Where to buy in the US

[KatieMac]

Remember too that you don't have to buy new. Just like all sorts of athletic/hobby equipment, lots of people get enthusiastic and spend huge amounts of money, then eventually sell the stuff once they realize they actually never used it much and probably never will.

Those that don't quit in 3-4 yrs often move up to something different like a wing, or doubles, or just a different set of gear. This too puts high-quality gear with lots of usable life left on the market for significantly less than new gear.

I know, but my kids are grown and their college is paid. Now it's time for me I'm part of a diving family. I'm just a late bloomer.

I know people often move to pb/w but I have a tiny issue on the surface (not below) and feel comfortable in something that wraps me. I have resisted the urge over the last year to go out and buy everything. Now, after my second dive trip I've decided the next thing I want/need is my own BC so I am very familiar with where everything is and because at my size, it's often hard to find a rental BC that fits. And if I decide in a few years that I want a back inflate, I'll gift my BC to one of my daughters. At the same time, if I can get a good deal on a package, I'll likely get regs as well. Some of the places I want to dive in Ontario have huge rental fees and I'd rather spend on dives than rental.

 

[Kevo88]

Remember too that you don't have to buy new. Just like all sorts of athletic/hobby equipment, lots of people get enthusiastic and spend huge amounts of money, then eventually sell the stuff once they realize they actually never used it much and probably never will.

Those that don't quit in 3-4 yrs often move up to something different like a wing, or doubles, or just a different set of gear. This too puts high-quality gear with lots of usable life left on the market for significantly less than new gear.

This is advice worth looking into if you want to save some cash. I prowled ebay for a month and ended up grabbing a scubapro knighthawk that is basically new for 200 bucks plus shipping.

 

[Kharon]

++1 for LeisurePro. They have a great policy on sizing. If the one you order doesn't fit, send it back on their dime and they will send you another size (on their dime) - till you find the one that fits perfectly.

 

[KatieMac]

++1 for LeisurePro. They have a great policy on sizing. If the one you order doesn't fit, send it back on their dime and they will send you another size (on their dime) - till you find the one that fits perfectly.

Thanks, I actually have occasion to be in NYC so can try on right there. Although I would ship to another location to avoid paying the city tax

 

[Kharon]

Thanks, I actually have occasion to be in NYC so can try on right there. Although I would ship to another location to avoid paying the city tax

Best of both worlds. Since I live in upstate NY that wouldn't work for me.

 

[KatieMac]

Best of both worlds. Since I live in upstate NY that wouldn't work for me.

Huh? How does that work then? If you live in NY State, you have to pay NYC sales tax? What if I live in Ontario but want to ship to Ogdensburg? Or to a friend who lives in upstate NY?

 

[guruboy]

Huh? How does that work then? If you live in NY State, you have to pay NYC sales tax? What if I live in Ontario but want to ship to Ogdensburg? Or to a friend who lives in upstate NY?

If you take delivery on it in the state you buy it, you pay sales tax.

If you order it and have it shipped out of state (where the business does not have an office), you don't pay sales tax.

If you are foreign and paid taxes, you might be able to file a claim for tax reimbursement but there are a lot of rules and it's usually a pain and takes a long time.

 

[mbs]

I have bought in store at Leisurepro and got it for less than the web site price, essentially making up for the taxes... YMMV. Also never hurts to ask them if they can do better! Hey, its NY, nobody pays retail

 

[buddhasummer]

Dive Gear Express
Dive Right in Scuba
Cave Adventurers
Scubatoys

I've had nothing but exemplary service from them all and have used them all many times, in fact, although I live in Japan Dive Gear Express is my go to "LDS". You'll not go wrong with any of the above. Many online stores have competitive prices but for me it comes down to customer service and those I've listed are on par with Shearwater which is no mean feat.

 

[KeithG]

It's a Cressi Lady's BC. I found it cheapest on a website in Estonia but not sure I want to go that route.

Water Sports in Toronto carries Cressi BCDs

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