LDS versus Online - unique situation

[ChanceTLU]

Before I beat a dead horse....I have read for days all the threads on here dating back to 2003 about leisurepro versus an LDS. However I am in a bti of a unique situation and would like some input.

I currently live in Qatar where we have two licensed dive shops. One sells exclusively Scubapro and the other Mares. I plan on living here for a few years, so any servicable equipment (ex. regs) should be one of the two brands - I prefer Scubapro.

My local Scubapro LDS (where I was certified) charges about $1000 for an MK25/G250 combo, a R190 Octo, and set of analog gauges - this is after the 17% discount they are giving me. All with a full Scubopro warranty and free service (they charge $25 for service on Scubapro regs not bought through them).

Also, for a ScubaPro T-Force BCD (Jacket style, weight integrated - not sold in the US) they want over $800.
I understand the reasons not to buy from an unauthorized dealer. However, I don't know if I can justify spending an extra $6-800 on the gear set just for a manufacturers warranty to support the only LDS in town.

By the way, the Mares dealer is even more expensive (ex. Henderson Lycra suit and Mares Demon mask would total almost $200).

Any of your opinions would be greatly appreciated, I have already gotten a quote from leisurepro on a package with the same regs and octo, a suunto gauge set, and a SeaQuest Black Diamond that is less than $1200.

Thanks again for all of your help - and if any of you have the above for sale used I may be interested.

 

[PvtStash]

I think I'd go w/ the online route and save a Bundle, and then not spend too much time worrying about service issues... what service problems are you likely to run into with a good SP reg in the first couple years? right, so maybe its rolling the dice, but jus' a little... and for the savings, I believe, worth it.

 

[redacted]

If you buy your gear from an authorized dealer in Qatar, your warranty will likely not be honored by US shops and you will not qualify for the Scubapro USA part-for-life program.

 

[don Francisco]

Figure the reccuring additional cost of servicing the regs. into the equation, and allow for the fact that the BC may be a less expensive one, and the LP deal still seems pretty good in comparison. It's up to you to assign a value to yourself in working with a LDS, then make your decision.

One thing to consider before placing the order. Be sure to have an accurate quote for the shipping cost and check that you won't be nailed for duty, or VAT on arrival. I don't know Qatars rules, but do know that many people who mail-order accross borders get charged duties and taxes, often eliminating any savings, and sometimes end up spending more than a local purchase would've cost.

Good luck, whatever you decide, and happy diving. dF

 

[ChanceTLU]

Figure the reccuring additional cost of servicing the regs. into the equation, and allow for the fact that the BC may be a less expensive one, and the LP deal still seems pretty good in comparison. It's up to you to assign a value to yourself in working with a LDS, then make your decision.

One thing to consider before placing the order. Be sure to have an accurate quote for the shipping cost and check that you won't be nailed for duty, or VAT on arrival. I don't know Qatars rules, but do know that many people who mail-order accross borders get charged duties and taxes, often eliminating any savings, and sometimes end up spending more than a local purchase would've cost.

Good luck, whatever you decide, and happy diving. dF

I have a special deal with the US company that I work for here. They will ship me 80lbs per month for free from a US address to Qatar. We also have customs clearing agents hired by the company that handle any problems. The only thing I have had trouble receiving so far is a set of poker chips. The Qatar govt. seems to think I want to open a casino with a single 500 piece set...lol.

 

[Brandon]

Here's another couple options...

Buy the reg from an authorized US Scubapro dealer, and work with them on sending your gear back in a year if you're still in Qatar. You won't have the warranty in Qatar, but you'll have it when you return stateside. If the move isn't permanent, that seems a wise idea.

Or, buy a non-Scubapro regulator of a brand that allows Internet sales (Mares is one), from a reputable dealer who will be willing to work with you on shipping it back for service in a year or two.

I can think of at least one click and mortar dive shop that could easily meet your needs...

-B

 

[GrandpaScuba]

I can't speak to the Qatar Vs. US Warranty issue. But, I'd point out that Scubapro is one of the most anti-internet companies in the business. They have gone so far as to start putting serial numbers on fins and masks so they can tell if they were sold via an unauthorized dealer. So, if you want Scubapro (and they are a very good brand) I'd avoid Leisurepro.

 

[RAWalker]

Since your not going to get a Scubapro USA warraty out of the deal any way you look at it. I'd go LeisurePro and open my horizons to other manufacturers that will support you and the equipment you purchase. For less than you purchase for in Qatar you can get Oceanic gear from LP with a full manufacturers warranty. LP is Oceanic authorized and Oceanic is well known for supporting their products worldwide. You could have a EOS or Delta 4 and save a bundle pick a nice BCD to go with it.

 

[ChanceTLU]

Thanks everyone for all of the information. I am still very up in the air about the whole situation. The only reason I am trying to stick with ScubaPro for regs is due to their long-lasting stellar reputation. I do not plan on buying new gear for quite a number of years, so I am trying to buy the top stuff now. Relatives and friends I have that are instructors swear by ScubaPro regs and Seaquest or Diverite BCs and BP/Wings. Thanks again.

 

[plot]

I'm not a fan of the black diamond but love my aqualung regs. BC's don't really need any servicing beyond what you can do yourself very easily.

As for the regs, how much do you plan on diving? I'd think servicing on them will be minimal in the first 2 years, so why spend the extra $6-800 for what is going to essentially end up being a 2 year warranty?