Monday, October 2nd
2023 Scuba Store Reviews
Divers Direct
- Wetsuits from $89.99 to $509.95
- In-person store options in FL
- 110% price-match guarantee
- 30-day return policy
- Offers certification classes in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale
- Family-owned business
- "A+" rating from the BBB
Divers Direct is a family-owned business that is dedicated to providing a wide selection of scuba gear and knowledgeable staff to educate divers on what they'll need to explore the underwater world. The company was founded in 1984 by Wayne Senecal, who initially offered dive excursions in Key Largo, FL. Today, Divers Direct is present throughout Florida and online, and ships gear all over the world. Additionally, they offer classes, workshops, and events to educate beginners and advanced divers on the best practices to discover the ocean.
Low prices compared to others
To compare prices we looked at three items most divers need to get started (or replace): wetsuits, dive masks, and pressure gauges.
- At Divers Direct, the price for wetsuits ranges from $89.99 to $509.95 for a full-size adult wetsuit. There are some cheaper options around $60.00 for children. These prices are competitive and cheaper than many other options in our review.
- In terms of dive masks, the prices range from $49.99 to $220. This is much less expensive than many other options online.
- Finally, the price range for pressure gauges at Divers Direct is $52 to $2,049. This is a much higher range of prices than some competitors, but Divers Direct does offer reasonable options in lower price ranges too.
Professionals stand behind the products
Though some of the brand options are more limited at Divers Direct, the customers have the benefit of knowing that all of the products are tested by real divers and dive instructors and are all highly recommended by professionals. However, if you're looking for a particular brand or style option, the smaller selection at Divers Direct might not be ideal for your needs.
Great rewards program
One of the benefits of shopping at Divers Direct is the rewards program. Customers can enjoy a variety of benefits, including free gear and other perks. The Direct Rewards program allows customers to earn points for every dollar spent, with a $10 gift card awarded for every 250 points earned. Members also receive exclusive half-price tank fills on Mondays through Thursdays, as well as early access to email offers and product releases. This program is a great way for customers to get more of what they love from Divers Direct.
110% price match guarantee
Divers Direct offers a guarantee to its customers that they will get the best gear at the best value. This is supported by their 110% Price Match Guarantee. If shoppers find the same product at another authorized dealer, either in-store or online, Divers Direct will match the price and offer an additional 10% off the difference. This guarantee is valid even after the purchase is made. If customers find a lower price for the same product within 30 days of their purchase, Divers Direct will still refund the difference plus an additional 10%.
Training and certification available
Another great benefit of using Divers Direct as a trusted scuba retailer is that they can provide a one-stop shop for products and training. With over 36 years of experience in the industry, their professional instructors in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando offer SCUBA Certification and Freediving Certification courses, ensuring that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to dive safely. Upon completing the SCUBA Certification Course, you'll receive your PADI Certification or SSI Certification for Open Water Diving.
Advanced certification also available
Divers Direct also offers advanced certification courses such as the Advanced Open Water Certification, Nitrox Certification, and Stress and Rescue Certification courses. If you're already certified but need a refresher course, they've got you covered. In addition to instruction, Divers Direct offers gear experts who can help you select the right equipment for your diving experience. The only downside is you do need to be able to attend classes in person. So, the location options might be a little limited.
Filters could use updates
One drawback of the site is the filters. It can make it a little hard to find what you're looking for, as the only options are price filters or brand filters. It was a little difficult to find wetsuits this way. The page will also reload completely before showing customers the filtered options, so it can make it a little clunky to use.
30-day return policy
If you're worried about returns, Divers Direct offers a 30-day returns policy. However, some items have restrictions. Hookah diving systems, air compressors, diving scooters, diving computers with logged dives, and camera equipment that has been removed from original packaging are subject to a 20% restocking fee. Items of personal hygiene like bathing suits, mouthpieces, and snorkels are non-returnable once used or worn, but unused items in original packaging can be returned.
Great ratings for online shop
In terms of customer feedback, Divers Direct has a good reputation both in-person and online. Third-party review sites show that shoppers have rated Divers Direct an average star rating of 4.3 out of 5. Additionally, Divers Direct has an "A+" rating with the Better Business Bureau. The positive reviews note that customers who ordered from Divers Direct received their items in perfect condition and with really fast shipping. Customers who didn't like Divers Direct complained that the in-person experience at the brick-and-mortar store was not as pleasant as online shopping, and that service took much longer in person.
Worth shopping for great deals
Overall, Divers Direct is a great option for divers who are looking for a wide selection of quality scuba gear at competitive prices, along with the benefit of professional guidance and instruction. The rewards program, price match guarantee, and easy returns policy are additional advantages that make shopping at Divers Direct a worry-free experience. While the filter options on the website can be a little clunky, and the in-person experience at the brick-and-mortar stores may not be as efficient as online shopping, the positive customer reviews and an "A+" rating with the Better Business Bureau speak to the high level of customer satisfaction that Divers Direct strives to achieve. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Divers Direct is a trusted and reliable source for all your diving needs.
More Scuba Store Reviews
The 10 Best Scuba Stores
Where's the Best Place to Get Scuba Gear?
Whether you're looking for a new vacation idea or you're a diving enthusiast, scuba can be an unforgettable experience. Scuba diving can be peaceful and meditative as you float effortlessly in the water, surrounded by the calm and quiet of the underwater world. It is also a great way to stay active and healthy, as it provides a full-body workout while you swim and move through the water.
It's no wonder that scuba diving is a popular recreational activity. The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) reported that there were around 6.54 million active scuba divers in the US alone. It's not hard to see why, with beautiful domestic diving destinations like Florida, California, and Hawaii. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) also reported that over 27 million PADI certifications have been issued worldwide since 1966. That's a lot of certified divers!
Scuba Store FAQ
Continued from above...
However, before diving, it is essential to have the right gear to ensure safety and comfort. Scuba gear typically includes a wetsuit, mask, fins, buoyancy control device (BCD), regulator, and tank. Each piece of equipment is vital to a successful dive, and it's important to know what to look for when purchasing scuba gear. Safety is everything, especially if you're diving in the open ocean, so you want to know you're getting the right equipment for your diving experience.
When buying scuba gear, it's important to first consider the type of diving you'll be doing. Scuba gear comes in different styles, each designed for different types of diving and individual preferences. The most common style is the traditional scuba gear, which comprises a wetsuit, mask, fins, buoyancy control device (BCD), regulator, and tank. Full-face scuba masks offer a wider field of vision than traditional masks and come equipped with communication systems to enable divers to communicate underwater.
Sidemount scuba gear, on the other hand, involves attaching tanks to the sides of the body for greater flexibility and maneuverability underwater. Or if you're going diving somewhere cold, drysuits provide insulation to keep divers dry and warm in cold water by keeping water out, usually made of neoprene or other waterproof materials.
With the rise in popularity for scuba diving as a recreational and vacation activity, there are a lot of different options for scuba gear. How do you know which one to choose for your scuba experience? Here are a few important factors to consider to help you get started:
- Cost. What are the prices like? Are you being overcharged for a package you can easily get somewhere else? Does the price match the quality of the gear you're buying?
- User-friendly shopping. Is the website difficult to navigate? Can you easily find the scuba gear you're looking for? Can you accurately limit the products and find the gear you need?
- Type of dive. What kind of scuba gear are you looking for? Do you need something specific for a particular dive style? Or are you looking for something basic like a rash guard? Do you need computers in metric or imperial data?
- Gear options. At some stores they specialize in particular types of gear, so you may find just wetsuits, for example. If you're looking for a one-stop shop, it's important to make sure the store has everything you need to start (or continue) diving.
- Certification and lessons. Are you looking for more than just gear? What about stores that can help you get dive certified? Some options in our list provide certification classes, so if that's on your must-have list, you're in luck.
Top Consumer Reviews is here to make the process of finding the best scuba gear a splash by reviewing and ranking the best scuba gear retailers out there today. We hope this information helps you feel ready to jump in the water and start making friends with the fishies!
Compare Scuba Stores
Select any 2 Scuba Stores to compare them head to head
Trending Scuba News
Related Scuba Reviews
Since you're interested in Scuba Stores, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
