Comments about Oceanic Outrigger HLT BC:

This is a terrific BC. I haven't seen anything like it for anything near the price I paid.

Comments about Oceanic Outrigger HLT BC:

Bladder is user serviceable. Dumping air using the button on the end of the power inflater is very slow, I found myself using other dumps to compensate. Outrigger pontoon/bladder works as designed, its nearly impossible to stay face up without it. Outrigger bladder inflates quickly if opened, but takes some time to deflate and stow (around 60 seconds for me). I did not have any issues with the pockets unzipping(unlike other reviewers). The drop-able pouches easily held 10lbs of soft-weights, the trim pouches can hold 5 lbs of soft-weight, but the weights are hard to get situated (I would recommend hard weight for trim). Overall, I like this product and would purchase it again.

Comments about Oceanic Outrigger HLT BC:

Very comfortable, especially after diving more than 10 years and now switching to back inflate from the jacket design. The pockets may not appear all that ergonomic but definitely durably designed & the comfort is unmatched.

Comments about Oceanic Outrigger HLT BC:

I've taken three dives with this rig in Monterey, CA and about to do another set of 6-8 in Cozumel.

This rig was the most comfortable that I have used while walking 300-400 feet to the beach and the steep steps once there. However, There is some downsides to this rig that offset my out of water experiance with that of my INwater time.

Chiefly, the transfer hose that connects from the main bladder to the front bladder kept unscrewing and thus dumping the air from the BC (awkward to say the least!) Also, if you plan on keeping anything with you, don't try the pockets, the way the zippers were designed as you swim whatever is in there sets on the zipper and pushes it open thus dumping what you were trying to save.

The clip that holds the front bladder in place unfastens constantly, (a very poor design clasp) and not to be forgoten is the severe lack of connecting points (D-rings) for your equipment. One D-ring on your right shoulder and two very small plastic ones (3/4"?) one on each side just above the pockets.

They also say that the trim pockets in back take "up to" (but not including I guess) a 5lb weight each, well we tried several but only fit 4lbs each.

On the plus side, when working well (when we got the transfer line to stop leaking by tightining it quite a bit) this BC floats like a dream, and despite the heavy surf on a couple of dives, there was no need to even inflate the front pouch. Also, the narrow (low-profile) design of it made moving and swimming, well, "less of a drag". The integrated weight belts were hardly noticed when in the water, and not uncomfortable when out of it.

I would say that this is a good rig for the recreational diver, but for those who want to get a bit more serious, move on by.

The Excursion would be the better buy for the money, and it gives you more connections and fewer leak points.