spoken by someone who can afford this. the reality is that some of us have to shop.
sent via nookcolor N2A.
Buy gear from local shop or online?
- Thread starter eastsidevillan
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spoken by someone who can afford this. the reality is that some of us have to shop.
sent via nookcolor N2A.
To the OP: For the items you need to buy before class, you are probably better off buying at your LDS. You need a mask that fits, and a constantly leaking mask is a heavy stressor for a new diving student. Fins also must fit over whatever booties you buy or wear. Where fit is important, the LDS is very useful.
But do NOT let them talk you into the most expensive of everything. If a cheap mask fits, it fits; you do not need a purge valve or colored lenses. A simple snorkel will do fine, although I WILL admit that when I go snorkeling, I rather like the ones with purge valves. But the big caps on the end with the ball valves in them and the like just increase the tendency of the snorkel to twist on the mask strap and cause mask leakage. If you find you use a snorkel a lot and don't like a simple one, you can buy a $90 snorkel later.
Fins are another sore point for me. The LDS always tries to talk students into buying the most expensive (and highest profit margin) fins in the store. At least in the last year or so, those have been the SeaWing Novas, which aren't horrible fins for OW diving. Prior to that, it was split fins, which do not allow new students to stabilize themselves with their feet, and lead to much more hand-swimming and instability. In truth, simple paddle fins, even plastic ones, will suffice for class. Once you begin diving actively and figure out what kind of diving you are going to do, what fins you will need to do the job comfortably and well will become much clearer.
So, I would advise that you buy these items at the LDS, but inform them when you go in that you are interested in relatively inexpensive, simple equipment for now.
But do NOT let them talk you into the most expensive of everything. If a cheap mask fits, it fits; you do not need a purge valve or colored lenses. A simple snorkel will do fine, although I WILL admit that when I go snorkeling, I rather like the ones with purge valves. But the big caps on the end with the ball valves in them and the like just increase the tendency of the snorkel to twist on the mask strap and cause mask leakage. If you find you use a snorkel a lot and don't like a simple one, you can buy a $90 snorkel later.
Fins are another sore point for me. The LDS always tries to talk students into buying the most expensive (and highest profit margin) fins in the store. At least in the last year or so, those have been the SeaWing Novas, which aren't horrible fins for OW diving. Prior to that, it was split fins, which do not allow new students to stabilize themselves with their feet, and lead to much more hand-swimming and instability. In truth, simple paddle fins, even plastic ones, will suffice for class. Once you begin diving actively and figure out what kind of diving you are going to do, what fins you will need to do the job comfortably and well will become much clearer.
So, I would advise that you buy these items at the LDS, but inform them when you go in that you are interested in relatively inexpensive, simple equipment for now.
R
redacted
Guest
Borrowing gear for an OW class is another option that will allow a new diver to avoid expensive mistakes in getting started.
Without reading all the other posts, it appears you have answered your own question. If you are experienced, know what your what, why and how to use it, feel free to shop for price. If you need guidance, comparative analysis, and experienced recommendation, then head on over to the LDS and pay the extra markup to compensate them for this added value you are receiving.
At this stage, the internet can make you an informed shopper.
Well said. The cheapest purchase price does not mean best value.
RonFrank
Contributor
RonFrank
Contributor
To all those buy local folks does it matter to you where your stuff is made? I may have purchased some gear online but ALL my gear is made in the USA with two exceptions, my computer and fins (Aeris and various). Manta Ray and Force are both made in the USA but my Apollos are Japan and Mares in Italy. So maybe think about who ultimately benefits when you purchase a Reg that is made in China. Unfortunately Zeagle is having some of there product made in China as of maybe 5 years ago. My BC was Made in the USA, and Zeagle Regs are still made here.
As to where to buy, this is not a decision that dictates your future actions. You can buy stuff from the LDS And Online. Maybe your LDS does not carry Zeagle, but you decide that you want a Back inflate BCD from a US company. I purchase from local stores, online, and used. Not many people buy exclusively from one place.
As to where to buy, this is not a decision that dictates your future actions. You can buy stuff from the LDS And Online. Maybe your LDS does not carry Zeagle, but you decide that you want a Back inflate BCD from a US company. I purchase from local stores, online, and used. Not many people buy exclusively from one place.
bvanant
Contributor
This same argument has been going on for a long time and in many other "diseases" as well. You should support your local dive shop, your local bike shop and your local camera shop at least that is what I am always told. I buy most of my camera stuff locally (in LA you CAN get B&H pricing) but not at my local camera store but one about 50 miles away. They will meet B&H pricing and if they don't, I don't buy from them. As for my local bike shop, he sells wheels for $1400 that I can buy on-line for $600. $800 is half a tropical dive trip or 25 dives here in LA. Same with scuba gear. I buy lots of little stuff from my local LDS but for big stuff like regs/BCs etc I get them on-line if I can save money or I go to one of the many not so local dive shops here in Los Angeles. My LDS is Sport Chalet so it really isn't your local really knowledgable small time operator but they are close so I use them for fills etc.
Overall, I think if you get value from your local LDS/LBS/LCS then use them but for the most part the local stores have employees that really don't know as much about the equipment as any knowledgable shopper.
Safe Diving
Bill
Overall, I think if you get value from your local LDS/LBS/LCS then use them but for the most part the local stores have employees that really don't know as much about the equipment as any knowledgable shopper.
Safe Diving
Bill
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