I have noticed that there is a huge bias against ScubaPro among divers. Is it just because it costs more? I would think that diving equipment would not be something one would want to save money on.
Over the years I've watched ScubaPro discussed on Scuba Board, and been reminded of it by those 'Deep down, you want the best' ScubaPro adds in magazines. For important gear, I consider:
1.) Quality - Does it work well and is it durable? Is it as good or better than competitors in a decent price range (e.g.: that Atomic Aquatics jacket BCD looks like one great jacket...if money is no object. For me, that much money is an object, so I don't dive that).
2.) Cost - Is it decently priced vs. competitors for what you get? If it's more expensive, what are you getting for that money? I may pay more for 'extras' I want (e.g.: Atomic's Cobalt computer), or not (Atomic BCD, $1,500 slightly lighter reg.s with more titanium).
3.) Does the company stand behind their products? Others have discussed the 'parts of life' and marketing.
4.) Do I like how the company treats customers? If memory serves, ScubaPro was formerly resistive to online sales, trying to restrict the market to their authorized dealers, which was thought to keep prices up. I didn't like that. What I heard of the 'parts for life' program bit. ScubaPro bought the SeaBear company, which had a couple of promising new dive computers (the H3 and T1) coming out, and seemed to effectively kill them. Anyone heard differently? Some competitors historically made it easier to service your own reg.s.
5.) The term 'ScubaPro Platinum Dealer' is touted to the public like some mark of excellence, but basically means ScubaPro leverages pricing to gain exclusivity and deny you the choice of competitor product at that store. Not unique to them; at many restaurants you can choose Coke or Pepsi products, not both.
6.) Is the product unique? No. Like some other recreational divers, I tend to be foot-heavy and I like neutral fins, plus I've got really big feet. Jet fins aren't a good match for me; Deep 6 Eddy fins are.
Out of all that, I get the impression ScubaPro has a good rep., sustained over time, for making a number of quality products. So do a number of competitors.
There are so many small operations, like Deep6, VDH, DGX Custom versions of Deep6, OMS, and DiveRite, Freedom Plates, and I know nothing about these, except a bunch of "some guys" on scubaboard who are huge fans and it turns out to be because their buddy owns the company. What happens when that guy decides he doesn't want to do this anymore? SP may have a reputation for difficult customer service, but do any of us not expect them to at least still exist and have parts 5 years from now?
True, but they're not the only brand likely to still exist in 5 years.
On Scuba Board, many members ask what gear to buy, and will purchase new. It can be hard to predict what brand/model/condition gear will be locally available on Craig's List in another state, whether he/she can judge it, etc... So, when someone asks what to buy, assuming new purchase, no special deals for instructors or dive shop staff, etc...what case is there to be made for buying which ScubaPro product, as a clearly better option than competitors?
I'm not saying there's never a case; I'm asking. The answer (or lack thereof) may help address the O.P.'s question.
Richard.