Aqualung Legend vs Titan

[mike_s]

I always wonder why a bunch of dive shops don't get together a class action lawsuit about this price fixing. I mean way complain when you could do something.

There was a group called something like the "Retail Scuba Association" that got together several years ago. They got squashed by companies like Aqualung.

My guess is that by a huge margin the dive shops LIKE price fixing. If they didn't believe me it would end tomorrow. Think about it. it's a great deal for the retailer.

It's a great deal for a low volume shop that only sells maybe 1 regulator a month. It's the only way he can make a buck.

But with the Internet out there and the "savy shopper", why should they pay an extra $200 for the $595 regulator when they can buy it from a competitive shop for $399.

Just like the poster of this thread. He went to the shop that had it for the better price. He shopped it around. Aqualungs price restrictions are ham-stringing their dealers because they can't be compettiive. Especially when Aqualung "allows" Leisure Pro to sell them for $200 less, which also cuts their dealers that they say they are trying to protect.

What the consumer will do is not pay "list price" but buy a different brand product.

I wouldn't have bought my Aqualung product if it wasn't for the dealer givine me about the same price breaks. Of course he did it in huge volume and Aqualung didn't like it. So what did they do? they chopped him off at the knees. That's why many of us have quit buying Aqualung.

As for the original poster... he got a great price on this regulator. I'm glad for him. If he had to pay Aqualungs non-competitive list prices, I would have suggested that he purchase another brand.

 

[Tripod]

Argh. Turns out all they have left are the Legend LX (no ACD) older model for 399. Do you guys think the ACD is that much more of an improvement on the regulator or is this still a good deal? thanks for the advice.

 

[jmps]

Since just about all regs do not have a closure device I don't see it as a requirement. I would buy at that price without ACD. It is isn't the "latest thing" so it depends on your need for that. Not having ACD is what is allowing this LDS to sell at below the normal price because it has been discontinued. Gosh when I think about what I paid for my Legend with Legend Octo, argh.

 

[jiml]

I agree with jmps, that's still sounds like a really good deal. Also, since you asked, I'm quite happy with my Gekko.

 

[mike_s]

The ACD just came out for the 2006 models for AL.

If I had the choice of the ACD for "list price" or the 2005 normal one for $399... I'd go with the last years for $399.

it breaths just as good as the new one. Get it, the free octo and "run with it"

 

[Divin'Papaw]

I'd agree. The ACD does provide some piece of mind, but it is certainly not required. Simply take care of your regulator as people have been doing for years. It is a great price even without the ACD.

 

[mike_s]

BTW.... you can always convert it later to ACD if you ever wanted to. it's just that you'd have to buy the extra parts and pay any charged labor. If you did it during annual service, I'd think there would be no additonal labor charges.

Here's the parts needed for the retrofit (from another thread) and Aqualungs list price on them.
Yoke Retainer PN 129212..............$18.00
Spring PN 129204........................$2.00
O-Ring PN 820009.......................$2.00
O-Ring PN 820321.......................$1.00
Yoke Crown PN 129205................$15.00
Yoke Valve PN 129207.................$20.00


So for $58 bucks (list price) you could conveft your reg to ACD. Personally I don't think you'll need it unless you plan on changing tanks while floating on the surface in the water.

 

[Tripod]

Hey,
Pulled the trigger on a Legend LX. Got it for $399. I figure since you get the Legend Octo (retail 199) for free, this is a fricking awesoem deal. I ended up price matching it. It was the last Legend LX at the sport chalets in this city (phoenix).

I also ended up spending a crap load cuz I bought a Seaquest Balance (410), Aqualung Tropical gear bag (179), Aqualung Reg bag (25), deep sea knife, retractor, camera clip, Suunto Gekko (310) , and compass for a grand total of $1500.
I managed to get some awesome 10-15% discounts off every item i bought cuz I signed up for the Adv open water class (student discount).

I know there's been some talk about how Sport Chalet is kinda Walmart-ish but if i can get good equipment at a good discount (better than what my LDS was offering), i got no complaints.
I'm anxious to try this stuff out now.
Thanks for all your guys' advice