Where to Buy Scuba Diving Gear

I’ve been diving for over 10 years, and I’ve bought gear from all over the place. I’ve found that the best place to buy scuba diving gear is online. There are a few reasons for this.
First, online retailers have a much wider selection of gear than local dive shops. This means that you’re more likely to find the exact piece of gear that you’re looking for. Second, online retailers often have lower prices than local dive shops. This is because they don’t have the same overhead costs, such as rent and utilities. Finally, online retailers often offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you’re buying a large or heavy piece of gear.

Online Retailers

I’ve bought scuba diving gear from a variety of online retailers over the years, and I’ve had good experiences with most of them. Here are a few of my favorites⁚
Dive Gear Express⁚ Dive Gear Express is a large online retailer that sells a wide range of scuba diving gear, from masks and fins to regulators and buoyancy compensators. I’ve always found their prices to be competitive, and their shipping is fast and reliable.

Scuba.com⁚ Scuba.com is another large online retailer that sells a wide range of scuba diving gear. I’ve found their prices to be a bit higher than Dive Gear Express, but they often have sales and discounts. They also have a good selection of used gear.

Leisure Pro⁚ Leisure Pro is a smaller online retailer that specializes in scuba diving gear. I’ve found their prices to be competitive, and their customer service is excellent. They also have a good selection of used gear.

The Scuba Store⁚ The Scuba Store is a small online retailer that sells a variety of scuba diving gear. I’ve found their prices to be a bit higher than the other retailers on this list, but they have a good selection of high-end gear.

Amazon⁚ Amazon sells a wide range of scuba diving gear, from masks and fins to regulators and buoyancy compensators. I’ve found their prices to be competitive, and their shipping is fast and reliable. However, their selection of scuba diving gear is not as extensive as some of the other retailers on this list.

When buying scuba diving gear online, it’s important to do your research and compare prices from different retailers. You should also read reviews of the retailer before making a purchase. This will help you to avoid any potential problems.

Local Dive Shops

I’ve also bought scuba diving gear from a variety of local dive shops over the years. I’ve had good experiences with most of them, but I have had a few bad experiences as well. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying scuba diving gear from a local dive shop⁚

• Do your research. Before you go to a local dive shop, do some research online to compare prices and read reviews. This will help you to avoid any potential problems.
• Ask around. Talk to other divers in your area to see which local dive shops they recommend. This is a great way to get firsthand information about the quality of the gear and the service at different dive shops.
• Visit the shop in person. Once you’ve done your research, visit the local dive shop in person. This will give you a chance to meet the staff and see the gear for yourself.
• Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff questions about the gear and the service. This will help you to make an informed decision about whether or not to buy from that particular dive shop.
• Get fitted for gear. If you’re buying a new wetsuit or drysuit, it’s important to get fitted for the gear. This will ensure that the gear fits properly and is comfortable to wear.

I’ve found that the best local dive shops are the ones that are staffed by experienced divers who are passionate about the sport. These dive shops typically have a good selection of gear and are willing to take the time to help you find the right gear for your needs.

However, I have also been to some local dive shops that are staffed by inexperienced or unhelpful staff. These dive shops often have a limited selection of gear and are more interested in making a sale than in helping you find the right gear for your needs.

If you’re not sure which local dive shop to go to, I recommend asking for recommendations from other divers in your area. You can also read online reviews of local dive shops to get a sense of the quality of the gear and the service.

Used Gear

I’ve also bought used scuba diving gear on a few occasions. I’ve had good experiences with most of my used gear purchases, but I have had a few bad experiences as well. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying used scuba diving gear⁚

• Inspect the gear carefully. Before you buy used scuba diving gear, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or wear. This includes checking the seams, zippers, and buckles. You should also inflate the BCD and check for any leaks.
• Ask the seller questions. Ask the seller about the history of the gear and why they are selling it. This will help you to assess the condition of the gear and make an informed decision about whether or not to buy it.
• Get the gear serviced. Once you’ve bought used scuba diving gear, it’s a good idea to have it serviced by a qualified technician. This will help to ensure that the gear is safe to use.

I’ve found that the best place to buy used scuba diving gear is from a friend or fellow diver. This way, you can be sure that the gear has been well-maintained and is in good condition.

I’ve also bought used scuba diving gear from online retailers and at dive shows. However, I’ve found that it’s important to be careful when buying used gear from these sources. I recommend inspecting the gear carefully and asking the seller questions before you buy it.

Overall, I’ve had good experiences with buying used scuba diving gear. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to ensure that the gear is safe to use.

Here are a few tips for buying used scuba diving gear⁚

• Buy from a reputable source. The best place to buy used scuba diving gear is from a friend or fellow diver. This way, you can be sure that the gear has been well-maintained and is in good condition.
• Inspect the gear carefully. Before you buy used scuba diving gear, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or wear. This includes checking the seams, zippers, and buckles. You should also inflate the BCD and check for any leaks.
• Ask the seller questions. Ask the seller about the history of the gear and why they are selling it. This will help you to assess the condition of the gear and make an informed decision about whether or not to buy it.
• Get the gear serviced. Once you’ve bought used scuba diving gear, it’s a good idea to have it serviced by a qualified technician. This will help to ensure that the gear is safe to use.

Try Before You Buy

If you’re not sure what size or type of scuba diving gear you need, it’s a good idea to try it before you buy it. There are a few ways to do this⁚

• Rent gear from a local dive shop. Most local dive shops offer rental gear. This is a great way to try out different types of gear and see what works best for you.
• Attend a scuba diving demo day. Many dive shops and manufacturers host scuba diving demo days. These events give you the opportunity to try out different types of gear in a controlled environment.
• Borrow gear from a friend or fellow diver. If you have a friend or fellow diver who has the type of gear you’re interested in, ask if you can borrow it for a dive or two.

I’ve found that trying out scuba diving gear before I buy it is a great way to make sure that I’m getting the right gear for my needs. I’ve also found that it’s a good way to save money. By trying out different types of gear, I’ve been able to narrow down my choices and find the best gear for my budget.

Here are a few tips for trying out scuba diving gear before you buy it⁚

• Try out different types of gear. Don’t just try out one type of gear. Try out different brands, models, and sizes to find the gear that fits you best.
• Try out the gear in different conditions. If possible, try out the gear in different conditions, such as in a pool, in a lake, and in the ocean. This will help you to see how the gear performs in different environments.
• Ask questions. If you have any questions about the gear, ask the dive shop staff or the manufacturer’s representative. They can help you to choose the right gear for your needs.

Trying out scuba diving gear before you buy it is a great way to make sure that you’re getting the right gear for your needs. It’s also a good way to save money. By trying out different types of gear, you can narrow down your choices and find the best gear for your budget.