kmoose

The beachcomber 340 is currently running $4995 (Canadian) at my local shop. Well built and a good value (not a hybrid though) with low operating costs

In my opinion yes...when you take into consideration what the Hybrid includes hush pump,step,led everlight,reflex foot massage,nicer looking jets,thicker cover. All these things are added cost on the LEEP model. If you dont see any value in these items and feel the claims about energy savings are false then the LEEP model is for you...good luck. I ordered a 540 Hybrid. A couple of weeks to go. Very excited.

OK, I have been around the block yesterday and today. I've got it narrowed down to the Beachcomber 350 or 550 (same tub, features are different as is the price) or the Hot Springs Vanguard. 350 is the cheapest, then the Vanguard, then the 550 - about $1500 btw the lowest and highest if I go with "Hybrid" on the Beachcomber. He wasn't a hard sell on the Hybrid but it is about $800 more and I still can't see why I want it. Something about having everything under the step - while it makes sense for a service tech - seems like a bad idea to me. They claim better energy efficiency vs the LEEP design (the more traditional enclosed motor). He claims the Hybrid is quieter and is more efficient as it has "ECO4WALL" vs ECO3WALL insulation - I guess where the motor is on the LEEP model they cannot claim full insulation...is it worth the extra $$ to get the Hybrid design?

It is the arctic spa guy I was referring to. Lots of "claims" and not a lot of substance, if you know what I mean. He Also told me that Nature 2 was a health hazard and it had been banned in Europe.... The HS/Caldera and Beachcomber guys are great.

New to the forum, looking to upgrade my 10 year old softtub that is still puffing along, but dying! Looking at Beachcomber, Caldera, Hot Springs, and possibly Arctic although the dealer in my area is a tool. All in the 7 foot range. My local HS/Caldera guy, Pioneer Pools (who also built my pool) carries Leisure's Edge and they are definately feature packed for the money. He recommends them as a good mid level spa and claims they are well insulated and well built. Operating costs (electricity) are a concern and I know Beachcomber are among the cheapest to run (2 neighbours swear by theirs). This is a tempting buy, however, given value for money and it is quite comfortable (dry tested, not wet yet). My dealer says they are a Florida company that has been around for a couple of years. FYI I live in the Toronto area so we do get a chilly but not frigid winter and hot summers Any insights?