Master spas Good bad or run away

[drjchase]

I have been researching spas for awhile and let me tell you it is a pain in the ...   I live in a area with very few choices and 90 miles to anywhere with more available.  Currently there is a Master spa show (I have read the posts on here about there shows) with models that look like better ergonomics and jet placement.  I am considering the LSX or the LSX700 model.

Inputs on my choice  Looks like the LSX700 will be under 8000

Thoughts and opinions would be of great help

[Spatech_tuo]

You are concerned about the fact you have few dealers around you but are looking to buy from the traveling road show. What will happen down the line when you need service? Ask them who will service the spa BUT do not take their answer at face value. I would NOT buy the spa from them until I called the person they will claim will service your spa. If you want to purchase a Master spa that’s fine, I just don’t advocate buying from someone who has no local presence and who's reputation on these traveling shows is to make the sale and see ya later.

Have your entered you zip code into the dealer locators on the major spa makers’ websites to see if there may be a dealer closer than you think? There are many but here are some of the major players:

http://www.masterspas.com/find.asp
http://www.dimensiononespas.com/findadealer.asp
http://www.hotspring.com/index_spas_hot_spring.html
http://www.calderaspas.com/Locator/index.html
http://www.arcticspas.com
http://retailer.sundancespas.com/Retailers/index.php
http://www.jacuzzi.com/products/
http://www.marquisspas.com/locator.asp
http://artesianspas.com/main/dealer_locator.asp
http://www.colemanspas.com/content/show/home/start.asp

[East_TX_Spa]

Welcome to the forum!

Beware the road side spa show!

http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=wtb-hottub;action=display;num=1145986092;start=0

http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1163025624/0

Terminator

[drjchase]

the local spa dealers are more money with No leg calf jets.  I support local if the price is close and product fits my needs.

[Spatech_tuo]

the local spa dealers are more money with No leg calf jets.  I support local if the price is close and product fits my needs.

The prices are always going to be a bit different when you're talking about different spas that vary in quality, service, features, etc. I don't know what you're comparing so I can't comment but sometimes there is a reason why one spa is $8k and another is $7k.

As far as calf jets, I'd hate to see that be what sells the spa but to each his own. If they're calf jets in a lounge you would be VERY wise to wet test to make sure the lounge works for you and that the jets don't simply propel you out of the lounge (wet testing is key but it is even MORE important if it's a lounge spa IMO).

[drjchase]

The calf jets are in the sitting position also not just in the lounge chair.  I am curious on the spa performance and quality not where to buy.  I will buy 2000 miles away if it is what I want.

[Reese]

...I am curious on the spa performance and quality not where to buy.  I will buy 2000 miles away if it is what I want.

 :-? The good folks here are trying to offer you some sound advice, but since you seem to have made up your mind on the "where" issue...

There are only one or two Master Spa owners that post here regularly, but they seem happy with the spa and its performance.  Check out the reviews here and at rhtubs.com for more info.  Good luck to you!    

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 Cant offer much towards Master spas no one sells them around these parts but I wouldnt buy from a road show, my 2 cents worth.

 Looking for leg/calf jets check out the new 07 J-335/J-355 from Jacuzzi, the leg jets feel fantastic!!  With out the blow you out of the seat feel.  Worth a look if they are around.  Again my 2 cents worth.

[anne]

The calf jets are in the sitting position also not just in the lounge chair.  I am curious on the spa performance and quality not where to buy.  I will buy 2000 miles away if it is what I want.

How will you know if it is what you want if it is 2000 miles away? Hard to wet test from that distance. You are right that performance and quality are of paramount importance, but some of what constitutes "quality" is how it feels to you. There is NO way to measure that on paper.

[Spatech_tuo]

I will buy 2000 miles away if it is what I want.

Good luck on that idea.

[drjchase]

I am not stuck on this make I just wanted opinions on Master spa.  Sorry if i seemed harsh to anyone I will try to be more PC about my responses 8-).  I apreciate all the replies I have recieved.

Thanks for the suggestion on the Jacuzzi I will take a look at it.

Here is what I Liked in the MS was the extreme seats and that they have seats with calf jets.  I will mostly sit not lounge so a seat with those jets is a nice addition.  I dont care who makes it as long as it is what I want and is quality.

So what other Manufactures and models are there that have thoughs features??

[East_TX_Spa]

HotSpring Vista:


HotSpring Grandee:


HotSpring Envoy:


HotSpring Vanguard:


Tiger River Bengal:


Good luck!

Terminator

[tanstaafl2]

My spa has calf jets in all four corner seats. Decided against going with a lounger style. I like my spa although it is not one of the "name" brands more typically discussed here but I have to say the calf jets are not ones I use regularly. They are relatively small jets and perhaps the ones in the LSX700 are more powerful but I find that I have to sit in a relatively upright position or bend my knees alot to make use of the calf jets and I just don't do that very much. I usually just stick my legs in the big volcano jet in the middle of the foot dome if I want a little massage action on the calves!

The jet placement in the LSX700 look to be relatively close together so not sure they would be in a very comfortable position to me but no way to know how they feel without a wet test. I presume you have already wet tested the LSX700?

I would be a little wary about not having confirmed local support of a dealer in my area when buying a spa but I am not much of a do it yourself repairman!

[hottbpete]

Stay Local- you will need service....period

[windsurfdog]

drj,

You've gotten some good advice thus far and I agree that staying as local as you can is a definite advantage.  But I found myself in the same situation as you--here's my story.

When I was searching for spas about 3 years ago, I too was intrigued with the LSX, especially the Xtreme Therapy seat.  Living in North Florida, the nearest MS dealer was in Tampa--about 250 miles away.  Other dealers close were Watkins (HS, Tiger River--30 miles), Sundance (15 miles), Marquis (120 miles), Jacuzzi (60 miles) and D1 (80 miles).  I wet tested models at each of these dealers and made the trip to Tampa to wet test the LSX.  I really liked the LSX but tried to purchase a Cameo from the Sundance dealer.  Unfortunately, this particular Sundance dealer turned out to be, let's say, undesirable and other Sundance dealers (180 miles and 150 miles) would not sell to me because Sundance's territorial agreements (some dealers here may argue that but that is exactly what I was told by the two dealers).  I was able to cut a deal with the MS dealer in Tampa and, I'll tell you, I'm SOOO glad it worked out this way for me.  And, subsequently, an MS dealer has opened within 35 miles and he has been terrific to take care of me since.

As for the LSX, I absolutely love the therapy and I've been extremely pleased with the performance, reliability and efficiency thus far.  Please read my review here.

And please don't hesitate to PM me if you'd like any other details...I'd be glad to help.

Good luck!  8-)