Where to buy gear

[ncrunnerboy]

Finally it is time for me to buy gear. It took me forever to get the money saved up, just not sure where I should by the gear. I have visted several dive stores and noticed the prices are higher than online, but not sure where to buy from. With all the online stores how do I know which one to buy from. Here is the list so far. Divers Direct, Leisure Pro, Dive For Less, Dive Right in Scuba, Divers Supply.. What do you guys think is the best one to buy from. Thanks in advanced.

 

[divad]

Well, there's a Divers-Supply in Charlotte If you'd like to actually see and hold stuff. Where is Dive For Less?

 

[gopbroek]

Patience and E Bay

 

[ncrunnerboy]

I looked at the diver supply store back before I got certified. Dive For Less I found on google while searching for gear along with the others. Im not sure where they are loceated though.

 

[ncrunnerboy]

Buying on ebay is an option, just not sure what kind of quality I will be getting

 

[Dive Right In Scuba.]

I have considered all the online options you listed quite carefully and come to the conclusion that the best is Dive Right in Scuba.

When you go to the web site, you can usually get hooked up with someone who can help immediately. We have specialists that can answer questions about the different options in different gear. Just give us a call and get personalized service.

 

[Lorenzoid]

For me, whether I buy online or from eBay/Craigslist or from a brick-and-mortar store depends on what kind of item I am shopping for. By the way, I have had good experiences with the Atlanta branch of Diver's Supply--although they are a regional chain and have an online presence, they are my "local dive shop." They have let me use their pool to test out gear, whether I was shopping for it there or had already bought it elsewhere.

In support of local dive shops everywhere, I would like to be able to say that you really need to hold (and in some cases, try on) an item before you buy, but I can't. LeisurePro, for example, has such a good return policy that I bought two wetsuits from them, tried them on at home, and easily returned the one that didn't fit as well. LeisurePro usually ships in-stock items the next day. Dive Right In Scuba (DRIS) chimes in here on SB, and I have been pleased with their service. Scubatoys is one you didn't mention, and they have been good, too.

But really, it depends on the specific item of gear you're shopping for.

Addendum: Well looky there, while I was typing DRIS "chimed in."

 

[divad]

I looked at the diver supply store back before I got certified. Dive For Less I found on google while searching for gear along with the others. Im not sure where they are loceated though.

52 minutes @ posted speed limit (Ha)
E on 74/ I 85
S on 485
E on 51 just below I 77
L after about 2,000 feet
Just Google the directions

 

[John A Lewis]

Scubatoys is one you didn't mention, and they have been good, too.

Thank you. Sometimes people forget us, even with both an online presence AND brick-and-mortar shop.

 

[diversteve]

My go to on your list is LeisurePro - and Scubatoys. I personally buy soft goods, lower end gear from LP and regs etc. from Scubatoys - no real reason why as prices are often the same.

I've had issues with Scuba.com and Divers Direct. Scuba.com took about 3 months to Never ship a pair of boots and Divers Direct shipped me a new BC with parts missing - it looked like it had been the one they scavenged parts from - then took over two months and repeated calls to issue a credit.

It is a great store though if you're ever in Ft. Lauderdale - close enough to the airport that we went there on a long layover.

If you're considering Aqualung/Suunto gear from LeisurePro those are the only brands they sell with their equivalent warranty since they're not an authorized Aqualung dealer.

Leisurepro sells on eBay also - same price as on their website for anything I've ever compared.