Couple of Questions

[Don Wray]

Hi Folks, I have a couple of questions for ya'll. First, I'm going to Orlando May 9. What are some "must" dives in that area. I'm familiar with Crystal River, Devil's Den etc. I'll be there a week and want to do at least 3 dives.

Second, I called my lds today to sign up for a class. When they ask if I needed to rent their equipment, I told them no that I had bought it new from Joe Diver America. I bought a Genesis Cobra 2 bc, Dacor Viper America reg and a Mares Pro Axis Octo. This equipment has been used in my lake twice and works perfect. Now they tell me they must inspect and certify new equipment for around $125 or rent theirs for around $70 a day. What's up with all that. Shouldn't new equipment be certifed from the dive shop I bought it from? Thanks in advance.

 

[CIBDiving]

Cancel your class and find a different shop. That LDS is Not your friend and is only interested in screwing you.

 

[divinginn]

that would be the last time they ever saw me step into their door find a new lds,one day they will get the message or go under

 

[CompuDude]

What they said. And $70/day is highway robbery for gear rental, unless that includes a dry suit. Altho SoCal prices may be different from your area.

 

[landlocked]

....they must inspect and certify new equipment for around $125 or rent theirs for around $70 a day. What's up with all that. ....

They are just mad because you bought it from someone else and especially upset because it was an Internet sale. Shoping for certain pieces of equipment at a responsible LDS can be a benefit however, especially if you are a fairly new diver. For example, I would never buy a mask without trying it on first. Otherwise, what they said. If they are so upset that they want to charge you an unnecessary $125, there are probably better dive shops to do business with.

 

[Sylvain]

Keep Shopping they only want your $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ just a quick note the LDS where I am charges 275 for the course and 20 for gear rental total for the open water dive.

 

[duckster3d]

RUN!!!! DON'T WALK, to another dive shop. What others have said they are just trying to make money off you. Now that is what a shop is in business to do, but they are gouging you and probably other divers also. Let everyone you know that dives, everyone you talk to on dive boats about what they tryed to do. It pure and simple BULL****!!!!!

 

[billtodive]

If you tried on equipment at his shop and then ordered it on the internet, without giving him a chance to sell to you at a reasonable price, I can understand his ire.
I don't understand $125, unless the reg is due for annual service, and the tanks are hydro'd and vip'ed in the process........If not, I'm hoping you have another air supply close buy, cause you won't want his.....

 

[Don Wray]

Never went in there to buy equipment before I had this...I have bought a tank from them as well as small stuff like a hood and gloves....joined the dive club out of their store but now can't attend the dive functions until I give them the bucks for inspection....was signing up for night, deep, wreck, nitrox and boat diving from them but can't do the required dives until I have it done....guess I'll fill their pockets as there are only 2 shops in Memphis and the other one is a real total jerk....just wondered if anyone else out there had run into this buying equipment off the internet.

Really am interested in "must" dives out of Orlando though. Thanks for all the advice...agree with each of you 100%...maybe it's time to find investors and give them a little competition.

 

[ScubaMike14]

I run a dive shop in Tampa, FL. After reading your post I am disgusted with the treatment you say you received. However in defense of all LDS's I must ask you....

How long ago did you purchase the gear and when was it serviced last? If it has been more than a year, regardless of use, it needs to be serviced. We charge $50 for a complete reg service, plus parts (usually another $10 or so). Some companies like Zeagle have lifetime warranties so parts are free.

As for rental...we get $20 a day for 2 tanks, reg and BC. Add a few bucks more if you need a wetsuit.

There is no such thing as "certifying" gear. Not sure what they mean by that. "Inspection" ???? No idea what they are getting at there either.

Be carefull if they tell you that the reg must be "Nitrox Cleaned or Serviced". Bunch of BS. All regulators, regardless of manufactuer are good for recreational nitrox (Mixes up to 40%) without any additional parts or changes to the O-rings or grease. It's just a way for LDS's to try and make an extra buck.

No one but you needs to know where you got your gear. Tell the shop that it was a gift from a friend who quit diving, you bought it at a garage sale...something along those lines.

Good luck

Mike Rushton
PADI DM 174448