3-6-07:

I've been doing the online thing for a long time now. I had my first web page in 1996, hosted on Geocities.com.

I love the internet. It's great for a lot of things. Can you imagine going back to the old "research" ways when you are interested in a subject? I love libraries but when I want to know something specific, I just don't have time to go to the library and drag out a hundred books looking for that little bit of information. Googling it is the fastest way to find something (sometimes more than what you'd like to know but still!).

It's become more mainstream as well to purchase STUFF online. Ebay. Amazon.com. Automotive parts. STUFF. Lots and lots of it.

I've made purchases online and in most cases, don't hesitate to do so but there are some things that I'd never buy sight unseen online.

I can now add diving gear to the short of list of things I would not purchase online.

Diving gear is mass manufactured for the most part. Just like clothes.

But that's the kicker. I hate buying clothes because even though they go by this system of sizing, they are NEVER THE SAME between manufacturers, or even in the same line. Different cuts, different fits, etc. I go in to buy a pair of jeans and have ended up trying on over 15 pairs before I found a pair that actually fit the way it was supposed to. Frustrating.

I can't imagine shopping online and buying a BC or a mask or a fin or a wetsuit with this thought in mind and that's just the first point to worry about but it's a very important point.

I tried on and used (while learning in the pool) 5 different masks. Not a single one of them was "perfect" for my face shape. They flooded, they sagged, they didn't fit right, etc. I was so frustrated by the end of 3 hours of this that I was asking myself if this diving mess was even worth it.

Then, Michael took me and bought me my own mask for an early Christmas gift, in anticipation of my upcoming check out dives (that were to be done the first week of December).

I tried on a few pairs and didn't like the feel of them on my face. The skirt (soft edge that lays against your face and forehead), didn't sit properly on my face. One mask's skirt was too long on the bottom and I could barely move my upper lip let alone try to get it to fit with a reg in my mouth without breaking that seal.

I finally found a pair that fit comfortably and felt perfect as soon as I placed it against my face. Of all the styles I tried on, my little old Genesis SL mask works the best for me. It's obviously not the most expensive mask out there but it's not the cheapest. Don't buy your mask (or any of your equipment) on the cheap just because it's the least expensive option and you're trying to save $20. Your comfort underwater is worth that extra $20.

And sure, you can find masks all day long online that show a $20 or so, difference than what you'll pay at your local dive shop but I have heard many of the local shop owners tell customers that if they find something they like and it's cheaper online, just give them a call. At least give them a chance to compete with the gray market sellers. Besides, if you buy from an authorized local dealer, you can bet your warranty will never be questioned.

I think the most important thing to think about in any equipment purchase is that it's going to keep you alive underwater.

Do you really think some faceless internet sales person is going to worry if maybe that BC rides too low on your hips? Or that you might be unsure of how the weight placement system is going to work? Or if the mask and fins fit YOU just right?

I doubt it.

~ Main Page ~

Links:

Capital Scuba

Ncdivers.com