A couple of current threads have hit me -- Why do people want to "Do It Cheap" when it comes to scuba?
Now, don't get me wrong, I can be as cheap as the next person -- just ask my wife. In fact, I've been hassling over buying a new computer that I saw on sale at $499 but won't buy it at $599 because I saw it on sale for $499.
On the other hand, not having this new computer won't cost me my life.
Anyway, people, PLEASE think about what you are doing with this activity. This is NOT to say that price absolutely correlates with excellence -- in fact with a fair amount of gear there may be an inverse correlation! But being "Penny wise and pound foolish" might be a recipe for getting yourself in a world of hurt.
Whether it is in the purchase of gear (yes that ad on Craigslist looks great but do you REALLY know how well that reg has been cared for?);
The taking of another class -- This guy/shop only charges $50 for the class so why should I spend $200 from that guy? -- without really knowing what is being offered; or
Service my reg for $100? -- heck it's just a few pieces of plastic and O-rings.
Just because it is "cheap" doesn't mean it is a good value -- just like just because it is expensive doesn't mean it is great. But buying solely on price may just not be the best option.
Now, don't get me wrong, I can be as cheap as the next person -- just ask my wife. In fact, I've been hassling over buying a new computer that I saw on sale at $499 but won't buy it at $599 because I saw it on sale for $499.
On the other hand, not having this new computer won't cost me my life.
Anyway, people, PLEASE think about what you are doing with this activity. This is NOT to say that price absolutely correlates with excellence -- in fact with a fair amount of gear there may be an inverse correlation! But being "Penny wise and pound foolish" might be a recipe for getting yourself in a world of hurt.
Whether it is in the purchase of gear (yes that ad on Craigslist looks great but do you REALLY know how well that reg has been cared for?);
The taking of another class -- This guy/shop only charges $50 for the class so why should I spend $200 from that guy? -- without really knowing what is being offered; or
Service my reg for $100? -- heck it's just a few pieces of plastic and O-rings.
Just because it is "cheap" doesn't mean it is a good value -- just like just because it is expensive doesn't mean it is great. But buying solely on price may just not be the best option.