Where to buy packages online?

[KidK9]

I'm looking at getting a BC, guages, and the octopus. I'm wondering what sites should I be looking at. I keep looking at some places that offer packages, but I'm just not coming up with much. I looked at www.joediveramerica.com and thought there Viper package was alright, but upon further research, I find that people don't like the Viper system. As well, I'm def not interested in any wet breathing. Thanks for the advice.

 

[tholt576]

Question:

Why are you interested in buying a package instead of picking up individual components? Is it for cost or do you somehow feel that the person who put the package together knows how to pick out components better than you can? Just wondering.

 

[douhunt]

I know buying online seems like a good idea, well at least its cheaper. I would recommend not buying online and support your local dive shop. If everyone were to buy on the net the local dive shops would go out of bus. and where would u get your air fills and service? Going to dive shops should be like seeing your family. Its nice to know the people in the shop and for them to know you, the diving is much more enjoyable.



Justin

 

[KidK9]

Well Maybe. But I would do it in terms of saving money. If the LDS actually made a good attempt to save me the money, then I would be more prone to buy from them. Most have this attitude of having there nose up in the air like "why in the world you you buy online". Well, if the same exact products come out to $300 or $400 cheaper that's why. I get tired of the arrogance at LDS.

 

[Ontario Diver]

No "Bricks and Mortar" LDS will be able to match the price from an online dealer for a single component. Where a dive shop saves money is on the cost of the total dive experience; especially with a new diver.

Where you can save money is on courses, advice, meeting people with similar interests, manitenance/repairs and stuff like that which you can't get from the online place. Even if the LDS can't match the price, can they beat the price by giving you free air, discounts on courses, loaner kit and other "benies"??


Of course, you still have to like them and they have to like you.......

 

[metridium]

Originally posted by Ontario Diver
No "Bricks and Mortar" LDS will be able to match the price from an online dealer for a single component.

Not always....as several divers here have attested.

Originally posted by Ontario Diver
Where you can save money is on courses, advice, meeting people with similar interests, manitenance/repairs and stuff like that which you can't get from the online place.

Uh, you're saying you can't get those things without buying all your gear there? It's going to be a pain buying all new gear when you move to a new town, then....

Originally posted by Ontario Diver
Even if the LDS can't match the price, can they beat the price by giving you free air, discounts on courses, loaner kit and other "benies"??

I'd be fascinated to know what "bennies" would have been worth the $1000.00 (USD) I've saved over the past year or so.

Originally posted by Ontario Diver
Of course, you still have to like them and they have to like you.......

Great, pay a huge premium to buy locally, then find out the LDS doesn't like you....

 

[metridium]

Originally posted by douhunt
I would recommend not buying online and support your local dive shop. If everyone were to buy on the net the local dive shops would go out of bus. and where would u get your air fills and service? Going to dive shops should be like seeing your family.

Family?

As in the ones with the pinstripe suits?

That might explain some of those "dive packages you can't refuse."

 

[KidK9]

I agree with the whole discounts on this, discounts on that, meeting friends, yada yada yada. But c'mon, how many friends do you meet when they act so arrogantly about online places. They should have less of an attitude problem, and more trying to show you what they can do for you if you don't buy online. I'm a senior in college, and won't be able to get half the gear you all have until another 4 or 5 years. So money is what turns my head. Not who scratches my back in terms of family or what not.

 

[devjr]

I'm not sure a "package" for these items is available. Why would you care if a Viper might occasionally breath wet if it's an octopus? The side breather is ideal for an octopus, but chances are it will never be used anyway.

 

[KidK9]

The package is available at www.joediveramerica.com I was referring to what some people have written, that the reg breathes wet sometimes.