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From the shores of Palavas-les-Flots in Hérault, the company La Palanquee New's has been advising and equipping divers for over fifty years. Its online store, palanquee.com, launched in 2001, aims to extend this local service to the entire web. We will examine here the quality of its distance selling offer.
This detailed test is based on our manual measurements taken on August 6, 2026. Our rating remains completely independent of any commercial affiliations.
Our Evaluation Method
To objectively compare prices, we use our reference test basket consisting of five key products. This basket includes a pair of adjustable Mares Avanti Quattro+ fins in size R, a Scubapro Zoom Evo mask, a Mares Puck 4 dive computer, a men's 5mm Scubapro Sport wetsuit, and a complete Cressi AC2 Compact DIN regulator.
Catalog and brand selection (E1: 4/5)
The store announces the largest inventory of equipment in France, with nearly 8,000 items available. It covers scuba diving, freediving, spearfishing, and coastal snorkeling.
The sales area of Palavas allows for the storage of many reputable brands. However, the store does not offer a specialized section for advanced technical diving (tek) equipment or complex gas mixtures.
Price and shopping cart test (E2: 5/5)
La Palanquee stands out with a very aggressive pricing strategy for its basic equipment. Our test basket shows a total of €863.50, which is 7 percent below the median market price.
Here are the prices observed line by line for our selection of standard equipment:
The store offers, among other things, the Cressi regulator at a price of 219 euros. This is the lowest price observed in our entire comparison for this complete kit in the DIN version.
Delivery and Returns (E3: 3/5)
The free shipping threshold for orders within France is set at 79 euros. This is the lowest amount among our comparisons, making it very attractive to purchase small accessories.
On the other hand, managing returns raises some questions. The legal deadline is 14 days, and return shipping costs are borne by the buyer. However, several customers report that the store withholds initial shipping fees from refunds, even when the delivery was initially offered for free.
What the law says about refunds for returns.
In European consumer law, the right of withdrawal within 14 days requires the seller to refund the price of the item as well as the initial delivery costs for the outbound shipment at the standard rate. Only the physical return shipping costs can be charged to the customer.
Customers who experienced a deduction from their refund were able to receive the full amount they were owed by politely reporting it over the phone. This is a procedural issue that the store needs to improve.
Customer service and advice (E4: 4/5)
The team at the physical store is known for its availability and the accuracy of its advice. Many customer reviews praise the staff's kindness in answering technical questions.
The customer service department is reachable by phone from Monday to Saturday and responds quickly to emails. The handling of warranty claims for suits or stabilizing vests is done professionally.
Navigation and Shopping Experience (E5: 3/5)
The website interface of palanquee.com is cluttered and reminiscent of catalogs from the early 2000s. This visual density somewhat hinders the clarity of searching for items.
The online payment options are comprehensive and secure, with the possibility of choosing a payment plan. The mobile experience still needs some improvement.
Reliability and Trustworthiness (E6: 3/5)
On Trustpilot, La Palanquee has an average rating of 2.9 out of 5 based on 49 reviews as of August 6, 2026. The company regularly responds to negative reviews by offering solutions.
This moderate rating mainly reflects the friction observed regarding refunds for online order returns. It contrasts with the very positive feedback received about the physical store.
Who is this store for?
The table below details how well the store meets your specific needs:
Diver Profile
Advice and Verdict - La Palanquee
Recreational Beginner
Very suitable, competitive prices and reliable advice for equipment.
Confirmed Diver
Recommended, wide stock for replacing worn-out gear.
Underwater Photographer
Good, the photography section offers basic housings and lighting.
Technical Diver
Not recommended, the shop lacks advanced technical diving equipment.
Customer in France
Excellent, free fast shipping on orders over 79 EUR.
Customer in Belgium
Acceptable, delivery within Europe but free shipping is not specified.
Verdict: La Palanquee, score 3.80 / 5
La Palanquee secures the third position in our comparison. Its very affordable product range and its welcoming physical store make it an excellent choice for those looking to purchase equipment at a reasonable price.
It is important to keep in mind the return procedure to avoid any unjustified deductions from your refunds. To learn more about the safety of your dives, we recommend that you take an appropriate AquaExposure training course.
