Dang,
Everyone be cool...
Mels, there was no need for anything to turn ugly, and in fact, all I see here is good discussion about the merits of buying top gear for a newbie diver. Paul seemed to get very defensive (maybe warranted maybe not) because some people felt you might have been being upsold unnecessarily. There were some things of great importance iommited from the original post and that skewed the responses from the participants.
I think the meat of the matter boils down to two things.
1. That the inexperienced buyer practice due diligence in comparison shopping so that they understand not only the prices of items they are choosing, but the VALUE of the items they are choosing.
2. That the LDS practice good sales and disclose a range of options for the purchaser especially when the buyer is new to the sport.
The original post led us to believe that neither had happened, when later on it appears that at least one if not both of these steps was taken. This SIGNIFICANLY impacts the range of opinion, at least from this poster.
If the buyer is aware that lower cost options would also suit the need, but decides independently to purchase more expensive, and clearly excellent gear, then better for them and for the dive store. If the dive store explains the merits of each system clearly for the buyer, then that dive store deserves the good reputation that it has. Apparently around the area, Paul's store earns that reputation and I say good for him.
When I first certified, I went to both my local dive stores. The first was the shop where I certified, and I bought all my skin gear from them. It was a pretty fly-by-seat-of-the-pants deal. When I went to the other shop, money in hand, the manager asked me if I could be patient while he finished up a sale and then would help me. I waited, and then he put EVERY BC he had in my size on me, explained the features and merits of each. Then explained every regulator he had in the store in a similar fashion. I spent nearly $1k that weekend with him because the service was outstanding. There was no internet SCUBA sales back then, so LDS's only competed with each other.
Mels, it appears Paul has a good shop with a good reputation. If you are comfortable with the gear you were offered, and the price, then by all means, buy from there. The support of a local shop is invaluable. The LDS I use now has a special section for Tech divers. I told the owner yesterday that the reason I spend money in his store is because he caters to tech divers, and hires divers who understand the gear and can give qualified advice. It's hard to get that over the internet.
Paul, I'm sorry we jumped the gun on you. Really no harm was meant by me, and I doubt by anyone else here. As a communty I think people tend to be overprotective of those new to the sport and that might have been the case here. Hopefully Mels will become a loyal customer, and hopefully she will give you an opportunity for her business.
'Nuff said.
