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Anyone know of a good resource to get information/reviews on scuba gear?? I am trying to research equipment and there are so many different options. I would love to see a Consumer Reports issue rating all the gear.
You're already part of one of the best reviewing resources out there! However, for other perspectives, you can always check out divernet.com (based in the UK, but they do a lot of equipment tests from European and US based manufacturers) as well as venturing over to scubadiving.com (the former Rodales mag)
I found a web site that lists all the manufacturers and catagorises the different equipment and rates them via price. (in British pounds) Its a good source of info on the different classes of equipment , from basic to advanced. PM me if you want the link...
Rodales claims to do gear reviews. In many ways, it's their claim to fame. Let me be the first to point out in advance - not to be overly negative, but Rodales is crap. Their gear reviews are inconsistent and many think they're based on advertising dollars, not performance.
Heck, one year Apeks went from underachieving to best of class, or the other way around, I neither remember nor care... but Apeks didn't change their regulators!
Rodales claims to do gear reviews. In many ways, it's their claim to fame. Let me be the first to point out in advance - not to be overly negative, but Rodales is crap. Their gear reviews are inconsistent and many think they're based on advertising dollars, not performance.
Heck, one year Apeks went from underachieving to best of class, or the other way around, I neither remember nor care... but Apeks didn't change their regulators!
Just a word of warning.
At least there are two of us feeling the same way.
Did you know Sherwood was junk because it never made the reviews? They never "give" equipment to be reviewed so they don't get one or they get a bad review. So the company with the most $$$$ gets the best reviews.
I also agree with Gary and Boogie. I have also seen an item be reviewed as poor performance and then several months later have an excellent review. It's all about money. This is why to me the best review comes from other Divers who have nothing to gain....And tell it like it is...Best to all........
I agree that Rodale's believes 'money talks'. Isn't it also interesting that they spend so much energy on the descriptions they give to their test teams, test machines, and test methodologies? Ironically, the quantifiable metrics that they apply to their tests seem ( and probably are) reasonable, but there is always that extra set of 'intangibles' that gives them the wiggle room to apply prior to final recommendations.
Thanks to all who commented. I will check out the sites. I am sure they will help as I am so new to diving that any information will be useful. Thanks also for the heads up on Rodales.
Thanks to all who commented. I will check out the sites. I am sure they will help as I am so new to diving that any information will be useful. Thanks also for the heads up on Rodales.
There's always Undercurrent: "The Serious Diver's Only Source of Unbiased Reviews of Scuba Diving Resorts, Scuba Diving Equipment, and Dive Health and Safety Issues Since 1975."
But you have join(pay $38.95/yr) to read the reviews.
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However, for other perspectives, you can always check out divernet.com (based in the UK, but they do a lot of equipment tests from European and US based manufacturers) as well as venturing over to scubadiving.com (the former Rodales mag)
Originally Posted by Boogie711
