Product Info
The FCS x Sharkbanz POD is the stealthiest, most convenient shark repellent product designed specifically for surfing. The precision engineering and craftsmanship of FCS meets the scientific expertise of Sharkbanz to enable surfers everywhere to reduce the risk.
Sharkbanz products are the embodiment of almost two decades worth of peer-reviewed scientific research, including independent government testing, on the use of magnetic technology as an active and effective shark deterrent.
• Patented Magnetic Shark & Stingray Deterrent Technology
• Active Deterrent: No Batteries, No Charging - Always ON
• Performance-Based Design and Premium Materials for Enhanced Comfort, Including Low-Profile Neoprene Padding and Molded Velcro.
• Strap to Any Leash Cuff. Stash in Boardshorts or a Wetsuit Key Pocket.
• Universal Fit: Ages 5+
• Depth Rating: 100m/330ft
• Weight: Lightweight, 2 oz.
• Magnetically Shielded Box (Included) for Safe Storage
• TSA and Airline Travel-Friendly
• 1 FCS x Sharkbanz POD. Powered by Sharkbanz Patented Shark Deterrent Technology designed specifically for surfers.
• 1 FCS Neoprene Pouch. Use it to strap your POD to any surf leash cuff.
• 1 Magnetically-Shielded Safe Storage Case. This unique storage case (pictured above), safely protects all of your electronics from your POD so you can store it anywhere and easily use for travel.
• Instructions for Care, Use, and Shark Safety Tips.
- Surfing
- Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Foiling / E-Foiling, Paddle Boarding, Body Boarding -
- Any Oean Sport Where a Leash is Used.
For additional deterrent field coverage, use multiple PODs with friends in the water and/or use our 'Sharkbanz 2' wearable on your wrist.
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Use other Sharkbanz products for the following:
- Scuba Diving, Freediving, Snorkeling, Open Water Swimming, and Beach Recreation - Use our Sharkbanz 2
- Boating, Sailing, SUP, Kayak, Jet Ski - Use our Sharkbanz 2
- Marine Construction, Professional Underwater Operations, Lifeguard, Military Operations, USCG - use our Sharkbanz 2
- Fishing, Spearfishing, and Wade Fishing - Use our Zeppelin
Conditions of Use: All Sharkbanz users should be aware that sharks are wild animals and unpredictable. Our patented technology has been extensively tested, researched, and proven as an effective shark deterrent, but Sharkbanz have not been tested on all species of sharks. Sharkbanz can reduce the risk of shark interactions, but there is no 100% guarantee that interactions will not take place. There should never be any attempt to entice sharks to interact with humans, with or without Sharkbanz. Any human activity in the water near sharks must always be considered as possessing a considerable degree of risk which is assumed solely by the wearer.
Sharkbanz are a defense against the most common type of dangerous shark interaction: ‘hit and run’ attacks/bites. These are investigative, unprovoked incidents. Much like other safety devices, such as a bike lights, Sharkbanz can reduce the risk - they do not eliminate the risk altogether.
User acknowledges that Sharkbanz are a deterrent to shark interactions and that there is NO GUARANTEE of zero shark interactions. User assumes all risk. User holds FCS, Mano LLC (Sharkbanz) and all its subsidiaries, affiliates and partners, harmless from all claims of injury or damage of any kind, be it personal or property.
Designed for Deterrent Effectiveness and Surf Performance
Patented Magnetic Technology
No Batteries, No Charging | Always ON
Proven Shark Repellent Technology
Active Shark Deterrent Field
Universal Fit - Ages 5+
Durable, Comfortable, and Secure
PROVEN SHARK REPELLENT TECHNOLOGY
Active Shark and Ray Deterrent Field
Sharks use electroreception (sensitivity to electric fields) to hunt and navigate. Our tech's patented deterrent field is exponentially greater than any electric field an elasmobranch species (sharks, rays) would naturally encounter. Marine biologists compare this deterrent sensation a shark feels to a "bright light" suddenly shining in your eyes when in a dark room.
How it WorksResearched, Tested, and verified
Sharkbanz products are the embodiment of almost two decades worth of peer-reviewed scientific research on the use of magnetic technology as an active and effective shark deterrent. Our products have been independently reviewed and verified by university and government groups for their effectiveness. Premium materials and manufacturing ensure product durability and performance.
Research InfoTrusted by Athletes, Families, and Fishermen
Since 2014, we've equipped over 100,000 people around the world with our deterrent products. Customers trust our technology because the science is real and so are the benefits for safety and peace of mind. Whether surfing your home break or venturing somewhere off the beaten path, we want you to have the most carefree time in the water.
Reviews & TestimonialsSurf Safer with the POD
Powered by Sharkbanz Technology
Margaret River Native, FCS Team Rider
Jacob Wilcox
"When you're surfing those [remote] locations, there's always that thought of sharks in the back of your head. Any tool that can help prevent the threat and give you that peace of mind when you're surfing somewhere isolated, is a massive bonus for any surfer."
FAQ
Our most frequently asked questions about Sharkbanz. For a full list, visit our dedicated product FAQ page.
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.
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. As you note, based on the laws of magnetics, this 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.
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.
The patented shark deterrent technology behind Sharkbanz products has been extensively researched and tested on a wide variety of shark species, including juvenile Tiger Sharks (up to 9 ft). Positive deterrent results were exhibited by juvenile Tiger Sharks during testing. Adult Tiger Sharks simply were not present during these tests. Tiger sharks use electroreception heavily like other predatory species, thus Sharkbanz has the same deterrent effect on them to reduce the risk.
Additionally, Sharkbanz has received several unsolicited testimonials from customers deterring Tiger Sharks in Hawaii, Australia, and Florida.
The following is via Sue A. on 6/15/2020:
"A group of friends and myself were doing our usual water jogging in Kailua bay. I spotted what appeared to be a log in the water about 10 to 12 ft from us. As it got closer, I could see clearly that it was a Tiger Shark. The shark must have sensed the magnet, shuddered, and abruptly turned, and swam away from us. There were other sightings and bump encounters for a few weeks before our encounter. Happy to discover my Sharkbanz working! I am a believer!"
Another from James C. on 10/02/2022:
“I've had my Sharkbanz 2 for 5 years and use it multiple times per week. I love it and think it already saved my legs and maybe my life once. I was kiting and was in the water when a Tiger Shark came at me, but then turned at the last moment and just hit me with its tail”
And finally from Nicky C. on 6/21/2017, which is featured on our Reviews page:
Thank you, Sharkbanz! The Tiger Shark veered away, and I swam safely to shore! While swimming at Stuart Beach (FL), I was quite far out wearing my fins and enjoying body surfing waves off the sand bar. At first, I didn't hear the lifeguard's whistle to clear all the swimmers from the water. So when I did look to shore, the beach goers were lined up along the shoreline and the lifeguard was waving his hands to come in. I was the only one still in the ocean. The water was crystal clear that day, and they could all watch the Tiger Shark (4-5 feet long) swimming back and forth parallel to the shore, but closer in than I was. As I'm swimming to shore, the shark turns towards me and follows me, getting closer and closer. When he was within about 6 feet of me, the lifeguard noticed he veered away [which he later told me]. While the shark stayed in the beach area, it never came near me again. THE SHARKBANZ WORKED WELL!"
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."
No - the POD is not designed to be worn on the wrist or the ankle using the velcro pouch. The (included) FCS velcro pouch is engineered to fit securely to any leash cuff, and the POD can also be stashed in any boardshort pocket or wetsuit key pocket.
If you want more versatility and the ability to wear a Sharkbanz deterrent on your wrist and/or ankle opposite your leash, then please select our core product, the 'Sharkbanz 2' wearable, which is designed for ocean athletes, divers, beachgoers, wade fishermen, and marine professionals. The soft silicon band and stainless steel clasp are designed with premium materials and are durable and secure.
We stand behind the quality and workmanship of our products, which you'll experience as soon as you open and put on your 'Sharkbanz 2'. Nonetheless, the ocean is the world's most powerful environment and issues significant and frequent levels of pressure, tension, and saltwater forces. Therefore, we recommend you replace your 'Sharkbanz 2' product every four (4) years to ensure top-level quality, comfort, and performance.
The ‘Sharkbanz 2’ product is automatically protected from defects resulting from faulty workmanship or materials for a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase.
Please note that Sharkbanz should not be exposed to heat over 150°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.
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.