tombiowami
Contributor
My local dive shop that carries Halcyon does not carry much of the gear in the shop. They can order it, but are not keen at all on doing returns, even on unused gear.
EE on the other hand, let me use the gear for a month and was very willing, and friendly, about returning used gear for a full refund. I looked at this as a "try before you buy" deal, as they state on their website. My LDS would have laughed if I asked about doing this.
To be honest, when first looking at gear, and knowing virtually nothing, I asked about a Halcyon rig at the LDS and the guy went into the full price/spiel of a technical get up with double steels/manifold/55 lb. wings etc. EE was very helpful with all of my beginner questions. They are also cheaper than what my LDS charges for the Halcyon gear they do sell.
I personally think Halcyon has a huge untapped market in the newbie dive business where some serious bucks are to be made, but unfortunately the marketing or something is not there.
When you talk about prices being brutal, yes, I can get a Henderson .5 suit on L Pro for $80 I think, at the shop is 110. I bought a Henderson 5mm suit at the shop for 370 or so with tax, and at L Pro could have had it for 250 plus 5 or so for shipping.
The reg set I have, that I bought in the dive shop was about twice what it is on Dive Inn.
My take is that if I use a dive shop's expertise I will always buy from them. If I do not then I go online for the most part.
Tommy
EE on the other hand, let me use the gear for a month and was very willing, and friendly, about returning used gear for a full refund. I looked at this as a "try before you buy" deal, as they state on their website. My LDS would have laughed if I asked about doing this.
To be honest, when first looking at gear, and knowing virtually nothing, I asked about a Halcyon rig at the LDS and the guy went into the full price/spiel of a technical get up with double steels/manifold/55 lb. wings etc. EE was very helpful with all of my beginner questions. They are also cheaper than what my LDS charges for the Halcyon gear they do sell.
I personally think Halcyon has a huge untapped market in the newbie dive business where some serious bucks are to be made, but unfortunately the marketing or something is not there.
When you talk about prices being brutal, yes, I can get a Henderson .5 suit on L Pro for $80 I think, at the shop is 110. I bought a Henderson 5mm suit at the shop for 370 or so with tax, and at L Pro could have had it for 250 plus 5 or so for shipping.
The reg set I have, that I bought in the dive shop was about twice what it is on Dive Inn.
My take is that if I use a dive shop's expertise I will always buy from them. If I do not then I go online for the most part.
Tommy
