local dive shop(we love you but...)

[LKunze]

 Here's my two cents...<br>  I will buy accessories online but I bought my life support gear at a LDS.  I could have saved at least a third of what I spent on my Reg, BC, and Computer had I bought online but in a pinch I'm counting on the LDS to be there for me if I need quick, convenient, quality, and fair service.   I too had a hard time making a decision and in the end it comes down to what you feel comfortable with.  <br>  In the long haul if you are going to stick with your gear purchases for awhile then $$-wise LDS purchases may even out with what you'd save buying online when factoring in some price breaks and service breaks you may receive from the LDS from buying from them.  If you're going to upgrade gear every year and you are the type of person that has to have that newest model piece of gear every year then buying online and selling your old gear on Ebay each year might be your best bet.  <br>  If you buy online I doubt any local shop is going to deny you service, afterall service is part of their business but, don't expect to receive any breaks, or be greeted with a big smile when you're bringing in your brand new shiny reg for a tune up that you just bought online and were previously checking out at the LDS.  <br>  Another thing I'd point out is that most online purchases do not include a legit official (Mfg's Warranty).  Most online dive stores will offer there own warranty so to speak covering defects etc. but you'd still have to ship the product back to them.  Same with servicing issues, you'll have to ship it out and most likely pay for the shipping out of your own pocket.  Maybe it's an unlikely scenario but it would be less convenient and cost more to do this.  <br>