Who is your favorite LDS and why? (Phoenix Metro Area)

[SCUBAholicEd]

Saguaro is #1 in my book.
Vince, Charllet, Darci, Matt and all the gang down there are great.
Most dive shops don't seem to catter to advanced divers.
I like to drop by and talk about diving, ect. can't do this at most shops.
Saguaro is the place for gear, etc. can't beat them.

Most dive shops don't seem to be all that friendly.
When you add up the cost of advanced classes etc
alot of LDS's are missing the boat. You would think they want advanced divers
in their shop. This not only brings direct sales, but a ton of referals.

My second LDS is The Scuba Shop. Friendly, clean and they like to talk diving.
I'm taking my underwarter hunter there next week.

 

[stnichols]

Thank you Cally, but I'm a photographer not a writer and when I do write something half the time it doesn't make sense

Stephen

 

[Calle Roo]

Thank you Cally, but I'm a photographer not a writer and when I do write something half the time it doesn't make sense

Stephen

Hey looks like were in the same boat but my text is usually stupidity to most. Or a whole bunch of garble.

 

[dyvfiend]

I currently don't have a shop. Really at this point I just need to get air fills and tres aquas or sport chalet are the 2 between me and the lake. So I suppose on of them though I'd rather spend my money at a small shop than a chain store as well tres has nitrox soo . . I guess I will have to vote for them when I'm done.

 

[ffhamm]

It amazes me that EL Mar is tied for first place. I have been going there for years, and have NEVER had a great experience. Not that they are bad. Just not anywhere near the best in my opinion.
I have spent money there, I have purchased gear and had equipment serviced. They are probably the most well known and best established shop in the East valley, but certainly not the friendliest or most economical.
They do have a pretty good stock on hand, and I can usually pick up what I need if I don't find it elsewhere.
I guess they have weathered the storm as far as the Az scuba scene goes and have built up a reliable following. I have friends who thought El Mar was pretty much the only game in town when looking for a cert.
I voted for saguaro based on the staff and the customer service. They could probably use a better inventory, but its as good as most and the prices are fair. Free Fills too (Hydros cost more though, you pay for it up front)

Wanna know my opinion of the worst ????!!

Jeff

 

[skidroe803]

I'm just getting into diving. My wife, son and I are currently taking classes at GCC. We're looking at getting gear for my son & I. any recommendations on what and where. Because we're looking for two sets price is a bit of a concern. The shop we're renting our gear from is selling off the rental sets, anything I should look for?

 

[Reef Man]

I really don't spend a lot of time in the shops...but I can say that I haven't had any real bad experience with any of them, I guess I need to keep my fingers crossed on that one... Saguaro, is where I got my OW cert and they have always been great for service and air fills. In general I have found them competitive in pricing and have a good supply.
The new scuba shop is closer to me now but I have only been in there once to check them out.
I have a Sports Chalet close to were I work, and have some friends that work for that store...I also like Al-Wet and N-depth...because I again know some of the staff in both locations and they have always treated me fine... I wish I could get to the west valley more but man it is a long way to some of the shops up there so I really can't comment much on those stores at all...

 

[aaen]

Well I no longer live in Arizona but for the three years I was there I spent a lot of time going to dive shops and meeting people. I would have to say that All Wet was definitely the best place for me to go, close to where I lived. On the other hand though Scuba Sciences was close to where I worked and at that time they had a decent crew working there, mind you they soon left. And to be honest I rather enjoyed getting fed all the bs from them, it made my dive buddy and I chuckle on our outings to Vista Point every weekend. In fact I still call him to find out what new bs they have come up with. All that aside though they had some good instructors/good gear selection/a lot of trips.

Anyways those are my votes.

 

[FPS Sandshark]

I think the courteous thing to do would be for the moderator of the poll to open it up and add " Inland Water Divers " to the list! Unless of course your not open to having a dedicated, customer centric, highly trained, NAUI dive shop on the poll?
I've been to most of the LDS's in town and have found all to have decent inventory, and competitive pricing, especially in this market; and everbody's got a trip to sell, but what makes Inland Water Divers stand out is their genuine concern for training and education, while promoting saftey.
Sure they're in business to make a profit, but I've never met two owners that are more dedicated to upholding "Diving Education and Awareness" over profit than Pete or George! Capt. Pete Wastak a NAUI Course Director and George Wellenstein NAUI Instructor both strive in they're own ways to better our diving community, isn't that what this is about!
If you want more bang for your buck, or your children trained to protect your life, or just in need of advice and great service, I advise you to check out Inland Water Divers! The location for a west valley LDS is great too, I live in Central Phoenix and find Goodyear to be very accessible since they are just off the I-10 at Dysart.
Did any of you see them in action for the "Lake Pleasant Dive Day's" they volunteered all the Saftey Divers, and had one of the most professional appearance's.
I truly am just a Patron and as you can tell they certainly have my business, and this is what you asked for; what makes your LDS stand out!

Keep it up "Inland Water Divers"!!!!!!!

 

[diversteve]

I think the courteous thing to do would be for the moderator of the poll to open it up and add " Inland Water Divers " to the list!

Polls are limited to 12 options.

The poll was created by a regular member. Who lost the ability to change it 24hrs. after posting.