Help me decide Caldera C45 or Emerald E550

[jeremyc50]

Help me decide Caldera C45 http://www.calderaspas.com/Spa_Showroom_Hot_Tubs/model_hot_tub_c45.htmlor Emerald E550 http://www.emeraldspa.com/product_line/estate_series/e550_specifications.html

I can get the Caldera C45 with the steps, lift buddy, outdoor GFCI, 2009 model for $6200 out the door.

The Emerald also comes with a lift buddy and steps however no GFCI, 2008 model for $6550 out the door.

Both are nice. The Caldera has a 5 year warranty on the mechanical and electrical while the Emerald has a 3.  The Caldera is slight larger but a bit more spacious for foot room then the Emerald. The Emerald has LED lighting around the tub which I could care less about.  Both are very nice tubs. Please give me your thoughts on the brands / features?

Thank you I'm a newb

[Vanguard]

While I haven't really ever heard anything bad about Emerald, I would go with the Caldera.

In the climate we're in, I think you are safer going with a larger company that has the financial backing that Caldera has.  

Caldera is a great spa and a great company.  If the spa fits your needs and is comfortable to you, that is the way I'd go.

[Gary]

If that is what you are down to the Caldera is a much better choice.

[jeremyc50]

Sounds like Caldera is the way to go. Thanks guys.

How about the price? I shopped 8 different vendors here in Michigan at a large Outdoor home and garden show. They originally wanted ($9,999 MSRP) for the tub. Whatever the heck MSRP means on a hot tub. Regardless they stuck firm at $7000 then after 6 hours of bouncing between all dealers came down to $6200.  Anyone get a better price on a C45?

[Vanguard]

To be honest, MSRP means nothing when shopping for a hot tub.  Very, very few dealers have a price and stick to it.  Most will negotiate with you.  If you got a price of $6200 on a C45, I'd run with it.  That is a great price on that tub.