Dive Bootie Rip-Off?

[Scuba_Gemma]

Hey, I just joined the forum and i have a quick question. My dive booties were stolen last summer, so i need to get myself a new pair. I went to a store near me and tried two types on. One was the one i used to have, not sure the brand, we got them free when we were certified. They were ok, but didnt zip up all the way cause my ancle. Then he offered me this other type that was REALLY nice, by scubamax. It was called scubamax hard sole titanium 7mm. Had a nobby thing at the back too.

Now my problem is that the bootie was 7mm. i would have thought that u would only use 7mm for cold water. Second he was selling it for $74, but told me that cause im a student, he'll give it to me for $44. Was he just tying to make a quick sell? What type of bootie do i want?

 

[gfisher4792]

Welcome to the Board, Scuba-Gemma!

I've never heard of the Scubamax brand, but where are you doing most of your diving? That'll help with the answers. Also, for comparison's sake, check this link to see what other boots are priced at: Leisurepro

If you're not familiar with LP, then also welcome to the great scuba internet shopping debate! (Lots of threads/opinions here about that). Anyway, I did a quick check, and that $44 doesn't seem bad at all, but again, not familiar with the brand (or if it's a slip on sock kind, or lugged boot, etc.) Hope this helps some!

 

[lostinspace]

.........snip..............
hard sole titanium 7mm. Had a nobby thing at the back too.

hard sole is great when walking around on eg broken up coral on the beach or sharp stones, or down on the roads etc. as long as it is a little bit flexible, that's great.
the nobby thing at the back is great for stopping the back straps of your fins from slipping off when you are diving.

Now my problem is that the bootie was 7mm. i would have thought that u would only use 7mm for cold water. Second he was selling it for $74, but told me that cause im a student, he'll give it to me for $44. Was he just tying to make a quick sell? What type of bootie do i want?

Supply & demand - if this is the only place you can buy booties from & try them on then $44 is a bargain. 7mm isnt that warm - I wear those booties in the tropics.

 

[jbisjim]

I have seen the scuba max brand, and from what i can tell there make a nice product. As far as the price Many shops give dicounts to students. $30 is quite a drop though

Like Lostinspace I wear my 5 mm in the tropics. I have used them in the cold too. And if I still was diving in a wet suit I'd have the thickest boots i could find. I hate cold feet.

 

[Damselfish]

You don't say where you are diving. If you are diving warm water I think 7mm is overkill and would just use a 3mm tropical bootie or even a fin sock (assuming you don't have fins that wouldn't fit right anymore.) But some people use their thick booties in warm water, it's a personal preference. I also dislike stiff soles, but in some places you may want them, like if you are shore diving and have to cross unfriendy ground.

 

[Henryville]

I use Seasoft Ti Pro boots and love them. They are 6.5mm and I have not noted them to be uncomfortable but the warmest water I dive would be around 80 F. They are also pricey - $75 - $80, but they are great for walking around in on shore or deck. The support and sole are more like a hiking boot than a dive boot. To wear them, you would need a fin with a large fin pocket, though, and this might be a "hidden cost" even in the boots you are looking at. If you don't want to replace fins, try the 7mm boots on with yours.

 

[Scuba_Gemma]

Thanks for responding! I am doing most of my diving in Florida, but i do travel alot, last year going to australia for school and this year going to hawaii.

Is it bad thats its not a popular brand name?

 

[Rick Inman]

Second he was selling it for $74, but told me that cause im a student, he'll give it to me for $44. Was he just tying to make a quick sell? What type of bootie do i want?

Well, if you're not comfortable with the price, you could always offer them more.

Actually, the most important thing (IMHO) is the fit. Too loose and the insulating value diminishes and it bunches up. Too tight and you can loose circulation to your feet. Make sure they fit well, and if you can afford them, buy 'em! Then dive 'em! With booties, I wouldn't worry about the brand too much. 7mm does seem a bit thick for WW diving.