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We have an appointment to go for our first wet test tomorrow. The dealer has some of the Nordic Retreats in stock, but the one that is full and ready to go is the Escape, so that will be the first one I try out. I would still like to try the Retreat as that is the model I am most interested in, but I won't rule out the escape if the price is right and it feels good to us (who knows - after a soak I may find we like that layout better).I also stopped at the other reputable dealer in our area and scoped out two models in/around our budget there. The HotSpot Relay and the HotSpring Prodigy. The Prodigy concerns me as it looks shallower (only 33" tall) - is that a legitimate concern, or not a big deal? Based on size/shape/configuration/ and of course price, I have it narrowed down to these four. Wet testing will help me pick the right model for us I am sure. I was also curious as to whether the pricing I am being quoted are fairly standard or if i am looking at a good deal (it always comes down to price - we consumers want the most tub for the least, dealers need to turn a decent profit to stay in business - I appreciate and understand this). The Nordic dealer is asking $4500 for the Retreat and I believe $5500 or $6000 for the Escape. Those include covers and chemicals, but NOT the cover lift arm, tax, or delivery ($200, 8%, and $250 respectively). The HotSpring dealer prices "all-inclusive" and offered me the HotSpot Relay for $5300 and the HotSpring Prodigy for $6600. Those two prices INCLUDE everything including tax,cover,lift arm, delivery, chemicals, and steps.When I add the tax, cover lift (a must-have I am told by spa owners), and delivery to the $4500 Nordic - it puts it right close to the HotSpot Relay, which is a larger tub. Comparing "apples to apples": Nordic Retreat vs. HotSpot Relay for around the $5000 mark. Nordic Escape vs. HotSpring Prodigy for around $6000-6500 (HotSpring dealer said ne MIGHT be able to wiggle a bit on that $6600 quote). I plan to test all four before making my decision, but I would love to hear any opinions based on these four options at this price range (My budget going into this was around $5000 max - but I *could* spend a tad more if it were truly justified)