Info Aqualung Financial Troubles

[kdlv]

Despite what some of you fantasize about here, I don't see a bright future for the remnants of AL or Apeks in the coming 2 - 3 years.

Bright future unlikely, chance to survive probably.
I wonder if they are going to segment the portfolio somehow and keep developing it this way.
Aqualung - low end recreational with some cool color stuff - influencer ready, similar to Scubapro approach.
Apeks - Tec/rec low-mid price segment
Mares - have it all + enhancement of XR line + updated regulator range.

I cannot imagine what will be sold at the dive centers though.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

At a minimum, glad to see regulator service kits should remain readily available. I own 3 Legends that I very much want to be able to keep using.

 

[BoltSnap]

At a minimum, glad to see regulator service kits should remain readily available. I own 3 Legends that I very much want to be able to keep using.

LOL, right.

 

[BoltSnap]

Bright future unlikely, chance to survive probably.
I wonder if they are going to segment the portfolio somehow and keep developing it this way.
Aqualung - low end recreational with some cool color stuff - influencer ready, similar to Scubapro approach.
Apeks - Tec/rec low-mid price segment
Mares - have it all + enhancement of XR line + updated regulator range.

I cannot imagine what will be sold at the dive centers though.

Do you think that the international market will support all of these conflicting/redundant part numbers under one roof??? I think not, big NOT. It is all about the distribution/retail network worldwide (and perhaps some technology tidbits).

 

[Divin'Papaw]

LOL, right.

Useless reply. So you disagree? Articulate why. We’ll see who’s right 5 years from now.

 

[iliketopetsharks]

Economically, it would make more sense to have a common family of regs/parts and just rebadge them, like the automobile industry does it...

 

[BoltSnap]

Useless reply. So you disagree? Articulate why. We’ll see who’s right 5 years from now.

We will discuss it next time I am in FL and we dive together. You are going to take me around to dive the best spots there.

 

[Mobulai]

Do you think that the international market will support all of these conflicting/redundant part numbers under one roof??? I think not, big NOT. It is all about the distribution/retail network worldwide (and perhaps some technology tidbits).

But.. Mares and AL share HP seats already, so maybe the orings and tophat seats (which afaik mares don’t use) are the „conflict“, and these are almost universal

Regardless of brand, as long as I can find HP seats for it then that reg is serviceable — learned that lesson in Dahab because of my Cressi (maybe not officially, but 3rd party suppliers of soft parts are no way in shortage)
Now for LDS/service centers/non DIY users it’s a different story. Time will tell

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Despite what some of you fantasize about here, I don't see a bright future for the remnants of AL or Apeks in the coming 2 - 3 years.

I think you're right. There has already been too much damage done. There are also many other brands to choose from that are a lot more stable.
Aqualung isn't going to be able to suspend themselves on some historical reputation or legacy, nobody cares about that. People want quality available gear that's not on backorder, and service that can be performed with no excuses about parts availability etc.
I don't think they can just come roaring back in todays diving climate.

 

[kdlv]

Do you think that the international market will support all of these conflicting/redundant part numbers under one roof??? I think not, big NOT. It is all about the distribution/retail network worldwide (and perhaps some technology tidbits).

Don't know... What is the main revenue stream in the popular scuba gear industry?
I have a gutfeeling that most margin and profit is made on frequent small purchases like snorkeling masks, rashguards, accessories and new divers getting certified with their first purchases.

Judging from personal experience and observations: typically people look into Mares and Aqualung. More affordable, some cool factor with the brand names (Mare & Aqua) and good online presence. For any new diver, Apeks sounds too complicated and expensive, Scubapro also feels expensive for 1st gear set purchases. And in my experience, Aqualung products shine bright there.

You just want some regulators that work and gear that fits. And if it looks cool, even better. It takes time until most divers realize their gear preferences and start buying again.

So... they are essentially product companies (take out the service companies in the portfolio like SSI and Liveaboard from the equation). What do they all sell most and make highest margin on?