Websites that save

[Addict]

Ok, currently I know that you can save a lot by buying your regs, computers, and bcd's online from:

http://www.leisurepro.com
http://www.diveinn.com

But now I need Flashlights. I was looking at the PrincetonTec Surge: 39.95 at LDS, 29.95 at LeisurePro, and 20.95 here:
http://www.botachtactical.com/printecoutpr.html

Anybody else have great places to go to get your gear?

 

[t_dogg]

I got a Surge from the LDS about 3 months ago. It has a very bright beam with a nice clean pattern, especially for a small light. However, It flooded the first time I got in the pool with it (<18ffw). When I returned it, the LDS guy's (a different guy than who sold it to me) response was "Oh, you got a Surge?" as if it was a common problem. Then he proceeded to give me a new one. I took the new Surge to a lake and it flooded again immediately, this time the bulb broke from the pressure around 61ffw. By the time I got a chance to return the light (about 3 weeks later), the LDS was no longer stocking the Surge. I got an Ikelite PCa in exchange, not quite as bright, but no flood problems after 4 dives, max depth 58ffw. The O-ring in the Surge seems to be pretty wimpy, and the screw-on seal probably wipes it out of place pretty easily. The Ikelite has a clamp-on seal with a beefier O-ring, a dive buddy has had one for a couple years and it's never flooded. So if you're set on buying a Surge, you may want to buy somewhere with a good return policy

As far as my online equipment choices, the following places are good, not as cheap as LP and DI, but I think they are actually authorized dealers for the stuff they sell, and are still cheaper than LDS:

www.scubatoys.com
www.diversdiscount.com

 

[Dryglove]

Also check out www.simplyscuba.com.I just got a killer deal on a suunto vytec,transmitter and interface.The downside is high shipping.

 

[Addict]

Thanks for the tip on the Surge. Are all the compact PrincetonTec's prone to flooding?

Also, I am looking to find a good deal on BC straps
Notice on the right of this page: ( Straps on Right of Page )

What does everyone use? A $20 strap to keep you 'danglies' close, or do you find more economical ways to keep your stuff in close?

 

[t_dogg]

I use a high-force retractor w/ quick clip, like the one pictured on the LP page you sent. I also have the Suunto Cobra shown. Be warned that the swivel clip will not fit over the thick plastic loop on the end of the Cobra console. I had to slide the split ring over it and leave the retractor connected to my console and unclip from my BC's D-ring. I would have preferred the other way around. Other than that, the retractor is a good way to keep the console in close, but leaves it easy to pull out and view. Everything else I carry goes in a BC pocket, my octo is clipped off to a d-ring.

Mark

 

[Addict]

Mark -
Thanks for the reply. I had wondered about using the retractor for that purpose (as I just got the Cobra) - so I am glad to hear from someone about it.

 

[thethumper]

I use blot snaps & zip ties on lights & consoles & snap off to D-Rings. I carry 2 UK SL4's. 1 snapped off to right chest D-Ring & 1 to the left chest D-Ring. I use blk. 1/2' tube to make a zip tied loop around each web strap from chest to waist & put the end of the lights trough the loops. It hold the lights tight to my chest so they dont' dangle & pose a entaglement like most others.