Best online site to purchase dive accessories/gear?

[bsumner]

I have bought many items from Leisurepro, ScubaToys, & Scuba without any problems whatsoever.

 

[arkstorm]

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

What does LP being owned by Jewish folks have to do with his statement being ignorant?

Does being Jewish owned excuse him not wanting to shop there?

Not wanting to shop an online store because they're Yankees is ignorant, unless they're Jewish Yankees and then its a whole other thing?!? Is that it?

 

[DougieIL]

There are 3 or 4 really good sites on-line and all you have to do is goodgle what you want or just google "dive gear" and they appear. I would urge you to try to keep your local dive shop in business if and when at all possible. I know location has a lot to do with that. Where I am. my LDS offers packages and discounts when possible. Not all of them do that. Take into account that while some things on line are cheaper, you pay shipping as well. And yes, there will time you'll see something in a dive trip you like and your shop doesn't carry it. But for you major gear, stuff where the difference is not big and your save-a-dive kit, try to keep it local!

 

[carrielsal]

Also, the classifieds here can be a good place to find used gear. I have purchased several items myself from scubaboard members.
Carrie

 

[Jupiter31]

Also, the classifieds here can be a good place to find used gear. I have purchased several items myself from scubaboard members.
Carrie

With 200 - 500 dives, its an option for you - not so much perhaps for a brand new diver.

When you are new - in MHO, of course - you have to be so careful in purchasing used, regardless of the source.

I don't advise E Bay, Craigs List, Garage Sales - or Scuba Board - for new divers - a bargan is not if you have wasted you money. Knowing what you want - and what is a good deal - is not intuitive in the dive business, especially since many products sound alike. "its a US Divers regulator - how bad can it be..." not to pick on Aqualung - just want to make a point.

One excellent source for used eq, that I have done myself, is when an LDS is disposing of their rental inventory (regs, BC's) to purchase new equipment - you can get good prices, but you still need a clue what you are looking at (and for).

 

[carrielsal]

With 200 - 500 dives, its an option for you - not so much perhaps for a brand new diver.

When you are new - in MHO, of course - you have to be so careful in purchasing used, regardless of the source.

I don't advise E Bay, Craigs List, Garage Sales - or Scuba Board - for new divers - a bargan is not if you have wasted you money. Knowing what you want - and what is a good deal - is not intuitive in the dive business, especially since many products sound alike. "its a US Divers regulator - how bad can it be..." not to pick on Aqualung - just want to make a point.

One excellent source for used eq, that I have done myself, is when an LDS is disposing of their rental inventory (regs, BC's) to purchase new equipment - you can get good prices, but you still need a clue what you are looking at (and for).

Craig's List - Garage sales...I definately don't recommend for a new diver, but I'm not sure I would even recommend those places for myself!
Purchasing used equipment has a risk regardless where you purchase it from, but I want to define risk. For example, if you buy a used reg, it should be serviced even if the seller tells you he just had it services. The risk is that there is something wrong with the reg that cost prohibitive or cannot be repaired. Once a reg has been serviced, it's just as good as any other reg from a reliability stand point. Also, is the manufacturer's warranty transferrable?
A new diver has to start somewhere. I was certified 15 years ago and had the same delimma. I felt that I didn't know enough about the equipment to make informed choices for such as expensive investment. I started with used gear that lasted me until I was ready to make the financial plunge into new equipment.

Carrie

 

[cbrich]

I live in Austin, and Scubatoys is 3 hours away, or next day shipping for ground. My LDS usually price matches Scubatoys for the same equipment. Most of the equipment I get from Scubatoys are their sale items or demo items.

I have been to Scubatoys and they are actual dive shop with a showroom, a huge showroom. When I call Scubatoys, 90% of the time I talk to either one of the owners.

I bought my last reg off of ebay, they also listed the reg on this board's classified section because they were clearing out to make room for the new items, and are an actual dealer for the manufacturer. I even did my research in manufacturer section. Do I feel guility for saving $250 compared to my LDS, NO. This was a deal I could not refuse.

 

[seaquest diver]

Before the internet there was mail order sites in all dive magazines. Those who want to save a little money! don't bitch when your job is shipped overseas so the company can save money. What goes around comes around. If you don't like your local LDS then don't take classes from them.

 

[arkstorm]

Before the internet there was mail order sites in all dive magazines. Those who want to save a little money! don't bitch when your job is shipped overseas so the company can save money. What goes around comes around. If you don't like your local LDS then don't take classes from them.

I'm not really sure there is a connection to be made between wanting to save a little money and worrying about your job being shipped overseas (unless you work for a LDS).

My experience is that many LDS's charge a ridiculous mark-up leveraging the loyalty of their students and the ignorance of their customers to the fact that they can often get the same product from a reputable on-line store for a HUGE discount.

I like my LDS and I even consider myself a friend to the store. I will only train there and with no one else. But as an educated consumer I realize that their prices are outrageous and I shop accordingly. For items under $25 -- LDS. Anything bigger -- Leisurepro.

 

[Louie]

The one I haven't heard mentioned often is Divers Direct (I believe they're based in Florida).

Has anyone used them? Good? Bad?