Monday, April 28th
2025 Scuba Store Reviews
House of Scuba
- Competitive prices across major brands
- Free shipping on orders over $50 for most products within continental US
- Extensive inventory including 240+ BCDs, 270+ regulators/octos, 200+ dive computers, and 124+ types of fins
- Full range of PADI certification courses from beginner to professional instructor level
- Equipment maintenance services with transparent pricing and worldwide availability
- Free lifetime replacement on service parts for Hollis, Oceanic, and Zeagle gear
- Flexible 30/60/120-day satisfaction guarantee return policy
- Specialized military and public safety diving equipment procurement services
- In-house product testing by certified diving professionals before offering items for sale
If you're looking for a well-established scuba gear retailer with competitive prices and comprehensive services, House of Scuba might be worth checking out. You'll find an extensive inventory of diving equipment, PADI certification courses from beginner to pro level, and notably transparent pricing for equipment maintenance services that they'll handle whether you're local to San Diego or shipping from abroad. While they excel at in-person service (with a 4.4-star local rating), their online customer service could use improvement, as evidenced by mixed reviews on platforms like Trustpilot. This retailer is ideal for both novice divers who need guidance and technical divers seeking specialized equipment, but might not be the best choice if you prioritize rapid online customer support. Based on our review criteria, we give House of Scuba a high rating - they offer great value and services but need to strengthen their online customer service for a shot at our first place ranking.
Divers Supply
- Competitive pricing with free shipping on US orders over $50
- Deals like $49.99 Deep See wetsuits and $399.99 open-box dive computers
- Extensive inventory featuring over 100 major scuba brands including HOG, Cressi, Aqualung, and Mares
- Four physical retail locations with a 35,000-square-foot flagship store
- Indoor heated training pool facility
- SDI, TDI, ERDI and PADI certified facilities with trained instructors
- Same-day shipping on express orders placed before 2 PM EST
- Worldwide shipping available to most countries
- 60-day return window for full refunds, extendable to 120 days for store credit
- Family-owned business operating since 1977
Short Divers Supply has a massive selection and competitive prices, with multiple physical locations alongside their online store. While their product range and pricing might catch your eye, their questionable customer service track record and confusing website experience should give you pause. This retailer might work if you're planning to shop in-person at one of their physical stores, but for online purchases, you'd be better off with a more reliable competitor. Given their concerning customer reviews and less forgiving return policy, we can't recommend Divers Supply as a good choice for your diving equipment needs.
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Where is the Best Place to Buy Scuba Gear?
If you're looking to upgrade your scuba diving gear, or you're just getting started with underwater adventures, you'll find that shopping for scuba equipment online offers both savings and selection - sometimes better than your local dive shop. While most online scuba stores maintain similar pricing (thanks to manufacturer agreements), they differ significantly in customer service.
Traditional brick-and-mortar dive shops that have expanded online typically provide personalized expertise and maintain long-term relationships with their customers. Meanwhile, large e-commerce retailers might offer less individual attention but compensate with extensive inventory options. If you do happen to find a lower price offered by an unauthorized scuba gear retailer, most authorized retailers offer price match guarantees between 100-110%.
Scuba Store FAQ
Continued from above...
Want more than just equipment? Many online scuba retailers create a complete diving ecosystem for their customers. You'll find equipment maintenance, tank services, gear rental programs, and certification courses. Some even partner with local instructors and organize diving excursions.
If you're worried about finding the right fit, you may want to patronize an online store with physical locations near you, but if that's not possible, you should go for an online scuba store with a generous return policy that includes gently-used items. (Because sometimes you don't realize how much extra room there is in your wetsuit until you take it for a spin.)
When choosing an online scuba gear store, also consider these important factors:
- Product selection and availability. If you're a tech diver, do they have specialized equipment like side-mount BCDs, back-plate/wing systems, or double tanks? Look for stores that carry major brands and offer various price points to match your budget.
- Customer service and expertise. Are the retailers' staff members experienced divers? Can they give personalized recommendations about equipment selection? What communication channels are available to reach their support team? Choose a scuba store that cares about your safety and is more passionate about scuba diving than they are about their bottom line.
- Return policy and warranty support. How long do you have to return items? Will they accept gear you've tried on? What happens if something breaks under warranty? When choosing scuba gear, you need to be able to return it if it doesn't work out.
- Shipping and handling. How quickly do they ship orders? Do they offer free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount? Choose a scuba gear store with consistent shipping and delivery timelines, or risk not having your gear in time for your vacation.
Whether you're shopping for your first mask and fins or upgrading your entire kit, finding the right online scuba gear store is crucial for your diving success and safety. Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best scuba gear stores available online. We hope this review helps you find the perfect equipment for your underwater adventures.
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