Friday, April 18th
2025 Scuba Store Reviews
Online Scuba
- Standard market rates for popular items and occasional deals on clearance items
- Expert assembly of all scuba gear by certified professionals before shipping
- Full manufacturer warranties and authentic guarantees on all products
- Owned and operated by certified scuba instructors and divemasters
- Comprehensive product catalog including everything from basic gear to specialized equipment
- Special military discounts and volume pricing available
- Equipment repair and maintenance services offered at reasonable rates ($40)
- 60-day return window for most items
- Free shipping available on select items
- PADI certification courses and training available in Las Vegas location
At Online Scuba, you'll find a wealth of diving equipment backed by expert assembly from certified instructors, though you'll have to look past their decidedly retro website design. They stand out for their specialized military discounts and their staff's technical expertise in equipment configuration, but they need to pay more attention to customer complaints left on review platforms. Online Scuba has some areas to work on, but they're passionate and knowledgeable about what they do.
Swim Outlet
- Prices range from $56 for basic springsuits to $396 for 5mm full wetsuits
- Carries reputable wetsuit brands including Cressi, Xcel, O'Neill, and Mares
- Free shipping on orders over $49
- Strong customer service reputation with 4.5-star Trustpilot rating and "A+" BBB rating
- 30-day return policy with minimal $5.99 fee (waived for store credit)
- Functional website with secure checkout process
- SwimOutlet+ membership available ($4.99/year) for additional savings and benefits
- Over 5,000 physical return locations nationwide through Happy Returns partnership
- Multiple shipping options including expedited delivery
If you're into competitive swimming or beach activities, SwimOutlet could be a stop on your list. However, they only carry some basic scuba gear like wetsuits, masks, and fins from reputable brands. This retailer excels at serving recreational swimmers and beachgoers, but dedicated scuba divers should look elsewhere for their equipment needs. SwimOutlet is fine for basic accessories if you spot a good deal, but it shouldn't be your primary destination for dive equipment.
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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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