The perception of scuba gear as prohibitively expensive is a common one. From masks to wetsuits, the costs do add up. However, if you’re contemplating purchasing a full diving system, let me alleviate some of that overwhelming feeling with a few points to consider.
Firstly, ask yourself how frequently you intend to dive. If your diving excursions are infrequent, renting gear may be more cost-effective than investing in a complete system. It’s not necessarily the most profitable advice for our industry, but honesty is paramount in guiding customers towards decisions they won’t regret.
However, if you foresee regular diving outings, there are crucial factors to ponder:
- What type of diving will you primarily engage in? Consider whether it’s technical, recreational, for travel, local sites, ice diving, or others.
- Assess your budget and determine if additional accessories are essential at this stage.
- Evaluate the extent and locations of your planned diving activities.
Once you’ve answered these questions, we can conduct a gear counseling session to ensure you acquire the appropriate equipment for your specific diving objectives.
There’s a vast array of equipment available from various manufacturers, each catering to different needs and preferences. Through personal knowledge and experience, we categorize them into A, B, and C tiers. While salespersons may recite descriptions from catalogs, nothing surpasses actual hands-on experience. We meticulously test every piece of gear before making it available for sale, ensuring our customers receive only reliable equipment.
Our market typically supports mid to high-mid pricing for gear. However, some premium options may yield minimal profit margins for retailers, leading them to opt for lower-tier selections. In the St. George area, we primarily stock upper B to lower A categories of gear. It’s worth noting that with proper maintenance, scuba equipment can last for decades. Comparing it to the lifespan of golf clubs illustrates this longevity well.
At Access Scuba, we stand behind the quality of our gear with lifetime guarantees, provided certain conditions are met. Annual inspections, original ownership, and responsible usage are prerequisites. This equipment isn’t just recreational; it’s essential for your safety underwater. Treating it with care transforms it from a purchase into an investment, yielding countless memorable diving experiences.