Best online site to purchase dive accessories/gear?

[webjr]

Where are you ? You may want to check and see if one of the "online" stores are in your area! You may be lucky enough to walk into an "online" store and do your shopping in person.

 

[mritter]

In Norheast Pa LDS's are not plentiful and reflect that in their prices and available stock. Let's face it I also can order something without them doing it for me and then marking it up for their profit. I've have spent lot's of money with leisure pro and have never been disappointed. I also had them service a full face mask (which none of the local LDS's could do) and was happy with their service. Leisure pro is now the first place I look. I have also bought from Scuba.com and Scuba toys and was happy but leisure pro get's it to me quicker so I tend to favor them. They also have siziing charts, so fit shouldn't be a big issue.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Ummm, LP is owned by Jewish folk, but that is one ignorant statement!

I love LP, and credit them for starting the internet Dive gear movement, and putting competition into the retail scuba market.

I use Scuba Toys, TDL, and ebay to name a few. I am an equal opportunity shopper, you give me the best price, and I'll spend my money with you.... it's that simple.

Make sure you consider shipping costs and return policy's when shopping online. That's where it's hard to beat ScubaToys, but many online shops just keep getting better.

Also keep in mind that many accessories are not such a deal online. Try and give the LDS some business where you can even if it is difficult. In FL, it's not so hard, many shops there complete quite nicely with online shops, and many are in fact online.

We're screwed in California. The overhead's too high and we have insane sales tax at 9.5%
No way CA shops could compete in the internet market.

 

[mark60509]

anyone got any suggestions on which brand is the best?

 

[FlyinV]

Scuba.com Diving Portal - Scuba Gear, Scuba Diving Equipment & Snorkeling Equipment has always given me excellent service.
When I had to return an item to get a different size it was completely hassle free.

For critical fit items and life support I have always bought thru my LDS, but sometimes I don't want to drive across town for an accessory or doo-dad so I just order online. My LDS also doesn't stock every single thing I can find online in the big stores.

 

[RonFrank]

We're screwed in California. The overhead's too high and we have insane sales tax at 9.5%
No way CA shops could compete in the internet market.

Hmmm, yeah, New York city has cheap rent AND cheap sales TAX.... NOT!

The irony is that I hear this a lot, but most of these discount internet shops are in very expensive markets! LeasurePro is based out of NYC.

Sales tax only applies to CA residents, and overhead maybe high in CA, but no higher than in New York City for sure.

There are plenty of CA companies that compete quite nicely in other markets (Cameras come to mind).

 

[gcbryan]

I buy what I can locally where it's a dive shop that's been helpful to me (I've been lucky in that regard).

I buy drysuits and tanks locally and initially bought all my original gear locally. Now lights and computers are usually bought online unless the LDS carries what I want, actually has it in stock, and it's somewhat competitive in price. I buy gear that isn't so expensive locally without worrying about the price so much.

I don't buy something locally that the store has to order (except drysuits) because I can't usually get it much faster and cheaper online.

I order most everything that I get online from Scubatoy or DSS.

 

[carrielsal]

I have used almost all the stores already mentioned and scubadiscounters.com in the past. Their best deals are on their closeouts which change frequently.

Carrie

 

[Bonairetrip]

anyone got any suggestions on which brand is the best?

For what?

 

[HelenOster]

Leisurepro has unbelievable prices, especially if you find what you're looking for in their sale/closeout/used section. Their used section is mostly open box items which in most cases are indistinguishable from new.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy anything from life support all the way to accessories from them. They pay for return shipping if something doesn't fit which is a awesome when buying wetsuits or bc's.

Another vote for Leisure Pro. They ship fast and are very responsive.

I love LP, and credit them for starting the internet Dive gear movement, and putting competition into the retail scuba market.

Thanks for all the great feedback, which is very much appreciated.