Hollow Advice - Try It Out in the Pool

[kidspot]

I'd have to agree with Jonnythan, I don't even know of a pool that does not have "no scuba gear allowed" sign on the gate. And I don't know of any LDS that have a pool. All BOW classes that I've heard of on the island start out in the ocean for their "confined" water dives - my class started out in about 15ft of water and 2ft surf for our first confined water dive. Some have pretty good return policies, if you buy it from them you can exchange it and I know of one shop that extended that to a mask bought nearly 6 months before. Most shops around here in any industry only allow exchanges because they learned a long time ago too many tourists like to return gear they bought at the end of the vacation using the "no questions asked" return policies. When I worked at Radio Shack they called it the "30 day Radio Shack rental policy" and would have people buy a laptop with every intention of returning it 29 days later for a full refund before the left the island for home.

Of course I have bought most of my equipment online - so if it doesn't fit I'm stuck with it and accept that (return shipping makes returns cost prohibitive - easier to just "eat" the cost or sell on ebay).

Tim

 

[yknot]

For the new diver, "Try it in the pool" advice is about as practical as "rent several brands and models before you buy". As far as LDS's around me, some may let you try it in the pool but you better have a real good reason for not buying after that if you want to show your face again in that store.

 

[BigboyDan]

Finding a great LDS can be tough in some places. If you can't find a great LDS in your area, move. Trying out equipment in the pool is similar to test driving a car, at least; and at most, it can clinch a sale.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

lds here allows it in the pool, or you can take it out to freshwater

they have their own heated indoor pool as well

 

[Tom Smedley]

Count us in as a we do.......

 

[Hoosier]

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[font=바탕]It is depending on the scuba market in your location. If there is only one shop in your town, it is not easy to walk away after trying out some gears. In addition, if you have to deal with the shop owner directly, it is much more unpleasant to do. Imagine the owner[/font]’[font=바탕]s face. Yes, I am very skeptical about that kind of offer in my situation. On the contrary, when I stop by the scuba shops at the bigger city, usually state capital, it is much easy to try the brand new items among the various options because there are many dive shops to compete each other. Of course, at the most case, the owners used not to be at the store front desk. The employees do not care about the return that much. But, it turns out be good to the shop business because many customers can feel free to try out the gear and come back to buy. I know some customers abuse this. But, we can[/font]’[font=바탕]t avoid all. Hence, it is totally based on the market competition.. [/font]

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[wnctarheel]

When my wife and i was trying out gear we went to atlanta and tried on brand new gear at two different shops and they both let us go in the pool. It had a major effect
on which gear we bought. The one that we thought we were going to buy did not fit as good in the water as a set of zeagle's that we ending up buying.

 

[VinceDS]

Have to agree with a previous post. Depends on the area you live. One of the LDS I use has a pool on site. Also, they will let you try out almost every piece of gear they sell - including computers. Another shop I deal with will let you try out a piece of gear on an actual dive to see if you like it. W/ equipment, you are talking about a large $ investment, if your LDS won't let you try it, try to find another LDS.

 

[tkrock]

Mine does!!

 

[RP Diver]

I guess I'm luckier than I was aware of. My LDS (A-1 Scuba and Travel) has a pool in house, retail store, full service travel center, and equipment service department. One of the owners is a CD and they run everything from OW classes to IDC. Not bad for a land-locked dive shop.