buff once bubbled...
I bought almost all my stuff off the internet and didn't get it wet before I went on my first dive trip with it. I was very happy with it all. Lots of input from the Scubaboard members, though.
Same here. I purchased my regulator, octopus, bc, wetsuit, and computer without getting them wet. I did lots of research before buying anything, including feedback from people on this board, and all of my purchases have worked out *very* well. In fact, I can't be any happier.
Everything I bought was a very reputable brand. As long as you are careful and diligent about doing your homework, any purchases you make should be just fine -- whether or not you "try" them first.
I guess the only things that might be a problem are those items that "fit" -- fins, bc, boots, and wetsuit. But if you know your size (height, weight, waist, chest, etc), you should have no problem getting fitted over the phone or web. Some things don't come in many sizes, so it's not like there are a lot of choices (i.e. BC usually only comes in S, M. L, XL).
Just make sure the place you buy from has a good return policy in case you are unhappy with any of the products they send you. Most on-line retailers will either refund your money or exchange an item without asking questions. Of course, you gotta pay to ship it back.
Thx...Doug