HOG in magazines

[cerich]

Since Chris is reading this.......

so is HOG going to submit their regs to magazine tests like what Scuba Diving Magazine does for "Scuba Labs Regulator Test" ?

just curious.....



(I'm not sure of the process SD mag does. But I doubt they just go out and buy a bunch of regs to test, but use ones submitted).

They are welcome to buy one from any dealer and test to their hearts content. The reason I am VERY sure the reg in my post above didn't leave that way was I was asked to make sure it was 'well" tuned before it got reviewed. It kinda grated on my nerves then and does now.

Sending a glossy magazine a reg to test without a 4 figure check and artwork for the ad is silly.

 

[divermike1011]

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a Consumer Reports for SCUBA gear? Some organization to go out and buy gear off the shelves, test it, and write about it? That would be awesome, too bad I don't have the money to start such a venture, although if anyone wants to start sending me donations

Michael

 

[rhwestfall]

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a Consumer Reports for SCUBA gear? Some organization to go out and buy gear off the shelves, test it, and write about it?

There is - Its called the membership here on ScubaBoard...

 

[mike_s]

There is - Its called the membership here on ScubaBoard...

To be fair... SB is somewhat biased also.


I mean go post a new thread in "Basic Scuba" saying you're going to BC and ask is this a good deal and put a link to a jacket BC asking about it and 10 posts to 1 will be people telling him he should really get a BP/W instead.


not that a lot of folks won't disagree with that.... but a majority of divers use a "jacket" BC but anytime someone posts a thread asking about them, it always turns in to a "jacket vs BP/W" discussion.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

The argument that the mags cater to the big companies is less valid now that just about all the big companies are now selling hog gear. The problem, I believe, is that hog equipment is still perceived to appeal to a small niche of the total scuba market, a niche so small it is not worth the attention of the mass mags. Hog gear is instead marketed through more targeted media.

There was a thread a couple of years ago in which a scuba retailer revealed some official industry statistics to which he had access. The one that stood out in my mind was BCD sales. Less than 1% of all BCDs sold nationwide are BP/Ws. I probably had 400 dives in 20 places around the world before I saw my first BP/W. In resort area dives around the world, I don't think I have seen more than 15 BP/Ws other than on boats dedicated to tech diving, and probably 12 of those 15 were diving with me.

The popularity of hog gear on ScubaBoard and other Internet forums does not accurately reflect its popularity in the overall scuba market.

Reminds me of when I showed up at KBR in Lembeh Straits (Indonesia). The resort manager was present as they were offloading our gear from the van to the boat, and when she saw our backplates she asked me if I knew Lynne. Now, it turns out I do ... but this lady didn't even know we were from the same coast. All she knew is that the last time she'd seen a backplate was when Lynne and Peter were at the same resort ... nearly a year and a half earlier ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[rhwestfall]

To be fair... SB is somewhat biased also.

but swayed by "passion", not advertising $$$ (though the way some folks act here, I'd swear they were "on the take"....)

 

[ajtoady]

I always enjoy the "passion" concerning pony bottles and their size thereof. But it is true, SB is a definite sounding board for the gear thats available.

 

[dmoore19]

I enjoy getting and reading my scuba magazines. The good part about it is if you don't like the magazines, you don't have to read them or buy them. If a magazine irritates you leave it alone, stop, think, breathe.


I have seen exactly 1 BP/W, it was at the LDS I go to.

 

[mike_s]

but swayed by "passion", not advertising $$$ (though the way some folks act here, I'd swear they were "on the take"....)

I agree that most of the people here are very passionate. (and I agree it seems some are here "on the take" )




However, this board is not operated for free and it has advertisers and it's swayed by $$$.

Call it "relationship building" or whatever you want, but the idea is to get specific manufacturers/companies/dive-operators, etc to come and participate in the forums here, have specific manufacturer forums, and buy advertising on the board. (make them an integral part of the board).

Not much different than most any other for profit business is run.... it's just how the world works....

It benefits the board, so it benefits the subscribers (users).

 

[rhwestfall]

But I'll give my own independent opinion on a piece of equipment, regardless of who's banner is on the page. It may result in my "disappearance", but that can happen, and I am at peace with it....