IL Parrothead

I agree -- both are quality tubs. It's pretty subjective beyond that. I like D1, but they're both good.

"I think you meant that you wet tested the CALDERA Tahitian, not Artesian." Right you were Bohms. And we're hoping to get in D1, HS & Artesian this weekend.

Donna, my HS dealer quoted us $9700 for either the Grandee or Vista -- new, not the floor model. And that was without any negotiating yet. FYI.

Wet tested Artesian Tahitian tonight, althogh we were looking to buy one of their larger tubs if we liked it. Quite honestly, I thought it was okay --- nice & relaxing, but the seat with the neck jets was pretty weak. My biggest therapy need is in my neck, and I could barely feel the effect of the net jets when I had them at their strongest setting. My wife also floated out of the lounger. This Saturday, I'll be wet testing Hot Springs Envoy & Artesian Piper Glen. Dry tested a Vanguard and Vista tonight from HS. Hoping to get my D1 wet test in this weekend as well. I'll keep you updated!

Went to look at Artesian today. Hoping to wet test later this week. Artesian looks very nice. They had everything from their Island Spa Series to their Platinum high end series. Now we're even more confused! Well, it's obvious you're all right. Time to wet test!

Johnny, the only manufacturer that I found that advertises that their IPOD docking station actually charges the IPOD is Hot Springs -- the system where the IPOD remains in your house and is wirelessly transmitted to the spa. Sundance, Jacuzzi, all the others just say they're compatible with IPOD. Hope that helps.

I just noticed Artesian, although I haven't done much research yet. The Hot Springs dealer sells those as well. They look nice. Maybe I'll arrange for a wet test of that when I go for the Hot Springs. We have a Jacuzzi & Sundance dealer. I liked Sundance and thought Jacuzzi was ok. My wife thought the skirt and diverter knobs felt "cheap" on the Sundance compared to Hot Springs & D1. She did like the looks of the foot well w/ its jets though. Marquis & Arctic are nowhere near me. I think this week I'll try to wet test HS, D1, Caldera and Artesian. I'll let you know. Thanks!

Just registered for this forum after enjoying everyone else's posts for the past month or so. I live in the Chicagoland area and have multiple old injuries (and one new one) that have led me to getting serious about a spa. The 3 makes I like (from reputation and feature perspectives) so far are: D1, Hot Springs & Caldera. D1 -- I'm hoping to wet test the Chairman II & Amore' Bay this week. (I know they're worlds apart in price and features.) Hot Springs -- Dry test only so far -- We like the Vista. Hoping to wet test this week. If we don't like the lounge, we may check out the Vanguard or Grandee. Caldera -- Haven't narrowed down a model yet, but I like the look of the neck jets on their higher end spas. Anyone have any perspective on these 3 makes -- or others? Thanks to everyone that posts here -- it's very informative and helpful! Mike