Folks,
I would not hesitiate to buy small things from scubatoyz vs an LDS, depending on the LDS. The problem is if you don't know what you want, looking at a picture on line is a poor substitute. You will eventually have to go into an LDS and try it on, feel how it fits, etc.
I know of one LDS who he will not sell you something if he doesn't think you need it. I even told him before I went out on a trip to dutch with a class of his that I was renting some gear from another LDS, because he was too far away, His reponse was sure I understand. I told him I wanted to buy a zeagle flathead XP, more expensive and environmentally sealed, he said....WHY you going to do any ice diving? Buy the less expensive flathead.
It's all in who you find, you might pay a little more, however the advice and support of a good LDS is invaluable. Plus, who are you going to dive with if you don't have any contacts in your local dive community?
I would not hesitiate to buy small things from scubatoyz vs an LDS, depending on the LDS. The problem is if you don't know what you want, looking at a picture on line is a poor substitute. You will eventually have to go into an LDS and try it on, feel how it fits, etc.
I know of one LDS who he will not sell you something if he doesn't think you need it. I even told him before I went out on a trip to dutch with a class of his that I was renting some gear from another LDS, because he was too far away, His reponse was sure I understand. I told him I wanted to buy a zeagle flathead XP, more expensive and environmentally sealed, he said....WHY you going to do any ice diving? Buy the less expensive flathead.
It's all in who you find, you might pay a little more, however the advice and support of a good LDS is invaluable. Plus, who are you going to dive with if you don't have any contacts in your local dive community?