Tanks from LDS in Massachusetts

[jchaplain]

I'm posting this question on the NE Lobsta diving forum instead of the equipment forum because i'm looking for local answers on this. I hope it's ok to ask this here.

I'm a new diver and I have to buy 2 new aluminum 80 tanks.

( Please don't get into the steel vs aluminum argument, I can't afford the steel tanks right now.)

I can get them from Leisurepro or ScubaToys.com, but should I consider a LDS?

Online 2 tanks will run about $300 including shipping. Will new tanks need to be hydro tested?

Can I get as good a deal from a LDS? Someone on the equipment forum said that some LDS will fill them free ( or very cheap ) for a long time for you if you buy from them. Any Boston area dive shops offer such deals that anyone knows of?
Thanks for any suggestions.
John C.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

New cylinders are hydroed by the manufacturer, and wont need another for five years. The new cylinder will need a visual inspection sticker on it, and most places where you buy them from will inspect the cylinder for you at no additional charge when you buy it. Some shops will give you ONE free fill (at time of purchase), others may give you a 5 or 10 fill card. I know that some shops in the Boston area are selling AL 80's for $175 each. Cylinders are the least profitable item in a dive shop, and very rarely will you see deals on them, unless you buy used. Buying online, you still have to pay shipping (which on a 34# cylinder, can be around $15-20 depending on where you are), and when you bring the cylinder into a LDS, they may require that you have it visually inspected, which they may charge you $10 for that, plus the airfill. So, in MOST cases, buying a cylinder online doesnt make sense. Talk to your LDS, and see what they can do for you.

 

[PeaceDog]

Buying online, you still have to pay shipping (which on a 34# cylinder, can be around $15-20 depending on where you are), and when you bring the cylinder into a LDS, they may require that you have it visually inspected, which they may charge you $10 for that, plus the airfill. So, in MOST cases, buying a cylinder online doesnt make sense. Talk to your LDS, and see what they can do for you.

Our man here is totally, 100% correct, John. It's a complete wash to buy tanks online. Hit a local dive shop.

This much I will say - call around and see who's giving deals on air fills with the purchase of tanks. From my experience, that's where it begins to get competitive. You're buying two right up front, so that's even more in your favor. Unfortunately, I only know the shop(s) that aren't adding fills as an incentive to purchase.

 

[MASS-Diver]

Keep your eyes open for used ones. They run around $100 a piece.

BTW, last time I checked North Atlantic Divers (down here on the SS) offered unlimited fill cards (for a year) with a new tank purchase for around $30 extra.

 

[jchaplain]

Thanks for the input folks. I'll take a trip to United Divers in Somerville this morning and talk to them. Since they're the closest dive shop to me ( I'm in Stoneham,MA )and since I'll probably be using them for fills it will be good to get to know them anyway.
Boating/diving season is almost here! I spent some time yesterday putting the batteries back in the boat and setting her up a bit..it must have been 70 degrees here inland of Boston.

http://home.comcast.net/~jcchaplain/katydid2.html

John C.

 

[Spectre]

You might want to give Discover Diving a call, or Aquatic Escapes. Discovery Diving is in Atkinson, just over the border on 121 [well, take 125 north off 495 after going north on 495 from 93; then stay straight to go onto 121 when 125 breaks to the right]. Aquatic Escapes is a hop skip and jump off Exit 4 on 93, go west on 102 past the home depot, take a left by the post office, a left at the stop sign and your first right.

I don't know Aquatic Escapes prices on AL80s, but they are good people with good prices. I've gotten most of my gear from Jeff @ Discover Diving. I think his AL80s are in the $160 area [but I could be wrong about that too]. The nice part.... no shipping, no sales tax, and you won't have to pay for your vis or your first fill.

 

[matt_unique]

It's 5 years between hydros but sure you know the hydro date before you buy. A brand new tank may have been in stock for a year so the hydro will come due in 4 for example. If there is a tank with a year old hydro date ask for a discount.

I picked up a used aluminum 80 last weekend at Mass Diving in Natick for $100. The last hydro was done in March of this year and they did a visual inspection when I bought it. Free air fill if I wanted it. The brand new tanks were running $179 but they are over priced there.

--Matt

 

[reefseal]

My LDS here in NH had steel LP80's for $189 w/ Valve.
They may still have them. Good guys. Aquatic Escapes in Londonderry Mass.