Any Online Stores that have good return policies?

[Allie Hutch]

I'm new to diving - just completed my certification Memorial Day weekend. Throughout the classes it became apparent to me that I was going to have to buy my own equipment as "bad" equipment ruined my experience in many of the classes. The regulator was the worst - I have TMJ and a small mouth....I think I have found the AquaLung Mikron is going to work well for me. Really light and the balance of it doesn't make it feel like it is going to fall out of my mouth all the time.

The BCD I would really like to try the Zeagle Zena. I've seen such good reviews on it and a few people I know have it as well and swear by it. My problem is the only store (according to the Zeagle website) in the state of PA that carries Zeagle - is my local store - which you wouldn't think would be an issue but when I asked him about the Zena his response was "we do not recommend the Zena BC under any circumstances. It is fashion at the expense of function. The Stiletto is a much better BC and fits women just fine." He is a 70+ year old man and I am pretty certain he doesn't have much experience what it is like to be a woman with 36D breasts and a tiny waist. Granted his wife does help him - but no offense meant - her build is more similar to that of a 10 year old boy. During my entire certification process I found him to be condescending and a general all around a-hole. I am more than happy to NOT give him my business.

But now I'm in a quandary. I don't want to buy a BCD I've never tried - but there aren't any stores local to me that carry the one I want to try. One store said they would order it in for me if I promised to buy it. That doesn't help me much. I'm wondering if I order it from an online store and don't like it - will they take it back. Ideally I'd like to go and try it in the pool first - which means they would have to have a really good return policy. Do you know any online shops like this? I sent an email to Zeagle directly asking me if there are other stores in the area that might carry their brand. Any other suggestions on how I might be able to try this? Or should I just give up and go with something I do have access to?

 

[halligan903]

check out leisure pro. great return policy. btw, my wife dives a zena and loves it.

 

[miked]

My primary experience related to online returns/customer service would be with Scubatoys.
2 different situations, and in both they were great. They do carry Zeagle products.

Another good experience with a return was with Leisure Pro

 

[tbone1004]

not a woman obviously, I dive with and teach quite a few. I would highly recommend trying to get a hold of a backplate and wing with single piece harness that fits you. You didn't mention your height, but they make short plates if you're fairly short. They behave with curves quite a bit better than most bc's on the market and are infinitely adjustable. Plenty of other advantages, but I have yet to dive with a woman who wasn't happy with the plate and harness

Regarding TMJ, I have it as well. The right mouthpiece is much more important than the right regulator. Plenty of options, but if you are diving locally, I would avoid the Mikron due to the cold water. You can put the Aqualung comfobite mouthpiece on most any regulator and that is my preferred mouthpiece, however many like the seacures as well which engage all of your teeth.

 

[Skulmoski]

Carapace Custom wetsuits is a top tier business to deal with.

GJS

 

[Allie Hutch]

not a woman obviously, I dive with and teach quite a few. I would highly recommend trying to get a hold of a backplate and wing with single piece harness that fits you. You didn't mention your height, but they make short plates if you're fairly short. They behave with curves quite a bit better than most bc's on the market and are infinitely adjustable. Plenty of other advantages, but I have yet to dive with a woman who wasn't happy with the plate and harness

Regarding TMJ, I have it as well. The right mouthpiece is much more important than the right regulator. Plenty of options, but if you are diving locally, I would avoid the Mikron due to the cold water. You can put the Aqualung comfobite mouthpiece on most any regulator and that is my preferred mouthpiece, however many like the seacures as well which engage all of your teeth.

Thanks so much - height wise I'm pretty average - 5'7". I will look at backplate and wings.

I do not intend to dive in cold water. I am a complete cold wussy. Certification was practically torture! I do have the comfobite mouthpiece which did help - but the regulator was so heavy I often had to actually hold it with my hands to keep it in my mouth - or I was biting the mouthpiece to try to hold it in which led to jaw pain. The lightness of the mikron is amazing. Made a world of difference.

 

[diversteve]

Scubatoys has a policy of exchanging till you get the right fit. Hassle Free Returns - Scuba Equipment Dive Gear Best Prices

Leisurepro's is similar. http://www.leisurepro.com/i/pff

Probably not once you get it wet though.

Both are authorized Zeagle Dealers.

 

[Allie Hutch]

Scubatoys has a policy of exchanging till you get the right fit. Hassle Free Returns - Scuba Equipment Dive Gear Best Prices

Leisurepro's is similar. http://www.leisurepro.com/i/pff

Probably not once you get it wet though.

Both are authorized Zeagle Dealers.

Thank you! it looks like both will actually let me return it used - but only for a store credit - or towards another BCD. I just would have to make sure that one or the other would have other options I'm considering so if this one doesn't work I can move onto the next one with the store credit.

 

[tbone1004]

if you know people that have it, why can't you ask to borrow it to try?

 

[diversteve]

Thank you! it looks like both will actually let me return it used - but only for a store credit - or towards another BCD. I just would have to make sure that one or the other would have other options I'm considering so if this one doesn't work I can move onto the next one with the store credit.

Go with Leisurepro - they have 22 womens options vs. Scubatoys 5.