Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: txwillie on December 16, 2006, 10:39:16 am
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Wanna test a HS Vista. The closest wet one is +/- 170 miles away in Houston. The Austin dealer has an Envoy wet. Similar layout and jets, just smaller than the Vista.
txwillie
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I would say it's 100% absolutely critical. Â I couldn't believe the difference in comfort between various tubs that looked similar on the surface.
To that end, if the dealer in Austin is worth his salt he'll pull a Vista and fill it up for you (assuming you're serious about buying). Â He'd be crazy to tell you to drive to Houston for a wet-test...
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pg_rider:
problem is he does not have a Vista and does not expect to get one until February.
BTW, How ya like the Optima? Tested a Maxxus a couple of weeks ago. Really like the size and the WOW factor, the jets were just OK IMO. Jets did not come close to my 2004 Marquis Quest that I left in Dallas (much smaller spa with fewer jets and just one pump, but the jets were fantastic).
txwillie
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pg_rider:
Really like the size and the WOW factor, the jets were just OK IMO. Jets did not come close to my 2004 Marquis Quest that I left in Dallas (much smaller spa with fewer jets and just one pump, but the jets were fantastic).
txwillie
What did you like about the Marquis jets? What makes them so good in your opinion?
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I don't think it makes a squatload of difference between the Vista and Envoy. The Vista lounge is a bit longer, but other than that, they're going to feel exactly the same. The Vista has 1 extra seat and is 2 inches deeper. The captain's chair in the Vista is at an angle as opposed to the Envoy, which is parallel to the side.
I believe the Envoy would give you a very similiar experience.
Good luck!
Terminator
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SpaNE:
The placement and the power were the best part. The lounger fit perfectly and the jets hit me in just the right places. The 4 HK40 jets were stacked on top of each other and gave the most incredible back massage. You had to be in the well, in a sorta squat position with your back to them (sounds wierd, but it was not uncomfortable as in the deep part you are buoyant). You could sit opposite them for a foot massage. The neck jets were great. The only drawback was the single pump. If the HK40's were on, the other jets were off. The Quest was redesigned for 2005 or 6 and the layout is different. If there was a Marquis dealer in Austin, I'd be looking at the Epic.
txwillie
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Terminator:
I was wrong about the dealer here having an Envoy to test. He has a Grandee, which has most of the same jets, but no lounger. Gonna try it out this afternoon. Just found out that there is a D1 dealer practically next door to the HS dealer. Anyone have any feedback on D1?
txwillie
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Well, if Term says they're going to feel similar then I'm guessing they're going to feel similar!
As for the Optima, I like it a lot but it's definitely not a "flashy" tub when it comes to jets. They're very strong, but there's not much variety so some might find it a bit boring. The foot dome is amazing though and I couldn't do without it. Plus I really like the overall quality of the controls, filtering, etc.
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Well, if Term says they're going to feel similar then I'm guessing they're going to feel similar!
I thought the whole point of a water test was to test exactly what you wanted. Â As term points out there are differences, whether they will make a difference is the whole point of water testing. Â
While I understand most people buy without wet testing, your spending big bucks on a quality unit and HS is known for going the extra mile for their customers. Â Let the dealer know how you feel, February is only 10 weeks away and you have a lot of shopping to do anyway. Â But, it is a bummer to be without a Hot Tub once you have had one.
I think term has them all in water, or at least is willing to fill them up. Â I am surprised the HS dealer in your large area dosent have all of them in stock, or at least one at a nearby customer, just a thought. Â The closest HS dealer is 170 miles away, wow, but everything is Texas is big.
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Funny thing about Austin. Don't get me wrong, I love it here, but it is still just a little po-dunk town in many respects. Austin has a very laid back atmosphere. It tries to "Keep it Weird", AKA keep the small town feel, and that extends to retail, where, even though the population is over 1.4 million in the metro area, you have to go to Houston, or Dallas, or even San Antonio to "find things".
txwillie
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If the dealer is planning to get one in February, couldn't he just get it now instead? You could wet test, and if you are happy, it'll be off his floor in no time, and he can get another one in February! If he cannot get one UNTIL February, then that would imply that even if you wanted to buy that model, maybe you could not get one delivered until february, which might change your shopping choices, unless you want to wait.
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exactly. He does not have one, won't get one until Feb. Most likely takes HS off the list, but I'm gonna look anyway. I want to purchase B4 the end of the year. Sundance dealer tells me the 2007 increases are in the 10-12% range
txwillie
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try what they have, you may love those instead. I agree with the comment made, terminatore knows everything about hot springs. if he says they are close, I would take his word. It all comes down to how fast you want a tub. If you want to wait then I would say hold off until February. If not, I would say try a bunch out and see what happens
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(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/Envoy-Vista.jpg)
The dealer is probably in the same boat we are. The factory is shut down for cleaning, re-tooling, and for the holidays. No more spas can be shipped until the first of the year, so dealers have to make their best estimate on inventory requirements to get them through the shutdown. We stock up on Envoys, Sovereigns, Jetsetters, and Solana TX's, our best sellers.
If a shopper comes into my store wanting a spa we don't have in stock, we will let them pre-order a 2007 at 2006 prices. That is exactly what forum member Shortspark did this week. He ordered a Jetsetter in a color combination we did not have in stock, so we will bring him out a 2007 Jetsetter as soon as we get one in next month. I am sure the HotSpring dealers in your area will do the same.
Anyway, the above picture should give you a pretty good idea of the similiarities between the two spas.
Good luck and Merry Christmas! :)
Term
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I want to purchase B4 the end of the year. Sundance dealer tells me the 2007 increases are in the 10-12% range
txwillie
That is either a marketing ploy or else an exhorbinant increase. :o
I believe we're having about a $100 increase next year. It'll be our first in a couple of years.
Term
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Term, wonderful diagrams, but txwillie corrected himself partway through the thread to say that the dealer had a Grandee to wet test, not an Envoy. Are those seats, sans lounger, similar for him?
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Term:
Gotcha on the marketing thing. Right now they are having their end of year "sale". "Sale" in this context means that the advertised price is a bit closer to the price one can expect to pay, rather than the "regular" price. Sale or no sale, I expect the "out the door price" to be the same. I've been around the block more than once.
txwillie.
PS: thanks for the excellent comparo. I'll test the Grandee this afternoon. I've not been to this dealer yet, nor have I ever tested any HS spa. Who knows, maybe I'll make the trek to Longview (Houston is alot closer however).
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Term:
Who knows, maybe I'll make the trek to Longview (Houston is alot closer however).
If you do, I've got a Vista hot and ready to go for you!
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC02700.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC02701.jpg)
Just don't come today...I'm closing early and heading to my boss's estate for our company Christmas party. Â Right now, I'm drinking cold beer, smoking a Montecristo, and marinating shrimp, scallop, and quail kebobs for the party.
Come see me next week and we'll chow down on the leftovers! ;D
Term
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If I make the trip, it would be after the 25th. Way too much going on right now. Are ya open the week after Christmas?
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Term, wonderful diagrams, but txwillie corrected himself partway through the thread to say that the dealer had a Grandee to wet test, not an Envoy. Are those seats, sans lounger, similar for him?
Thank you, nice lady.
Seats are all pretty much the same across the board for HotSpring Spas.
I've said this before and it bears repeating: In my opinion, the lounge is one of the most overblown sales tools in the industry.
In a corner seat, you are reclined, your knees are up, and there is nothing beneath your calves.
In a lounge seat, you are reclined, your knees are up, and there is a plastic ramp beneath your calves.
That's it. Lounges ain't magical seats of merriment like some would lead shoppers to believe. They are corner seats that take up a lot of space and have plastic for you to lay your calves on. That ain't magic. Magic is the domain of the MotoMassage DX!
Term
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If I make the trip, it would be after the 25th. Way too much going on right now. Are ya open the week after Christmas?
I will be closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
I'll be here Thurs, Friday, Saturday. Drinking Shiner Bock and doing inventory and sitting in the hot tub. You are more than welcome to come see me. I'll hire some hydrotherapy technicians to provide the proper test soak ambience. I can't sell you a tub because it's out of our service territory, but I'd sure love to let you try one out. :)
Term
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Sundance dealer tells me the 2007 increases are in the 10-12% range
This is somewhat of a misnomer. Â There was not a substantial increase in the price of the 800 Series spas (Optima, Cameo, Altamar, ect). However, on the 700 Series there were substantial changes from 2006 to 2007 and the prices increased accordingly.
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term how is the weather in texas today, looks cloudy, Today is a beautiful day here we should have snow by now, but it is beautiful. Washed the car in short sleeve
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term how is the weather in texas today, looks cloudy
It's a mighty satisfactual day, mighty satisfactual!
It's overcast, low to mid '70's. I'm wearing my shorts, Sperry Topsiders, and Big Gay Al Hawaiian HotSpring shirt. It don't feel much like Christmas, but my hands are freezing because my kabobs aren't thawed as much as I'd like them to be. The Jimmy Buffert Margaritavile shrimps is cold!!! I has to dip my hands in the spa from time-to-time to thawr them ourt!
I left the close sign up so people won't disturb me todya. Ya'll don't dell nobodys, please.
Temrinaotr
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Terminator:
I was wrong about the dealer here having an Envoy to test. He has a Grandee, which has most of the same jets, but no lounger. Gonna try it out this afternoon. Just found out that there is a D1 dealer practically next door to the HS dealer. Anyone have any feedback on D1?
txwillie
D1 makes a great product.......worth a look.
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I am going to book a vacation maybe to texas next year term. Where would you recommend we go.
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I've said this before and it bears repeating: Â In my opinion, the lounge is one of the most overblown sales tools in the industry.
That's it. Â Lounges ain't magical seats of merriment like some would lead shoppers to believe. Â They are corner seats that take up a lot of space and have plastic for you to lay your calves on. Â That ain't magic. Â Magic is the domain of the MotoMassage DX!
Term
Term, what is your favorite Hotspring model? It looks like 4 out of the 8 spas in the line have the lounger, and the only model with 2 Moto DX seats is the Grandee. Is that your fav?
BTW the kobabs sound delish - enjoy your Christmas party.
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This is somewhat of a misnomer. Â There was not a substantial increase in the price of the 800 Series spas (Optima, Cameo, Altamar, ect). However, on the 700 Series there were substantial changes from 2006 to 2007 and the prices increased accordingly.
Chris, what were the changes to the 700 series other than the waterfalls - specifically on the Bahia if you know. That is my fav model in the 700 series, however, if the price increases too much it may make sense to go with an 800 Majesta or Optima.
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I am going to book a vacation maybe to texas next year term. Â Where would you recommend we go.
San Antonio and Austin....lot's to do, beautiful lakes and scenery. The Riverwalk in San Antonio is a great place to visit, I love it. Go down to San Marcos and go on a tube float down the Comal or Guadalupe River. Drink lots of Shiner Bock!
Oh, and make a quick soriree through Longview. I'm in the NE part of the state about 6 hours drive from San Antonio. I'll take you down to the Sabine river 4-wheelin', shootin',, and we'll rustle up somem wild pigs and roast them rasxcals!
Term
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Term, what is your favorite Hotspring model? Â It looks like 4 out of the 8 spas in the line have the lounger, and the only model with 2 Â Moto DX seats is the Grandee. Â Is that your fav?
BTW the kobabs sound delish - enjoy your Christmas party.
Thankk you fore asking my opinion. :)
I love then Envoy. I live the way it's layed out. I enjjoy the lounge as it farts me perfeclty, but I still says loungers are the same as corner seats. The Grandeel and Caspian ar emy second favrorities.
I have ot go now so Merry Christmas and thanks for everythingl!
Chrimanaotry
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dang, I'm poosting like drewstar with mye terribal grammar.
Y'lll take care!
Tei
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txwillie: Do you know where the nearest Marquis dealer is? I know there is a dealer called AquaWorld in Fort Worth. That is 180 miles away or so, I think the Epic is worth the drive. I work at a Marquis dealer and we have people wet test all the time. I've never had someone wet test the Epic and buy something else.
The regional sales manager for Marquis in the Texas area is actually on this forum, his name is DPS on here. If you wanted to contact him and see if there are any closer dealers or if he can work something out for you, his name is Danny Skiff and you could e-mail him at dskiff@marquiscorp.com
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I am going to book a vacation maybe to texas next year term. Where would you recommend we go.
Well Bosco, since you just made this your 1,000 post - a TRUE milestone - I'll give you a personal suggestion. Check out hollylakeranch.com. This is the golf community I live at. They have many log cabins and condos for rent here cheap (like $50 for a log cabin with one bedroom, kitchen and loft or $75 for a two bedroom, two bath condo (with jaccuzzi!). If you play golf, this is the place. We could even get Terminator out here for a game! Even if you don't play golf, come out and visit and we'll spend each day at Term's showroom sitting in the tubs and drinking Shinner Bock - what more could you want?
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MarKee:
I bought my Quest from AquaWorld. I've talked with them and they would sell to me (since no dealer in CenTex) and would either service (if needed) from Arlington or arrange some contract thing with someone local. I might drive up there after Christmas. For now, I'm driving over to test a Grandee. I'll post my thoughts later.
txwillie
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Good luck in your testing. That's good to hear that you liked your Quest so much.
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Loungers may be overrated, as you said, but the lounger in the Envoy was my favorite thing about the whole tub. (wet test only- I'm not an owner) The shape was perfect- no floating for me, and the neck jets hit me right where I hold all my tension.
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I like loungers for a couple of reasons. Mainly I just like the stretched out position. Some have calf jets that, for me, work better than calf jets in a seated position. Some also have wrist jets. Added benefit is that there is one less set of legs in the well. The lounger does take up extra room, but for the most part, I'm looking at the larger/largest spas from the various mfr's, so that is not really a concern for me.
Tested a HS Grandee and a Tiger River Caspian yesterday. The Grandee was gorgeous. The HS cabinets are by far the best looking out there. The dealer was terrific. As for the jets, etc. it was just OK, IMO. The Moto DX's were unique, and I liked the up and down motion, but they were not particularly strong. I really like forceful jets. The neck jets were positioned too low to hit my neck. The foot jets were fantastic, by far my favorite part of the spa.
The Caspian had one really great seat, the rest were, IMO, mediocre at best. The foot dome was very disappointing.
Maybe my memory of my last tub is overrated, but of the tubs I've tested recently, my relatively small Marquis Quest beat them all when it comes to a good massage. Nothing I've tested so far comes close to the HK40's in the Marquis. Marquis also puts the neck jets above the waterline. Yes they splash, but they do an awesome job on the neck and shoulders.
That's my take. Gonna test D1 today. Have not called to see what they have wet for testing. I'll post on that later.
txwillie
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txwillie, I have to agree with you on the jet strength. That was my main disappointment with HS and even more so Tiger River. The moto massage is innovative, and kinda soothing, but not therapeutic. Caldera jets were not placed well for me, too, and a lot of those were a little itchy for my taste. D1 was a bit better, but if you like loungers, make sure you try it, as I thought that the leg jets in the D1 were too small, focal and irritating. Actually LA spas had very nice powerful jets as well. I did not have any Marquis near me to test.
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dang, I'm poosting like drewstar with mye terribal grammar.
Y'lll take care!
Tei
Looks like you just started celebrating a bit early....hic-up!
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Tested the D1 californian and nautilus. Really liked the jets. wanted to try the chairman and or the diplomat, but neither is set up in any of the 3 austin dealers. Dealer turned me off. no help whatsoever. The tubs that are filled are what you get to test. That's it. Could not warm up to the look of the D1's either. The stark white shell, the fake tile and everything just looked and felt cheap. Gonna go back and try the Sundance Maxxus one more time.
txwillie