reading the accidents and incidents board too much.

Is this type of BCD just something I need to get used to. I got it for such a bargain price and I hope I won't end up not being able to use it.

Does anyone ever just not use the integrated weight system in their BCD and opt to just wear a weight belt instead, even though the BCD isn't meant for that? I did pretty well with the quick release of a weight belt when I had to practice for my class and am concerned about the difficulty of this different system.

 

[Doubler]

The integrated weight pockets on the Hera BC are held in place by a velcro flap and a locking pull away handle. You should be able to just pull the handle and the weight pocket is extracted. In an emergency you would discard the entire assembly, pull it out and drop it. The weights in the pocket itself are held in place by a velcro flap after loading.
1. remove pocket by pulling handle.
2. Open velcro flap in weight pocket,insert weights, close and secure strap.
3. Load pocket into BC. Secure with velcro flap and locking handle. You are ready to go.
In an emergency, pull handle and weight pocket is extracted, drop assembly.

Try it dry without weights to get the feel for it. It is easy once you get use to the system.

My wife has he same BC and loves it. No more bruises on her hips.

Jim

 

[TexasKaren68]

a-ha, I didn't realize you could just pull the handle to open the pocket. I thought you had to press down on the clip part of it, just like opening the clips on the BC (or my fins). I suppose that's a bit easier. I'll try putting it on again tomorrow and practicing a bit. I don't have the weights for it yet though. The person who sold it to me forgot to include them so I need to get those from her or just buy new ones.

I think I'm still feeling a bit overwhelmed at all the different equipment available. It's probably a good thing the opportunity came along to buy my gear from someone I sort of know because I think having to choose a BC, etc at my dive shop would be information overload. I ended up getting a BC, regulator, octo, gauges, compass, and rolling suitcase sized dive bag for $400. I also got a mask, fins, snorkel and wetsuit thrown in for good measure. I doubt I'll ever use the mask and snorkel, and the wetsuit was a size too small but I'm pretty happy with the deal I got on the rest of the stuff.

 

[Doubler]

You got a smokin deal. I paid $500 for Trish's Hera. Good luck and you will love it. It is cut for a woman's figure and highly adjustable.

 

[tstormdiver]

I have used my Hera for almost 3yrs now. It is now pretty much relegated to the pool when I'm teaching. I found it not to be the best BC for travel. Yes, it is very comfy & fits well, but it is bulky & rather heavy for a BC of its size (I assume from all the padding). Oceanic designed the pockets with both velcro & the clips to ensure the pockets don't accidentally dislodge during a dive. The pockets also have a velcro flap & more velcro inside the pocket to ensure the weights stay put within the pocket. An extra step when loading/ unloading weights into/ out of the pockets. The pockets do come loose easy enough, for an emergency situation, from the BC with a firm, sharp tug on the handles. Placing them back in & locking them can be a bit of a pain, but is certainly doable. When I replace the pockets, I make sure I slide them ALL the way in, before attempting to try to clip. Once you do, the velcro will automatically grip as you clip it in. I agree with Doubler's suggestion to practice removal/ replacement on land with no weights until you get used to it. You might also practice in the pool a little (if you can). will certainly help you to become more familiar with the weight system. Even though the extra velcro means additional steps to handle the weight pockets, it does ensure the weights stay put until it is called upon to remove them.

The Hera is a good female BC, you'll enjoy it as you get used to it. The best thing you can do is to dry run practice with it on land & get into the pool as you can to practice with it.

 

[knowone]

A non integrated bcd is the same as an integrated bcd
without the addition of weight pocket recesses and clips.

Integrated bcd's are able to be used with weight belts
if the weightbelt does not interfere with fit of the bcd.

Weight ditching should be reserved for the surface.

 

[buck3647]

Recently the weight pockets in my Hera BC are slipping out dangling by the clips anyone else having this issue