Importance of diving equipment brand country

How important to you country of diving equipment brand?

Imagine this situation. You are trying to choose diving equipment and you see best equipment from country, that usually cannot do something good, e.g. African contriries, Russia, etc. Do you choose better equipment from country, that usually can't make anything good, or you choose worse equipment from country with good reputation, such as European contries or USA?

 

all gear can be rubbish in the right hands

 

And Japan. It depends on the reputation of that country mostly.

 

I’ve been in international shipping since 1992. I see the crap of all sorts that comes in from overseas. And the dealings that go on with shippers, manufacturers, and my agents overseas.

I will NOT buy anything unless there is a dealer in the US. Period.

My country of origin hierarchy is US, Canada, western Europe, then Asia. I try to avoid Mexico at all costs. I would not buy anything made in Africa. Try to avoid China, which can be difficult, depending on what the item is. Japan is preferred for Asian countries.

 

What about Russia, Ukraine?

 

Absolutely not. I’m old enough to remember Soviet days and the disaster that Aeroflot was and their shoddy planes. Plus, doubt there would be a US dealer.

 

eastern/central europe is catching up for dive gear at least between the czechs and poles. xdeep, tecline, etc.

the only thing russian you see are those military surplus rebreathers that a handful of nutters convert as diy projects.

 

Poland? The workmanship on Santi drysuits is impressive.

 

But it isn't impossible.
Just imagine, that you see diving equipment with incredible features from country, that never did it before.

I remember I saw Turkish diving equipment manufacturer, but I don't remember its name...

 

Forgot about Poland and Santi. But Russia/Ukraine? Nope.