I think buying something like a drysuit online is risky at best. You want to have someone who knows what they are doing (cuz I certainly don't), and if I mess up, there's not much I can do.
Tough Year for Some
- Thread starter divereh
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ScubaScott
Guest
Our new compressor will be delivered next week. Air, nitrox and trimix.
If you need a fill, just look me up online.....
Oh yeah, I'm sure your positive attitude was always reflected in your store
Good luck in future endeavours though....
SS
cavanhills
Registered
I wonder where the breakdown occurs on custom suits? I dont think I could ask for anything more out of my custom DUI absolutely perfect fit. Hundreds of dives on it never a problem. Is the error in the LDS owner / individual who takes the measurements or more likely a DUI quality control issue? Could be anything I suppose.
Mark
IndigoBlue
Contributor
I feel that buying anything on line is risky at best. You have no idea of the condition of the item you are getting. You might need to trade it back for a different size. You might need to return it for a defect. You have no real idea whom you are buying from.
Given all those risks, buying on line has become increasingly popular for many.
EBAY comes to mind in particular. I know of a lot of divers who buy from EBAY and love the bargains they get. It is almost as if the thrill of the bargain exceeds the thrill of obtaining a perfectly fitting and perfectly suited item.
I personally do not buy on line.
But others do. I do not believe that those who buy on line are "idiots" as aforementioned in the first post of the thread. I think those who buy on line represent a new trend in consumerism. Call it a plague if you want, but it is real and it is here to stay. And it affects scuba too.
I buy a lot of things from LDSs and I buy some things online as well. I'm not opposed to either as long as I find value in whichever one I choose. For online purchases, it's usually LeisurePro. For example, A lot of accessories such as diveflags, lights, etc.... I have no problems ordering from LP. I've recently purchased a new drysuit and reg, both of which are coming from an LDS. I've found value in both.
cyklon_300
Contributor
has very little inherent risk IMO. It is a totally viable method of obtaining quality equipment at reasonable prices.
My last two e-purchases included a new DUI hood (65% less than retail) and a used DUI suit (excellent condition, 60% less than retail).
Numerous online suppliers have good prices, great inventory, easily used return policies, and you can reach them by phone or email to discuss problems.
After purchasing various items including dive gear, audio equip, plane tickets, computers, flowers, wine, clothes, tools, etc etc etc, I have yet to have a bad experience buying online.
My last two e-purchases included a new DUI hood (65% less than retail) and a used DUI suit (excellent condition, 60% less than retail).
Numerous online suppliers have good prices, great inventory, easily used return policies, and you can reach them by phone or email to discuss problems.
After purchasing various items including dive gear, audio equip, plane tickets, computers, flowers, wine, clothes, tools, etc etc etc, I have yet to have a bad experience buying online.
its called ethernet.
Breathe at your own peril
BTW, I just ordered a new drysuit. From a LDS. One that actually believes in the term customer service.
That would be one shop out of well over a dozen within 150 miles of my home.
Oh, I got a deal too. Not the best I could have probably done with a "no service" buy, but the value was worth it - I spent close to 2 hours in this guy's pool trying on - IN THE WATER WITH MY FULL KIT - several different sizes with different underwear selections.
PS: When it comes to things like regs, I see no "special value" in the LDS model. Drysuits, however, have to fit or they dive like crap. I can tell you what size body the other two that I have dove (other than the one I just ordered) will fit, based on MY measurements, but I can't generalize to any OTHER size or model.
Breathe at your own peril
BTW, I just ordered a new drysuit. From a LDS. One that actually believes in the term customer service.
That would be one shop out of well over a dozen within 150 miles of my home.
Oh, I got a deal too. Not the best I could have probably done with a "no service" buy, but the value was worth it - I spent close to 2 hours in this guy's pool trying on - IN THE WATER WITH MY FULL KIT - several different sizes with different underwear selections.
PS: When it comes to things like regs, I see no "special value" in the LDS model. Drysuits, however, have to fit or they dive like crap. I can tell you what size body the other two that I have dove (other than the one I just ordered) will fit, based on MY measurements, but I can't generalize to any OTHER size or model.
What kind of suit did you end up getting?
Stock large fits me just fine. I proved it in the shop's pool, trying both the medium and large suits for about 2 hours today with varying underwear and my usual kit.
DUI had said I'd fit a large given my faxed measurements, but I've heard that before. Someone wants to sell me something that expensive where fit is critical, they're going to PROVE it or eat the risk of being wrong.
Several people said I'd fit a medium - and indeed I would, provided that I never wanted to take it up north and dive it with heavy undergarmets. But I'd never get into it with a 400wt undergarmet on. The stock large fit me through the range of potential uses I have for it and, while a bit big on me with light insulation, wasn't overwhelmingly big lightly insulated and was just fine with the heavy.
I also determined that the "low profile" exhaust WILL NOT DO (as many have found themselves) and demonstrated exactly WHY I want the high profile valve on the suit (the wet left arm on both trials was all the evidence the shop guy needed)
The amazing thing is that of all the shops that sell suits, none stock them - and only ONE (1) had suits they they rent, and (2) had the facilities and willingness to let me come in and DIVE THE DAMN THINGS in their pool to check fit, finish and all the other "user features" that you find important.
This kind of service BEFORE the sale makes a large mark-up tolerable.
Unfortunately I've found only ONE LDS so far within 100 miles of my home that provides that kind of service, and while that's ok for buying something like a drysuit, driving 2+ hours for routine stuff is completely unacceptable.
DUI had said I'd fit a large given my faxed measurements, but I've heard that before. Someone wants to sell me something that expensive where fit is critical, they're going to PROVE it or eat the risk of being wrong.
Several people said I'd fit a medium - and indeed I would, provided that I never wanted to take it up north and dive it with heavy undergarmets. But I'd never get into it with a 400wt undergarmet on. The stock large fit me through the range of potential uses I have for it and, while a bit big on me with light insulation, wasn't overwhelmingly big lightly insulated and was just fine with the heavy.
I also determined that the "low profile" exhaust WILL NOT DO (as many have found themselves) and demonstrated exactly WHY I want the high profile valve on the suit (the wet left arm on both trials was all the evidence the shop guy needed
)The amazing thing is that of all the shops that sell suits, none stock them - and only ONE (1) had suits they they rent, and (2) had the facilities and willingness to let me come in and DIVE THE DAMN THINGS in their pool to check fit, finish and all the other "user features" that you find important.
This kind of service BEFORE the sale makes a large mark-up tolerable.
Unfortunately I've found only ONE LDS so far within 100 miles of my home that provides that kind of service, and while that's ok for buying something like a drysuit, driving 2+ hours for routine stuff is completely unacceptable.
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