[rsavage]

I've found that most times buying parts off the manufacturer's sites, if they allow you to order directly, doesn't save much if anything. Most don't because they don't want to compete with the folks that they want to distribute their products. I've found that they usually sell at their msrp. Obviously, they sell to dealers cheaper. I spend some time on the internet checking prices, feedback or ratings etc. and try to get a decent deal. Dealers have to make a living too and there are lots of small companies that support our hobby.