How do you judge or form an opinion on gear you have not tried?

[djanni]

Even if it fit like a dream I'd not buy one. I've lost too many masks.

A risk I'd take. Hell, it's only money.

 

[The Chairman]

I don't think you necessarily need to have used gear to have an opinion on it, but you probably need to have used it to have an authoritative opinion on it.

I quite agree!

but I cannot imagine that this has any huge benefit to most sport divers who still have at least one functioning arm.

Photographers. The most enthusiastic praise I have heard has been from pro/am photographers. With your hands full of camera, a simple touch is all you need.

 

[Kim]

How you form an opinion will depend on the impression the product makes, and how much you perceive a personal need for that product.

That you WILL form an opinion is a certainty - how else would you ever buy anything new that you never had before otherwise?

At the end of the day other opinions might be important for you, but I've found that how I've found something to be for me doesn't always concur with what others have said about it.

I have my own brain, and I try to use it.

 

[Gombessa]

I have my own brain, and I try to use it.

Oftentimes, I find that results only in a headache, the cure for which is repeated clicking of the "buy it now" button.

 

[Teamcasa]

Oftentimes, I find that results only in a headache, the cure for which is repeated clicking of the "buy it now" button.

You and my lovely bride go to the same place for solace!

 

[farsidefan1]

If the gear solves a problem I have struggled with or been inconvenienced by then I will take a look, if not ....

 

[24940]

My pressure gauge reads to 8000psi and has roman numerals. Everyone should have one of these.

 

[Gombessa]

Who here can look you in the eye and deny that retail therapy works? Especially if it's for diving gear?

 

[merxlin]

Man, all this harshness about flip up fins. Now I have to scrap my "flip up mask" idea. It eliminated the mask on forehead issue, but I am afraid of what everyone will say about it here. Too bad, I could have made the money I needed for my mom's operation.

 

[Buoyant1]

I tend to look at things with the "what part of that can fail/break or cause me discomfort" attitude, I also look at them with an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude.

Think of the RonCo Pocket Fisherman...probably worked...but ask any passionate angler and I'm sure he scoffed at the idea.

To me...(using the fin example) I think that it's too soon to pass judgement...I looked at them rather closely last year at BTS, and thought "too many moving parts, too much room for a part to fail during a crucial time" In 5 years we all may be wearing them.

The one owner of my LDS looked at a certain brand of fin that they carried, and made a comment one day "they should stick to ______" He got a chance to try out a pair and immediately bought himself a set. I was fine with my Plana Avanti's..I tried Quattros and now I own a set...

Don't knock it until you try it...but if there are too many bells and whistles, and it's brand spanking new...I'll wait. I won't get into the BP/W vs. jacket BCD fight...I have both, I LIKE both..and for different reasons....

Aqua maracas...tank bangers...etc...keep 'em