J280, J365 & J345

[Jason]

I posted before with questions about a J280 vs an Elite 5400.  We're doing a wet test with those tomorrow, but I'm already considering another option and was hoping to get some guidance...

We plan to entertain a fair bit with our tub, but even when entertaining we'd only have 4 adults and maybe one kid in the tub with us.  The sales person I've been speaking with had directed me towards the J280, which is right in my price range.  However, I'm wondering if the J345 would be a sufficient enough size for us and allow us to step up in quality a bit from the 280.

While I like the size of the J280, I wonder if it's bigger than we'll really need.  I'm 6'1" and my wife is about 5'11", so I'm not sure if the J345 would be big enough when we add in a couple of other adults.

Are there any J345 owners that can share their thoughts?  Is the upgrade in quality really worth the compromise in size?

There is also the J365, but that gets out of our price range.  Right now the dealer is offering J280@ $6799, J345 @ $6999 and the J365 at $8999.

Unfortunately there is no J345 for us to wet test.  We will have the opportunity to wet test a J365 though.

Thanks for your help with our decision.

[Hottubguy]

For that price difference I would definetley go the j-345 route.  You lose some space but it should be plenty big enough for the use you describe.  Also the warranty is much, much better on the 300 series as well as the quality.  I'm not a Jacuzzi dealer but I think that price is very good as my competitor gets about 8k for that tub

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 Surprised there is such a huge difference between the 345 and the 365.    7000 for the 345 is a great price we were there 2 years ago or so.  Typically the 365 is about 1000 more than the J-345 

[Jason]

I hope I wasn't misquoted.  I wasn't originally looking at the 345 when in store.  I called back to ask about 345 pricing afterwards and spoke with someone new as the original rep I was dealing with was off for the day.

Since I won't be able to wet test a 345 I'm really hoping someone can give me guidance on the size and whether it will be suitable for me.  Again, I'm 6'1", my wife is about 5'11" and we'd regularly have other couples joining us to soak.  Thoughts?

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 I am 6'2 215 my wife is 5'6 and not huge it fits fine,  We have a 365 now though just because I change them out every couple of years if not more..   Did they have one on the showroom floor?  If so get in it with your wife and call in a couple of sales persons see how it works..

[TwinCitiesHotSpring]

I'd negotiate a little more...J-280's were going for right around $5600-$5900 at a fair I just worked

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 We were selling them for 6500  go figure.. 

[summerside9000]

I started out looking at the 280 then the 345/365. 280 was great for the space and those strobes! haha. Good party tub for sure.
365 was a nice upgrade without the lounger. nicer quality jets seating etc, etc. wet tested all of them. Then the end of the year sale came up.
Ended up with a 470. wow! now that's nice.  can't complain after all the quirks were worked out. Be careful with those purchases. awesome deal for a super nice tub but get those "quirks" worked out
Buy as much as you can afford.