KEdiver, yes they are. They bad mouth the internet sellers, but don't bring anything to the table that would make you loyal to them. Being in Fairbanks, AK they actually do a LOT of OW classes so the customer base is there. One of the instructors is great and open minded, she is the one with the least financial interest in the shop. They made a claim to me that they wanted to start selling Halycon which would of been great, but never pursued it farther. As soon as they sell them, then BP/W will be ok in their book. lol. Glad your enjoying your new BCD, and hope you get to explore some of those wrecks in Lake Michigan with it.