Buying Gear Online vs Local Dive Shop

[MacYankee86]

Hey Guys!
Good stuff on the forums here, keep up the good work!
I was wondering what is better: buy equipment online (ebay, liesure pro, etc...) or a local dive shop? I have heard arguments from both sides, and I do not know what to think.
I have been diving for a number of years, and I am finally ready to buy equipment, but not sure how to get it.
Thanks for the help!
Gordon

 

[dlndavid]

Welcome to :sblogo:

 

[danktex]

I have never said this before but, please do a search on this topic. It comes up once a week and always turns into a flame war. Merry X-mas.

 

[MacYankee86]

Opps! I figured it would be a sticky since it was an important topic...or hotly debated...
Sorry 'bout that...(*duh* the search engine...)
Gordon

 

[Bob3]

With umpteen gazillion posts on the topic of "local vs mailorder" showing up on a search, it may be better to point out some of the more comprehensive posts on the subject. Since I don't usually follow that particular topic perhaps someone would like to chime in with the most notable post links.
That being said, if you're lucky enough to have a good reliable shop near you, by all means spend your $$ there even if it is a little bit more.
I'm a hardcore penny pincher & shelling out a couple extra bucks is fine with me because I know & like the people.
If they're rude, crude, and/or treat you like a lump of doggie doodoo, go online.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Welcome to Scubaboard MacYankee....I see you already have responses to your LDS vs. Online question. Good Luck with your decisions, you may also want to search/read the gear forums to get more info before you purchase. Many Opinions here (Good, Bad and Ugly!)

 

[boat sju]

Yankee,

This is one time that "do a search" is not that bad of a response because this topic gets heated so quickly. But try doing a subject line search on "gray market". That's one aspect of the debate you'll want to read up on.

 

[dlndavid]

I bought my annual service items, regs and BCD from my LDS, almost everything else, online.

 

[travelmadness]

do a little of both?

 

[dl348]

NetDoc, end this thread please!!!