Questions RE: Oceanic Chute 3

[pablosells]

I'm considering the Chute 3 BC and I have a couple of quick questions for those of you who may own one: the bladded material looks a little delicate (I'm used to jacket styles), is this typically a problem with back-inflation BCs? Also wondering what the little pocket (with grommet) right below the left weight buckle is for? Also, anyone know where the clip is for the optional rectracor?

Thanks

 

[ScottyK]

Pablo- Look at this thread

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32268&highlight=chute+iii

We were just discussing this BC a few weeks ago. Don't get the Oceanic retractor because, as I think you found out, there's no clip to attach it to. Get a regular clip or retractor and attach it to the left side D-ring.

Scott

 

[pablosells]

Thanks! I'm probably going to buy mailorder (I know, warranty, support your LDS, etc) because no LDS around here has it in stock. Is anyone willing to help with sizing information?

 

[BIGSAGE136]

I'm 6'3'' 250lbs plus a tad! I wear the XL and it fits well. I can take it in pretty tight so there is room for a bigger frame than mine. If you are slight of build definitely get a medium.

 

[BIGSAGE136]

Did you ever catch on to the the Navigator? Its an antique made in 1961. Definitely an original and Hi Tech for its time.

 

[ScottyK]

Pablo- I'm 6' 220lbs and I like the XL also. I would guess that if you weigh less than 200 you'd want a large, and a medium if you're below 170.

Sage- Got a pic or link on that navigator? I find a lot of the vintage gear interesting, but have never gotten to play with any yet.

Scott

 

[pablosells]

Spoke with Oceanic and learned that the little pocket on the left with the grommet is for the retractor!

 

[ScottyK]

That's what's strange. I was looking at that with the guy when I bought my CIII. He took out an Oceanic Retractor and it had a plastic clip (I can't remember if it was male or female) at one end, but it's "mate" is nowhere on the BC. I thought I looked in that little pocket, but will check again when I get home.

IMHO you want to get a regular retractor and attach it to the D-ring on top of the weight pocket. Clipping to that little one will hang your console too low.

Scott

 

[BIGSAGE136]

In the old thread when the navigator was introduced. Scroll back.
That is definitely one of my favorite threads. I'm glad you guys are stumped on the retractor. I dont get it either. Cant knock the CIII though.

 

[pablosells]

Now I don't recall what the retractor looks like but the guy from Oceanic said you're supposed to thread the cable for the retractor through the hole. I don't think that it actually clips on to anything.