Online shopping for Blenders

I can agree with Lilikoi 100%. I encounter the same problem with this machine. I, too, have to put water in it first to see if it will leak. If it does, you have to screw it on so tight that it takes so much strength to remove it that I am afraid it will break in my hands (and yes, it is a large and cumbersom base). I, too, wrote to HB from their website and they sent me a new gasket, which didn't help. Then when I called and told them that the new gasket didn't help stop the leak (and I mean BIG leaks), they sent me a new base with blades, which also didn't work. HB's Help Desk does answer the phone, and I'm sure that they try, but the fact still remains that I also am stuck, like Lilikoi, with this waste of my money HB blender with no recourse.
MY ONLY RECOURSE was that I BOUGHT A KITCHEAID BLENDER THAT HASN'T LEAKED YET, comes apart with a quick about quarter turn, and doesn't make my smoothies bounce off the lid (also causing mishaps).
>>>> DON'T BUY HAMILTON BEACH BLENDERS ! ! ! <<<Hamilton Beach 52645 Wave Power Plus 12 Speed Blender.