Shop question, for Divers and Snorkelers

[REDDAWG43]

Are most shops that sell diving/snorkel equipment about the same in price? I want to purchase new gear, and want to hear if there are any shops out there that any of our members hold in high regards....wether it's because of great prices, great customer service, great selection of stuff or all of the above. Thanks

 

[pedromatic]

Diver's Direct is local or you can shop their website. They usually have pretty good prices, but they don't carry (IMO) the best equipment: Scubapro.

http://www.diversdirect.com

If you want cheap stuff, you can pick up a mask, snorkel and fins at Wal-Mart :rollface:

 

[mar-y-sol]

i dont really trust divers direct, one is because like pedromatic said they dont carry the best equipment and two, most of their selection is stuff that was from the previous years that manufacturers didnt sell and that is going out of the line, thats why they tend to sell it so cheap. I wouldn't buy online either because you lose the warranty. I work at Tarpoon so I'm partial to them but depending on what you are looking for I would search on different scuba forums for reviews on the equipment and then look at the manufacturers website for local retailers. Hope it helps.

 

[REDDAWG43]

I want better priced stuff (cheap in cost), but quality stuff to last a while. I will check out divers direct, thanks.

 

[Ding2daDong]

I just went to divers direct for snorkeling equipment. All together for a nice mask, snorkel, flippers, divers flag and collecters net was like $110 after tax. All the kits that have the mask and snorkel together don't fit my head right and feel uncomfortable. So if you get that you will save more money. I hope that helps.

-Matthew

 

[andrewwl]

Sports Authority on US1 had all sizes of Body Glove "Snap-4" fins. I was very pleased for being only $30. Made in Italy too.

 

[Rogger Castells]

Mel, There is a divers direct store next to the Pro Bass Shops just west of I95 and Stirling Road, I've been there and I agree that they do not carry the top of the line equipment, they do carry very good stuff and unbeatable prices, They have good brands like Mares and Tusa and some other not so known brands.
Another of their advanteges is that they are an authorized dealer to all the brands they carry in their stores. They also have advertized and in display package specials.
If I was to buy my equipment again, I wouldn't hesitate in going there to buy my stuff.

 

[REDDAWG43]

cool...I will check them out Rogger.
Rogger maybe once I decide to buy you could come along as my personal advisor.
Right now I want to buy snorkel gear, and research the dive gear. I figure if I am going to spend a small fortune on myself and on my wife....then I want to make sure I am happy with what I buy and have quality stuff.

 

[Rogger Castells]

no prob, let me know

 

[ReefWreak]

I've bought locally from a shop in Tallahassee because they gave a special discount for the FSU scuba diving classes. When I was in orlando I went to a Divers Direct and bought all the stuff for my bro, his friend, and my g/f. Ended up getting pretty decent deals, and so what if they're generic or last year's models? I got an awesome deal on a pair of Tusa Xpert Zoom split fins in Tally, so I suggested them when everyone else bought their stuff. The only difference between buying from LDS and Diver Direct is that DD had the same dang fins, but instead of being colored, they were black only, no cool colorful designs. Maybe they had black and grey? Either way, the price would have been lower if I paid retail at the Tally one, but we got a discount.

BTW I highly recommend those fins or most split fins. They make swimming a breeze, and are especially helpful if you aren't athletic and/or have back problems.

Be sure that if you're serious about diving, whether it be snorkel or scuba, that you get fins that you use a bootie in. Booties are usually suggested if not required on scuba diving boats.

Good luck on the equipment quest!

EDIT:

BTW I found this link helpful when researching gear. A lot of it might be outdated, but more or less the stuff stays the same year after year.
http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/regulators/the_mother_of_all_reg_reviews

 

[A.T.T.R]

aeries and mares are two of the better brands for the price
divers direct carrys both


in your opinion what is the absolute best brand?

 

[Rogger Castells]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9798594#post9798594 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by A.T.T.R
aeries and mares are two of the better brands for the price
divers direct carrys both


in your opinion what is the absolute best brand?

IMO I think Scubapro is the best equipment for me.

 

[andrewwl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9797949#post9797949 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefWreak
Be sure that if you're serious about diving, whether it be snorkel or scuba, that you get fins that you use a bootie in. Booties are usually suggested if not required on scuba diving boats.

Curious about this - I had some hard plastic fins that hurt my feet and somebody finally clued me in to needing booties. But my fitted fins feel great - why one over the other?

 

[AJtheReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9798618#post9798618 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rogger Castells
IMO I think Scubapro is the best equipment for me.

I think Scubapro is the best equipment on regulators and BCs.

I think when we talk about masks, fins and snorkels. . . . is mostly a matter of preference as long as you buy one of the reputable brands (Mares, Cressi, TUSA, etc.)

 

[pedromatic]

Mel,
If you and your wife are just starting out, my advice is to get the basics: mask, snorkel, fins, gloves, booties, maybe a wet suit. Then rent the rest until you're both sure you are into diving. The sport can get very expensive fast, almost as expensive as a reef tank 80). Have fun!

 

[scubasteve247]

andrewwl, the fins that use booties IMO are much more praticle, they are esay to take on and off, adjustable, and when your not wearing them you have your booties on to protect your feet, like ReefWreak said if you go on a dive boat, most make you wear them so you dont injure your feet.

Also, if you ever get sand in the fitted ones, OUCH, chafing to the extreme.

 

[REDDAWG43]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9799678#post9799678 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pedromatic
Mel,
If you and your wife are just starting out, my advice is to get the basics: mask, snorkel, fins, gloves, booties, maybe a wet suit. Then rent the rest until you're both sure you are into diving. The sport can get very expensive fast, almost as expensive as a reef tank 80). Have fun!

No, for sure....thats why right now I want the basics, which is everything you mentioned. But I want to start researching (checking online and talking to current divers), trying on gear, and checking out shops on prices..... I want to stretch this out.
I do not want to jump in head first, I know it could very become
a costly mistake.

 

[Von_Rahvin]

if you want the best price Hands down http://www.leisurepro.com/catalog.aspx

i picked up a pair of cressi Grassa 3000's for 90 bucks there.
also LED dive lights
dive knifes etc. great prices and great service.
DD is great in a pinch, but they don't really have good prices. Sides they just got rid of their 2 dollar air fill.

 

[REDDAWG43]

Good info....will check out leisure pro!

 

[andrewwl]

Von_Rahvin: how do you buy something like the Cressi Garra online (without trying it on) ?