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Dive Right In Scuba Review

Sunday, May 18th

2025 Scuba Store Reviews

Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award Dive Right In Scuba Review 5 Star Rating

Dive Right In Scuba

5 Star Rating
  • Price-matches competitors within a 60-day window and free ground shipping on orders over $75
  • PADI 5 Star Career Development Center and SDI/TDI 5 Star Instructor Training Center
  • Comprehensive training programs from beginner to instructor level, including specialized courses
  • Full-service repair facility for all scuba equipment
  • Unique virtual learning options including equipment maintenance courses
  • 60-day return policy with option for store credit up to 120 days
  • Exceptional customer service with 4.8-star average from nearly 5,000 reviews
  • Extensive inventory of major brands and accessories
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

Looking for high-quality scuba gear and expert guidance on your diving journey? Since 2005, Dive Right In Scuba's website has been serving the Illinois diving community with an impressive selection of scuba gear, state-of-the-art repair facilities, and a passionate team ready to help both newcomers and seasoned pros. They've built their reputation on exceptional service, offering everything from comprehensive training programs (including specialized courses for firefighters - how cool is that?) to a massive inventory of diving equipment at competitive prices. With two physical locations in Plainfield and Orland Park, plus their user-friendly online store, you'll find all the scuba gear and support you need to make your underwater adventures unforgettable.

Get certified

At Dive Right In Scuba's website, you'll find way more than just scuba gear for sale. As a PADI 5 Star Career Development Center and SDI/TDI 5 Star Instructor Training Center, they offer courses for everyone from beginners to future instructors. They also provide specialized training for police and fire diving, CPR certification, and freediving. They even help military veterans pursue instructor certification using VA benefits.

Learn to service your own scuba gear, or pay them to do it

Need your scuba gear fixed? Dive Right In Scuba handles everything from drysuit and regulator repairs to BCD maintenance and tank fills. They're also the only online scuba gear retailer we found offering virtual learning - you can take online courses to learn things like equipment maintenance, including their regulator servicing class that costs around $250 (though you'll need to invest in tools and materials). This course comes highly recommended by past students.

Adventure awaits

Looking to put your scuba gear and skills to use? Dive Right In Scuba offers an exciting lineup of trips, including adventures to the Georgia Aquarium, the Sea of Cortez, and the Bahamas. They also provide local diving opportunities with Great Lakes boat charters, plus convenient services like gear rental and a swim program.

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Prices compare to competitors

When you're shopping for scuba gear at Dive Right In Scuba, you'll find their prices match up perfectly with other major retailers. A quick look at some popular items shows this clearly - their Bella BCD from Scubapro goes for $759, and the Mares Abyss 22 Navy II runs $795.95, in line with manufacturer pricing. (When you're investing in life-support equipment, it's not wise to trust suspiciously cheap gear.)

A price match policy that protects you

However, if you do happen to spot a lower price from a competitor that you'd like to take advantage of, Dive Right In Scuba offers a price match guarantee. Just click the Price Match button next to any product and fill out a quick form. Even better, if you find a lower price within 60 days after your purchase, they'll credit you the difference toward your next buy. This allows you to take advantage of unauthorized dealers' prices while giving you the peace of mind of a full manufacturer's warranty - though Dive Right In Scuba will need 24 hours to verify the competitor has the item in stock.

Website is neatly organized

When you visit Dive Right In Scuba's website, you'll find an intuitive shopping experience with gear organized into convenient categories like scuba gear, drysuits and wetsuits, technical diving, gear packages, accessories, watersport gear, and photography equipment. You can also browse by special sections like deals, new arrivals, and best sellers. Each product listing comes with detailed specifications, customer reviews, and a Q&A section to help you make informed decisions. (Pro tip: If you're having trouble finding a specific item through the search bar, use the filters in the left sidebar to narrow down by product type, brand, or model - it'll save you some time.)

Shipping options that work for your scuba shopping style

When you're shopping for scuba gear on Dive Right In Scuba's website, you'll find some pretty generous shipping offers that can save you money (if you play your cards right). They offer free ground shipping to the lower 48 states on orders over $75 of non-sale items. Just keep in mind that if you're using loyalty points for your purchase, the total after points needs to hit that $75 mark to qualify for free shipping - which might mean adding an extra mask strap or defog spray to your cart. For international divers, there's free Super Saver Shipping on orders over $1,000, though you'll want to factor in potential customs fees.

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Returns that give you time to test your gear

Dive Right In Scuba understands that scuba gear needs to be just right, which is why their return policy is flexible. You've got 60 days to return new, unopened items for a full refund, and if you're between 60-120 days, you'll get the full amount back in loyalty points. If you've gently used the gear within 30 days, you can still get a full credit toward new equipment. This is particularly helpful when you're buying something like a wetsuit or BCD that ought to be tested in real conditions. However, some specialty items like rebreathers and oxygen sensors can't be returned, and custom gear might incur a restocking fee, so choose carefully when ordering those big-ticket items.

Dive Right In Scuba's customer service is legendary

Dive Right In Scuba's customer service goes way beyond what most retailers offer, and their near-flawless 4.8-star average from nearly 5,000 reviews can attest to that. What really sets them apart is their genuine interest in their divers' needs - customers report having detailed phone conversations about their diving plans, saying that staff will actually talk you out of buying expensive gear you don't need and suggest more appropriate (and affordable) alternatives. One long-time customer of 20 years praised how this dive shop has consistently maintained this high level of service and knowledgeable staff.

Makes buying scuba gear less intimidating

We're glad to report that Dive Right In Scuba has a proactive communication style. When they had an inventory issue with some regulators, they immediately reached out to their affected customers to discuss timing and options - and if you've ever ordered scuba gear for an upcoming vacation only for it not to arrive in time, you know how meaningful that is. Dive Right In Scuba makes the online scuba shopping experience feel more like visiting a local dive shop, sending personalized shipping confirmation emails with photos and staying available for post-purchase support, including helping you set up your gear and sending tutorial videos. As one customer put it, they're "a refreshing breath of humanity" in an era of automated responses.

Dive Right In with Scuba

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more trustworthy, customer-focused scuba gear retailer anywhere. With Dive Right In Scuba's perfect mix of competitive prices, exceptional customer service, and deep diving expertise, they've earned our highest recommendation. Whether you're just getting your feet wet or you're a seasoned diver, Dive Right In Scuba will make sure you're equipped with exactly what you need - no more, no less. They earn our top rating of 5 stars.

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%.

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Scuba Store FAQ

Your basic equipment will include a mask, a regulator (i.e. the mouthpiece) and tank, and fins. Optional items include a wetsuit (not so optional if you're diving in cold water!), weights to help you stay below the surface more easily, an underwater camera, and anything else you might need for how you intend to spend your time (such as spearfishing, exploring a shipwreck, and so on).
In scuba diving, you're equipped to breathe underwater! Snorkeling is best for staying at the surface, because you'll need to hold your breath if you want to dive down for a closer look at a school of fish or a shipwreck. Both activities use a mask for optimal vision, and a wetsuit if you're trying to regulate your temperature.
Tec diving goes beyond the typical recreational scuba diving limits and requires divers to have extra training, experience and equipment. Most tec divers use two air tanks instead of one, two regulators, dive computers, and other backup gear. These dives go much deeper than most recreational scuba activities, so divers have to be better prepared for emergencies.
For the most part, yes. Your mask, for example, will likely be appropriate for any dive regardless of water temperature. However, if you plan on diving in water that is cooler than 75 degrees, you may want to consider buying scuba gear designed for temperate climates: you'll still be able to use it on tropical dives, but you'll stay warmer when you're in colder water.
If you have a local store that's open year-round, lucky for you! However, most brick-and-mortar stores don't carry as much inventory as you'll find online. For example, your dive shop may only have one or two brands of wetsuits, and maybe none in your size. Buying your scuba gear online gives you access to the best selection available, whether you're diving in June or January.
It's absolutely safe to get your scuba gear from a reputable internet retailer. Some of these companies have been in business for decades and have a loyal customer following. Just be sure to read up on each store's return/exchange policies before you buy. Most of them give you a window to send items back if they're not the right size or not what you expected - just watch out for restocking fees!
A few online retailers give you the opportunity to buy gently-used fins, masks and other equipment. You may also be able to trade in your own gear for an upgrade. And, like most internet businesses, scuba gear stores often have promotional discounts, buy-more-and-save bundles, or free shipping if your purchase meets a certain minimum threshold. Scuba gear is definitely spendy, but there are ways to save some cash if you're a savvy shopper.
Most scuba gear stores are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Look for a toll-free number or online chat option on their websites. You can also visit the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) website to get more information about diving in general or even find a scuba class near you!
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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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