Thanks for the input.
I'll still order from TL. That guy at the salon was probably trying to sell me a monofilament base. It did it have the matrixey criss crossing base. But, it was definately visible. I can't believe he was not using French or Swiss lace wtf?
He also told me that I would come over to his place to have it serviced. . .
Why don't salons cross over to the new materials?
Oh, this was the killer. They tell me that they get them from factories in China. Which begs the question, why are you trying to charge 10 times what TL charges?
I think TL has the right business model which is: Provide affordable pieces of great quality on the latest bases over the web.
Does TL have their own salon/office to get a piece fitted/cutin etc?
Newbs like me would feel much more comfortable to be shown the ropes one on one.

Thanks again,
balamouti.