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.
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.