Larry please read this (ST freakin rules)

[greyzen]

So the last few days I've been lurking BC/Reg/Wetsuit threads... trying to learn as much as possible before I drop a ton of cash on new everytime.

When I walked into my LDS a few short weeks ago, I felt a whirlwind of sales techniques and gear purchase selections. The experience (not ST btw) flat out turned my wife against any kind of scuba purchases...

So now, I'm trying to fight the negative mood my wife was put in, and still get my gear.

I called Scubatoys today to get some answers and was very fortunate to get a guy named "Joey".

I explained my situation with my LDS, and about my physical size and asked some questions about BC's BP/W Regulators/etc.

Joey was freaking awesome, he used real-world explanations for what I should purchase when and all the products he would recommend and WHY.

For me, we decided to most likely go with a Zeagle Ranger (I'll be using two tanks) and hybrid the sizes to fit.

He was not only extremely patient and REAL, but he also didn't try to push the top gear down my throat and even suggested against spending a ton of money on something I might or might not need.

Joey, you rule... and my wife is totally going to let me pick up that BC pretty soon

[ScubaToys Larry]

Thank you so much for the kind words about our shop and our staff!

Joey is a great guy... happens to be Joe's son. And he and Joe share the office there - so he has to be nice or Joe will wack him upside the head!

He also handles all our purchasing with the vendors as well... so I'm glad you got a chance to talk to him, and very happy he was able to give you the info you needed.

Since you're just down the street from us (about 4 hours) hopefully sometime you can make your way up to Dallas and meet the crew and visit the store in person.

Again, thanks for the kind words and I will pass them along.

[greyzen]

Larry,

That is actually the plan... I'll be heading up there in a few weeks (My family is from Dallas so I'll crash at their place )

thanks for passing it along!

[Cichlid]

Originally Posted by greyzen

...and even suggested against spending a ton of money on something I might or might not need.

Unfortunately, today has now become Joey's last day.

J/k of course! It's these kinds of stories that make me realize there is only one place to buy my gear from. No, not Sport Chalet!

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by greyzen

Larry,

That is actually the plan... I'll be heading up there in a few weeks (My family is from Dallas so I'll crash at their place )

thanks for passing it along!

Why bother the family? Crash in the ScubaToys pool area (it's warm, but a bit humid). Spread out a couple BCs to make a bed and pillow. The bathroom's just down the hall. There's a candy machine just outside the men's room. Or, McDonald's is one exit north on I-35.

You know you're going to spend most of your time and money at ScubaToys. This way, you'll be there each morning when they open for business. When you need exercise, grab a tank, BC, mask, and reg, and swim around in the pool.

[greyzen]

I am so there...

Get a ranger bladder for a pillow, or forget it.. just wear the BC and tie down in the deep end!

[Zenagirl]

Since your wife was turned off by the LDS's sales tactics, take her with you to ScubaToys and show her how it should be done.

[alpine]

Originally Posted by Zenagirl

Since your wife was turned off by the LDS's sales tactics, take her with you to ScubaToys and show her how it should be done.

And sign her up for a certification class while she's there!

[creggur]

Originally Posted by greyzen

I am so there...

Get a ranger bladder for a pillow, or forget it.. just wear the BC and tie down in the deep end!

The Zeagle back pad makes a great pillow....

[greyzen]

Originally Posted by alpine

And sign her up for a certification class while she's there!

She actually has her OW...just is terrified to purchase or walk into any LDS for fear of walking out naked and wondering what happened.