Hi Dude, welcome,
Dunno where you live but, chances are, the gear you are trying to buy is illegal in your area.For that reason you can forget paypal, visa, etc.
In the UK some sources will take paypal, for repeat customers. Remember they have more to lose than you. The authorities are after the dealers way may than the users and it carries serious jail time. Easiest way to get caught is the money trail - hence their caution. And really how much protection would you really get? would you raise a dispute with PP if your gear was poor quality - what do you think PP would say?
I'm with you. My biggest fear was getting ripped off - I HATE being made a mug off. Only advice I can give is do your homework, check out the best rated sources (on here) for your area. Get a feel for their website, maybe send an email enquiry and gauge the response, maybe place a small order. Ultimately it's up to you, yes you are taking a chance - but minimize the risk.
Best wishes, T40