IST at Costco?

[sammyman]

I just went to costco and they had a bunch of scuba equipment. The regulators and BC's are a brand called IST. I think the regulator was like $130 or so. Are they good regulators? Anyone have experience with them? I was trying to figure out if they were good prices but I just couldn't tell.

Thanks

 

[SteveAD]

will it kill you if you try to dive it? no

would I ever buy on? no

do tou really want to dive a costco reg? only you can answer

 

[Gombessa]

I was also surprised to find Costco selling scuba equipment this summer. It seemed to be one of those "traveling demonstration" deals where the manufacturer shows up with a temporary display and inventory, makes sales for a few weeks, and then disappears. This isn't to say they're fly-by-night, and I've definitely heard of IST before, but I thought they were more of an OEM supplier, and I'd probably want to check with your LDS to make sure you can get the stuff serviced locally.

 

[knotical]

IST has been around for awhile. Haven't dived them, but been told they make a decent basic reg. The price you cite is similar to what you can get them for on the internet, such as from divebooty. As Gombessa mentioned, another consideration besides price would be where/how you would get the reg serviced.

 

[fobturbo]

I've seen the traveling IST show hit Costco a few times (~February). They have your basic SCUBA/snorkel gear, plus some jackets for SI and luggage. I've bought a rashguard & mask from them and the stuff is good for the price. I believe Costco's return policy is applicable as well. My main concern though, as Gombessa stated is finding a LDS that will service their gear. I don't know of any in the Bay Area that does.

Edit: The person that does the show seems to be a SoCal diver..

 

[Scuba-Stu]

I wouldn't by IST equipment. Their regs seem to be pretty ****ty.

 

[300bar]

Allthough I would never buy a reg. from a supermarket.The IST did pretty good in lost of tests.
The Mother of All Reg Reviews - Regulator Test Score Charts | Scuba Diving Magazine
Just be sure you can get it serviced.

 

[deepstops]

I bought some IST lycra skins and SPGs like five years ago and they've held up well.

I have little doubt their regulator is made in China/Taiwan alongside some of the regs from Salvo, Dive Rite, etc. (note: I said some, not all)

 

[meierdierck]

Wow, i can just imagine the slew of rescues we will get to do, when all these costco members think they can go diving, without all those expensive classes, but i guess as long as they buy a cheap costco cruise, they will be out of my local dive sites, do they offer a cheaper dan insurance with the package?

 

[Gombessa]

Wow, i can just imagine the slew of rescues we will get to do, when all these costco members think they can go diving, without all those expensive classes, but i guess as long as they buy a cheap costco cruise, they will be out of my local dive sites, do they offer a cheaper dan insurance with the package?

I'd imagine you need to show proof of being a certified diver in order to purchase the gear, but I've never asked...