PADI membership - what is the value?

[Scout]

My OW certification was through PADI and I thought it was well done, probably in large part due to the instructor.

So recently, my friends at PADI have been asking me to become a member for the low, low price of $29. This buys "a year's subscription to Sport Diver, a bag, 'special' dive travel benefits, savings on dive equipment, hotel and car rental discounts, members-only events, a membership card (!!) and updates on PADI certification programs."

I already subscribe to Scuba Diving, I've got a dive bag, and I can find a ton of info on PADI cert programs online. I'm just not convinced in the value of PADI membership, unlike something like DAN membership, which provides life-saving services for a minimal annual expense.

Are you a PADI member? Why?

[datamunk]

PADI: adjective : put another dollar in



if your an OW, i would pass. when you get to divemaster and higher there are "annual" fees to stay 'active'

if you already have that, i wouldnt bother. i dont know what kinda discounts on gear they mean, but unless you are plannin on buyin stuff, dont bother.

[torrey]

I did it once for $19...figured it might at least be worth the bag, but the bag really is a piece of junk. Not only is the material very thin (vinyl, I believe), it also has a very strong plastic smell that will not go away. I couldn't even keep it in the house, it stunk too much. I don't really see much benefit in being a member.

[RoadRacer1978]

I'm not a member either. Don't see any reason to become one. I have DAN membership and Alert diver magazine is probably more informative for me than Sport Diver. Guess I'll have to pony up the cash every year when I reach divemaster and above though.

[BobbyWombat]

I got the same offer. Didn't bother to become a member. The "valuable benefits" didn't really impress me.

The mag isn't bad, but it is not my favorite. I'd prefer to spend the $19 elsewhere.

[torrey]

Originally Posted by RoadRacer1978

Guess I'll have to pony up the cash every year when I reach divemaster and above though.

Is that a requirement, or does it benefit you somehow?

edit: nevermind, I see the answer in datamunk's post above now.

[mike_s]

The magazine is not worth $19 bucks, much less the $29 to $35 normal price of the PADI membership.

Like the others said. PADI = Put Another Dollar In

[somewhereinla]

The PADI certification agency is a master at marketing gimmiks to get as much money from you as possible. If I were you I would spend the money in diving equipment or on DAN for that matter.

[comet24]

I would gain DAN first. Your money goes to a good causes.

[Zenagirl]

Fine, I'll be the only one who responds who is a PADI member.

I originally "joined" because I wanted the magazine.....I happen to like any dive magazine that has pretty pictures. Then later when I took a couple of "specialties of the month" I got an H2Yo rattle and a t-shirt (which I like) for "free". I also got 3 free tank fills when we were on vacation once.

I think between the magazine and the "freebees", I've about broken even on my membership dues, and in December I'm going to get a set of "Fish Flips" for doing another specialty of the month.

Only you can decide if it's worth it for you. Oh yeah, and I agree that bag they send is really crappy.