Gear Thoughts....

First Employee   Jan 13, 2025

Remember when we mentioned last time about the plethora of scuba gear manufacturers? Dive Rite, Scuba Pro, Mares, Tusa, Waterproof, SeaSkin, Hollis, Hog, Aqualung, OMS. These are some of the major names you might see on any trip you go on, whether on the dive boat or at your local quarry.

 

As a new diver, you are keenly aware of the variety and that you may want to add it that regulator or BCD to your new dive locker. So what springs to mind when considering where and what to buy, price right? Of course, everyone has been there looking at that new regulator saying, “I like it, but I don't 800 dollars like it”. So you decide to look online and guess what you find the exact same regulator for $400 on Amazon! Problem has been solved, you are one step closer to owning your full scuba gear set.

 

Truly there is nothing wrong with purchasing anything you need online, ease of delivery is very enticing when you factor in the high octane of every day life. Its one less thing to think about and you can send it back without having to deal with anyone other than the UPS store employee you give your package to. 

 

Let’s go back to the regulator you saw in the shop for $800. What makes it $800, when you find it on Amazon for $400? Well that $800 is made up of the shop costs from purchasing the regulator from the manufacturer and a markup so that they can make a small profit from providing you with the new regulator. Remember the shop is still a business and they need to make money to keep the lights on so they have to try and make a profit. That markup not only helps pay the bills but also allows a shop to continue to offer services to the local diving community.  

 

Now ask yourself do you want access to  someone you can talk to who has physically put your regulator model together, perhaps even owns a set like the one you want? Or do you want an impersonal email exchange? It truly is a personal choice but consider investing your money and time in such a way that you will be happy with the results. 

 

Yours in Diving,

 

Robert Veitch Ed.D.

SDI Divemaster #39873