new to forum

[smashweasel]

My wife and I just got certified and LOVE it. Any suggestions on equipment purchases? ON-line deals(joediveramerica, leisure-pro) seem to beat LDS but what about services? Dacor equipment seem to be getting bad rap in most postings for price/quaility, but LDS are all selling them and most students were diving them( and some of the instructors), so what about the following package: Dacor talon BC, viper america reg/octo, Darwin computer. Can Find online for <800 bucks. Wife and I will be diving local lakes(SA area) and Gulf of Mxico. Will also be going for Advanced OW in month or so. Any suggestions would be of great help.

 

[biggsy]

Welcome to the board. I say get some more dives under your belt before going for advanced. There is nothing that beats being advanced like pure experience and good old time. Another certification card, especially that one, does not mean as much. The class is a good class, just not necessary right now. I would suggest getting Nitrox certified. Do searches for the equipment you mention as well as whether to buy online or from a LDC. I say a local LDC, because you get hands on service and build up a good relationship with them, but that is a matter for huge debate on this board, so good luck! Again, welcome aboard!

biggsy

 

[octotat]

You sure can save a lot of money buying on-line, but the LDS will give you better service for sure. Also, supporting the LDS is really good for advice, classes, trip info, etc. That being said, it is not my job to subsidize them either. I buy from both with the following guidelines. If the items requires fitting (mask, wetsuit,etc) I buy from the dive shop. If it's a non fitted items that's really expensive or seems really overpriced at the LDS, I buy online. I try to buy little cheaper items at the LDS as it keeps a rapport with them. I do like to see them stay in business, but I've got my own wallet to worry about and I do give them plenty with the items I do buy, equipement servicing, classes and trips.

 

[d33ps1x]

Don't buy equipment because your LDS sells it. Read up on it. You'll hear that often. Any shop is going to push what they sell. I would too if I was them.

Welcome!

 

[JPBECK]

I smell a Troll----SO I will keep mouth zipped about LP vs. LDS

But welcome

 

[smashweasel]

thanks for the advice. We did get masks, snorkel, and wet suit(3mm) from our dive shop, but the prices here in town( I visited more several shops) for other equipment is almost prohibitive. My wife and I are students and we both like it so far so anything I get she is going to get. 2BCs 2Regs 2gauges/computer etc...

 

[DandyDon]

Wife and I will be diving local lakes(SA area) and Gulf of Mxico. Will also be going for Advanced OW in month or so. Any suggestions would be of great help.

Howdy! :sunny

Welcome to SB!! :happywave Put us in your favorites and check in often. This is a great place to learn, compare, argue

Like most, you have no information in your Profile, so it's difficult to offer suggestions for "local lakes."

"SA area"? Are the only Texan on this board that didn't list that wonderful attribute, or is there another SA...?

"Gulf of Mxico" - you talking about the Gulf of Texas? Flower Garden trips...??

don

 

[Taucher]

My wife and I bought from our LDS. They gave us a good deal, since we were buying two of everything, plus they know we'll be back. I did better at my LDS than we could have online, and we'll get better service! you will need to get equipment serviced every year anyway....

 

[JPBECK]

Trolling, Trolling, Trolling, Keep those Trolls a-rolling-- Troll-Hyde

 

[DandyDon]

Trolling, Trolling, Trolling, Keep those Trolls a-rolling-- Troll-Hyde

You think? What makes you think so