Good Experience with Aqualung and LDS

[pablosells]

I didn't want to start this thread until I realized that it's so much easier to complain than to say something good that....

I bought my second BC a month ago before a long trip to Fiji. It was a Seaquest Balance. I went to my LDS and they sized me in a ML or L and suggested I go with the L since they felt it would give me more flexibility for cold and warm water diving.

I never had a chance to try it out in the water before my trip so imagine my surprise when, on my first dive in Fiji, I noticed that it was too big on me! Underwater I had to tighten all of the straps. The waist belt wouldn't tighten enough and the BC would sometimes move from side to side.

I was bummed about it and I thought that there was no chance in hell that they would exchange it for me when I got back. I felt even worse when I got back and realized that although Auqualung (Seaquest) had a 30 day guarantee that it had expired while I was away.

To make a long story short...Aqualung told me it would be no problem and my LDS (Bamboo Reef in SF) exchanged it without any complaints or arguments!

So, although it's not like I was responsible for the problem, it still worked out much better than I had expected.

 

[Jorbar1551]

this might be the only good story about aqualung and a lds.

 

[RJP]

this might be the only good story about aqualung and a lds.

I'm really finding the "AL treats their dealers poorly" stuff a bit tiresome. You know why?

As an end user, it's not my problem and I don't care! You don't want to sell AquaLung stuff? Don't sell it. But for chrissakes don't piss in my ear about it!

Sell me an Atomic regulator. Sell me a ScubaPro. Whatever!

To be honest, I'm much less likely to buy ANYTHING from a retailer - web or B&M - who publicly complains about the policies of the manufacturers who's equipment they sell. I just don't want to hear it.

 

[mike_s]

Aqualung doesn't treat their customers much better than they do their dealers...

I sent them two emails to inquire about some issues that divers were having with them and they didn't even bother to respond. I didn't even get a "canned" response letter from them. They simply just didn't respond. Other people have had similar things happen.

so basically Aqualung doesn't care about it's customers or its dealers.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

this might be the only good story about aqualung and a lds.

That's a cheap shot.

So... this thread is going to turn from a positive one to a negative one?

 

[jmps]

I, too, have found great service from both AL and my LDS(s).

I emailed AL about the actual pressure rating of the "3000PSI/232BAR" yoke on my Legend. They got back in a day and gave me the answer. I thought this was great service.

I have a Balance and they fit big. I think once you get the correct size you will really like the BC. It is very well made. I like the addition of the right shoulder dump. The only thing I don't like about it is the single tank strap. I bought a new painted Faber LP85 and the strap had a hard time not allowing the tank to slip. I starting loosing the tank on the way out of a shore dive and that was not much fun! I am going to add the little rubber pads or switch to the SP style belt. I did add a ring inside the pocket.

Because of this service and product quality I just bought my daughter a Titan reg (with free octo) at a great price from a LDS. This is the same LDS where the owner lent me his own BC to try with no strings attached. He also lent me his camera strap for a trip because he was out of stock for a Cozumel trip and I was leaving the next day. I also trusted him enough to instruct my daughter.

I have also gotten good service from ScubaToys and other internet retailers. I have decided to sit out the battle and just reward good service and use each for what they are best at.

Thanks for posting your positive experience.

 

[aquaoren]

My reg tech replaced one of my cracked delrin handweels on my Apeks DS4 without any blinking or charge. No questions asked...
Another good experience with my Dive shop and Aqualung product...

 

[cowjazz]

Aqualung doesn't treat their customers much better than they do their dealers...

I sent them two emails to inquire about some issues that divers were having with them and they didn't even bother to respond. I didn't even get a "canned" response letter from them. They simply just didn't respond. Other people have had similar things happen.

so basically Aqualung doesn't care about it's customers or its dealers.

My experience was totally to the contrary. I emailed a question to Aqualung concerning the registration and warranty on my Legend LX regulator. The next morning an Aqualung representative called my house, and left a message with a number to contact the representative. Not satifisied with her efforts, the Aqualung rep left a message at my office. She finally reached me on my cell phone. Less than 12 hours after I sent an email, I had a human being tracking me down to answer my question. So far my experience with Aqualung has been flawless. Great products, and great customer care.