Beauchat is a company in France. They seem to make quality gear. I have not used their BCs but have a few hoods made by them and my wife tried out one of their drysuits. It is common to see gear from their brand here in Europe, and glad to know it is available in the US as well.
All that being said, If I was in the US and looking for a BC, I would be slightly concerned about any hassles a warranty claim would have should a post sale issue arise since Beauchat is in limited distribution in the US. If you have a great relationship with your LDS and you trust that they will take care of you then go for it if the BC has the features you are looking for and fits comfortably.
The only thing that separates BCs from quality manufacturers are the fit and features and price...find a BC with the features you want in the price you can afford and then dive the s**t out of it. When it finally gives up the ghost, get a new one, or if you get glossy eyed over a different model before the current dies, sell it and use the money to offset the purchase of the new one.
Ask yourself what you would like from the BC and compare that list to the features the BC you are looking purchasing regardless of brand...if they match and it is comfortable IN THE WATER, then spring the cash and happy diving.
Bottom line, Beauchat is as good as any other major brand out there.
Hope that helps. Happy diving.
-Z
All that being said, If I was in the US and looking for a BC, I would be slightly concerned about any hassles a warranty claim would have should a post sale issue arise since Beauchat is in limited distribution in the US. If you have a great relationship with your LDS and you trust that they will take care of you then go for it if the BC has the features you are looking for and fits comfortably.
The only thing that separates BCs from quality manufacturers are the fit and features and price...find a BC with the features you want in the price you can afford and then dive the s**t out of it. When it finally gives up the ghost, get a new one, or if you get glossy eyed over a different model before the current dies, sell it and use the money to offset the purchase of the new one.
Ask yourself what you would like from the BC and compare that list to the features the BC you are looking purchasing regardless of brand...if they match and it is comfortable IN THE WATER, then spring the cash and happy diving.
Bottom line, Beauchat is as good as any other major brand out there.
Hope that helps. Happy diving.
-Z
