Oceanic excursion

[jwelch_81]

Does anyone have this BC if so you could tell me what you think of it and maby add a pic of the back of it I would like to see the tank straps. Thanks.

[cardog]

i have this bc and i love it! it only has one tank strap and it looks like every other tank strap.

[Noboundaries]

My wife and I both dive with the Excursion and love it. Here are the pictures of the back and the strap.

[jwelch_81]

Thanks for the replys I am a little between the Mares Icon and the Excursion thanks for the pics I couldnt find them anywhere else. I like the fact that you can convert the excursion to dual tanks. Can you guys give me some info on the weight balast? (location and such) Thanks.

[dereks040581]

although it says you can dive doubles i dont think you will be to comfortable doing it the catalog says that you can even get an optional crotch strap but when i called oceanic about it they said that i couldn't get it that they just haven't told anyone you cant get it but now that i have my weighting down i dont need it it hold 10lbs in the back that are non dumpable and the front weights are easy to load without any prob. all in all i love this bc and would not go with another one because this satisfies all the needs i have

[renpirate]

I have used this bc for about a year now and find it to be quite comfortable. It is very minimal as far as standard BCs are concerned. Oceanic also has an excellent reputation for customer service if there is ever a problem. The only draw back is dumping air. You need to use the pull dump in the inflater/deflater hose to efficiently dump air, as holding the manual inflater up and pushing the button is very slow.

If you are at all considering doubles then you really need a backplate and wing. It is sort of like using a screwdriver as a chisel. It works, but it is not optimal.

[scubajcf]

I've dove doubles with the Excursion. Great (almost too good) recreational BCD. But, for doubles, go with a Backplate and Wing. If you want a BCD feel, you can add a comfort harness ...

[jwelch_81]

Thanks guys I don't think I would ever need doubles but who knows I just liked the fact that the option was there. Can you tell me where the trim weights are and if you can get to them with the bc on.

Taking it off to add trim weight isn't a problem but it would be better to just have your buddy add a little weight till you get trimmed out.

Also are there any more dumps on the BC besides the inflater hose?

[cardog]

Isn't all of this on Oceanics web site? There is a dump on the lower right of the wing and there are two pockets mid-back that hold up to 5lbs each.

[PrimeScuba Joe]

Hello jwelch_81,
Just wanted to add in here that I too dive with an Oceanic Excursion and I absolutely love it. I can't say I know anything about the Mares Icon, but the Excursion is a top notch BCD.
Let us know which you choose!

[jdfmail]

I also dive the Excursion and love it. I was considering the Icon and think it's also a good BC however I've never dove with it. I went with the Excursion because it seemed to be made very well, I can't imagine it ever wearing out. I'm happy with my decision. But to be honest, in retrospect I probably would prefer a Halcyon set-up.

[616fun]

I have the Excursion. I use it while DMing for classes. It's a well made BC. The only thing I wish it had is two tank straps. I dive with a Faber 100 (the REALLY heavy one, -7 lb empty) in my drysuit and the tank tends to shift. By adding an additional strap the tank would be much more stable. Mind you - I've never tried to add another strap so it must not be that annoying.

[norbs007]

This is my first BC and was looking into getting a Zeagle Ranger LTD. But the more I use it, the more I get attached to it. Very well made and streamlined, easy to travel with and it's perfect for my needs. I just bought another BC, another Excursion in Large. The XL is a bit too big for me, especially if I dive in warm water without a wet suit. The Ranger is nice, but the weight system on the Excursion is much easier to manage. It could use another pocket though.

[jwelch_81]

I will be trying one on this weekend then the Icon on next week. I have to say right now I am leaning toward the Icon for several reasons. 1: The trim weight pockets are on a top support strap for the tank also helps keep tank stable easy to get to when in the water with gear on.
2: It is lighter and packs smaller than the Excursion( This isnt a big deal because most bcs fit realy good in a gear bag if you just lay them flat and put your regs and stuff in them).
3: It has a right shoulder dump on right shoulder. I will be using a inflator hose octo this will make it easy for controled accent if the octo is in use.

Things that will outweigh the advantages I listed for the Icon. 1: fit and comfort if I notice the excursion fits better. 2: If the ditchable intergrated weights are significantly easyer to put in with bc on. 3: The back of the Icon worries me so if the excursion has a solid back plate that I think will definatly last years longer the the Icon. If the Excursion can do all this over the Icon and it looks like it has a good chance to. I will go with Excursion. These are just some of the reasons that I am in a split decision between the two. Ill tell you guys what I think after I try them both next week.

[LBHeyman]

I just sold my Excursion because I moved to BP/W, but I liked it a lot. I did not have any problems with it at all. Once I got my trim weights set up I was good to go!

[Noboundaries]

It could use another pocket though.

Oceanic sells an add-on pocket for the Excursion. My wife and I both have one we fill with survival gear. She likes hers attached to the grommets on the left side. I prefer mine on the tank strap because it only contains stuff I'd need if I surfaced and no boat in sight.

I've only been diving with singles with the Excursion. If we ever graduate to doubles and want to continue with the BC, I'd put the bigger 55lb wing on it instead of the stock 35lb wing. The new wing costs $99.

[jwelch_81]

I did not know you could change the wings thanks for bringing that to my attention

[norbs007]

I will check out the add-on pockets. Thanks again.

[h204fun]

I have been diving my Excursion for over a year. I am really happy with it. My only disatisfaction was the pocket. It has one pocket and it is a "stow away". I also woudl only need it for items at the surface in an emergency... As pointed out... I can get one.
Great!

I did read an article shortly before using this BC. It was in reference to Back inflatables vs. Jacket style. The article referenced a user that while in the Excursion filled the bladder nearly full at the surface and was being forced face down in the water. Needless to say this would be very uncomfortable. I am glad I read this article. I am not sure I would have made the same mistake or not, but after diving the first couple times in this B.C. I simply add a little more weight to the back pockets. I sit at the surface with complete comfort. If you are switching from Jacket style to the back might be good information.