Looking for good dive shop in Detroit area

[diver_paula]

EZ,

I dealt with Rec for years and then switched to Sea the World when Craig opened it. I haven't frequented Rec recently enough to know the current owners but do know the reg tech is fantastic. I eventually moved all my business to Sea the World because Rec wouldn't service my Sherwood regs as they weren't an official service center for Sherwood and because Craig and James are great and take care of anything I need. Rec is a Scubapro dealer / service center and serviced my Scubapro regs. They wouldn't touch my Sherwood regs (purchased in another state) even though I didn't care about the warranty. I eventually got tired of going to 2 different places. I'd call Rec and Sea the World to ask about Atomics service.

I'm not sure I'd want to deal with a shop that refused to service gear not purchased from them or that would give a package price. Or that demanded gear they didn't sell be serviced before being allowed in their pool. Although having a shop with a pool on sight would be convenient. US doesn't even know where the discount was given within the package and they are badmouthing another store by suggesting they may be breaking the law.

One thing you do want to make sure of it that which ever shop you plan to get your regs serviced at is a licensed / official service center for that company. Usually your lifetime warranty is only valid as long as you get your regs serviced annually at a licensed service center. That doesn't say that the non-liscensed shop doesn't do a great job just that they may not be an official service center that will be able to report to the reg company that the service was done.

Hopefully that didn't add too much confusion to the mix.

Paula

 

[awall54308]

Not to stir things up, but I think US Scuba is a top notch store. I have had fantastic service there each and every time. I have purchased most of my gear there (not all)and can honestly say that every item they have recommended to me has been great.

I'm dissapointed to read such negative comments, not to say your comments are not true. Everyone has different experinences. Have you considered contacting the owners Bud and Heather? I am sure they would like to hear about the issues you have had to try and correct them .

 

[EZHOOPS]

I agree that US SCUBA is a top notch store otherwise I wouldn't be taking my lessons there. I just feel that they have some "different" store policies every time I go in neither Bud or Heather are there. I cannot justify spending an additional $200+ just so they can service my reg. US SCUBA and SEA THE WORLD are both about the same distance from me so.

I'm just tired of paying too much for things. $34 for the same log book as shown here.

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=ZipperDiveLog

I'm fed up and someone needs to speak up, it might as well be me.

 

[kidsdream]

Not to stir things up, but I think US Scuba is a top notch store. I have had fantastic service there each and every time. I have purchased most of my gear there (not all)and can honestly say that every item they have recommended to me has been great.

I'm dissapointed to read such negative comments, not to say your comments are not true. Everyone has different experinences. Have you considered contacting the owners Bud and Heather? I am sure they would like to hear about the issues you have had to try and correct them .

My comments from concerning US Scuba relates to their demands that the only serivce what they sell as well as their pool rules.

The say they only let equipment in the pool for safety reasons, but other shops get around this by requiring proof of service in the last year. Hell, Scuba Centers of Michigan will let any certified diver use their pool for free as long as they have proof of service (and I have never purchased anything from them) - I just wanted to test a new camera out before a trip.

And the fact that they only service what they sell (even if they carry the brand), is a non-opener if you have moved or own homes in mutiple locations (or purchased something on vacation). I just can't "accept" that a great shop will take this attitude.

If you play by US Scuba's rigid rules they treat you great - If you go to mutiple shops (as I do) for what ever reason you are persona non grata.

 

[awall54308]

I respect what you have to say. I need to do some research on my own and see what type of response that I get from them. I'll let you know what I find out!

 

[EZHOOPS]

My comments from concerning US Scuba relates to their demands that the only serivce what they sell as well as their pool rules.

The say they only let equipment in the pool for safety reasons, but other shops get around this by requiring proof of service in the last year. Hell, Scuba Centers of Michigan will let any certified diver use their pool for free as long as they have proof of service (and I have never purchased anything from them) - I just wanted to test a new camera out before a trip.

And the fact that they only service what they sell (even if they carry the brand), is a non-opener if you have moved or own homes in mutiple locations (or purchased something on vacation). I just can't "accept" that a great shop will take this attitude.

If you play by US Scuba's rigid rules they treat you great - If you go to mutiple shops (as I do) for what ever reason you are persona non grata.

Good point, what if I lived in Ohio the past 20 years and want to get my reg serviced, their going to turn me down because I didn't buy it their. WOW that takes guts and a whole lot of business ignorance. I plan to talk to Bud and Heather today.
I'll keep ya posted on the outcomes

 

[awall54308]

Any updates???

 

[EZHOOPS]

I did decide to go with US SCUBA because I will be taking future classes through them and I must say they have been great in dealing with. They went out of there way to make sure I got OW certified in the middle of the week so I could be cert. before I left for my big trip. They have also allowed me a free pool practice session (well I did purchase a ton of stuff from them) they also have thrown a few freebies here and there at me. Overall I have to say I had a good experience with them. In the future though I will probably always check with REC to compare prices because they are usually cheaper (for the same stuff)

 

[krjohnson]

FYI Rec Divings annual sale is Sunday July 9th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm