Worn on your wrist, ankle, or surf leash (POD) one Sharkbanz product will help reduce the risk of an unwanted shark encounter, as the deterrent field of a single Sharkbanz unit is approx. 1-2 meters (about 3-6 ft).

However, wearing two (2) Sharkbanz (one on your ankle; another on your opposite wrist) will increase the overall deterrent field size and thus provide greater coverage – similar to how other safety devices work. If only wearing one, we suggest wearing Sharkbanz on your ankle, as the majority of shark bites occur on the ankle and leg areas.

The FCS x Sharkbanz Pod is designed specifically for surfing and integrates seamlessly with any leash. While just as effective as our staple product, Sharkbanz 2, the FCS x Sharkbanz POD is offered at a more competitive price point because of its surf-specific usage. The POD’s features make it an excellent choice for surf enthusiasts who prioritize cost-effectiveness and discrete use of a shark deterrent while surfing.

Sharkbanz 2 offers a wider range of applications with its premium silicone band, allowing you to wear it on your ankle or wrist, extending usability to various water sports and activities beyond surfing. The versatility, added convenience, and material costs justify the higher price tag.

Don't worry, your Sharkbanz is not "leaking" or defective. Quite the opposite.

Sharkbanz' powerful magnetic technology will attract tiny ferritic (iron) particles commonly found in the ocean. You may observe these minute particles sticking to your Sharkbanz after an ocean swim (oftentimes appearing like a dark soft substance). Do not be concerned! Your Sharkbanz is not leaking, nor is its effectiveness reduced.

No. 

Sharkbanz emit a magnetic field that quickly drops off, so sharks cannot sense it from far away. Once sharks enter this magnetic field range, they can be deterred, as Sharkbanz has shown to over-stimulate their electroreception.

Based on the laws of magnetics, the magnetic field created by Sharkbanz drops off at the inverse cube of the distance from the source - this means at a distance of 10 feet and beyond the field is not detectable by even the most sensitive laboratory equipment. 

Sharks will not be attracted into the magnetic field.

Much like other safety devices, such as a bike lights, Sharkbanz reduce the risk - they do not eliminate the risk altogether. This principle applies to all common predatory sharks, Great Whites included. Customers in Australia, South Africa, California, Cape Cod, Rhode Island, and Oregon have used our products to deter investigative Great Whites. You can read these unsolicited accounts on our Reviews page. 

Great Whites rely heavily on their electroreception when swimming in open water, and Sharkbanz could effectively deter an investigating Great White. However, it's important to note that Great Whites are unique in that they are the only shark that acts as an ambush predator, attacking from a long distance at high speed. There is no effective way to prevent this type of ambush attack when it occurs.

From a testing standpoint, Sharkbanz are the result of over a decade’s worth of peer-reviewed scientific research on the use of magnetic technology as an active and effective shark deterrent. This compilation of research evidences that permanent magnets project detectable magnetic fields underwater that produce sufficient magnetic fields to elicit avoidance in a range of species including: White Sharks (C. Carcharias). 

Two of our Great White deterrent customer encounters include:

Michael Skogg, Seaside, OR:

"I had a Great White encounter while paddle surfing the cove [...]. After a cleanup set, I was swimming back to my board when a dorsal fin broke between my board and me. It was a big, dark fin and coming at me hard. It got within five or six feet and thrashed really hard - then suddenly the shark made a violent hard left and bolted out of the area. I wore a Sharkbanz on my right wrist and left ankle. Thank God."

Scott Fegette, Carpinteria, CA:

"I got my Sharkbanz 2-3 years ago when Great White sightings picked up off my local break near Santa Barbara. On July 4, I was swimming next to my SUP when a 8-10 ft White did a pass on the other side of my board. I was trying to get back on my board and out of the water when it circled back on my side. Just as I thought it was gonna either bump me off or take a chomp (maybe neither but I was pretty shook), I reflexively kicked out my foot with my Sharkbanz on, and the White did a quick 90 degree turn and swam away fast like in your videos! I was stoked as hell but got ashore fast. Needless to say, I always wear it now."

Sharkbanz deterrent technology also has the ability to deter stingrays, which helps beachgoers, wade fishermen, surfers, and divers reduce the risk of a painful incident.

Our technology will not repel all marine life or other sea creatures like turtles, dolphines, etc.. The reason Sharkbanz can repel sharks as well as other elasmobranch species such as stingrays is the presence of electroreceptors in these species, which detect the magnetic field produced by our technology.

You will still be able to see and encounter non-shark species while wearing Sharkbanz in order to reduce the risk and enjoy greater peace of mind. If you fish and use our Zeppelin product to protect your catch, this device will not deter any target fish species.

We stand behind the quality and workmanship of our products, which you'll experience as soon as you put on your 'Sharkbanz 2'. The ‘Sharkbanz 2’ product is warrantied against defects resulting from faulty workmanship or materials for a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase. Note that the ocean is a highly corrosive environment where pressure and salt can cause damage over time. We recommend you replace your 'Sharkbanz 2' product every four (4) years to ensure top-level quality, comfort, and performance.

Please note that Sharkbanz products should not be exposed to heat over 160°F (70°C), nor at any point should the core chassis be physically damaged or altered. If this occurs, the deterrent technology's effectiveness could be reduced and/or negatively impacted. 

If you ever encounter any potential issues or concerns about your Sharkbanz, you can always write us at: support@sharkbanz.com and we will help.

Visit our Sharkbanz Fishing page, and shop our award-winning Zeppelin product, used for bottom fishing, wade fishing, and spearfishing.