Rent vs. Buy?

[fuzzytop]

Yes, you can buy a compressor online but someone that is really an oldtimer would know that it's not the compressor thats important, but the quality of the air. And that is not something that you can get online. And, if you do it properly, the cost for a individual is prohibited. Also remember that the shops online  have to make a profit. But they do not have to take care of all the little things that come up. To them, you are just profit. The little extra that you pay to buy locally is for the service and is well worth the price.

[kieren]

i think the moral here is, no matter where you buy your gear...BUY YOUR GEAR, and BUY IT NEW.

[ScubaDo]

Here's another option in buying gear.  Get to know insructors and divemasters.  Not only do you get good advise, they also get special deals on their personal equipment.  We are allowed to turnover our gear once a year and both parties may win in the deal.