Sharkbanz are for anyone who spends time in the ocean, from seasoned water people to the casual beachgoer. This technology offers convenient protection for man, woman and child in a variety of activities. They are designed to prevent the most common hit and run attacks from the majority of shark species found in shallow coastal waters around the world.
How many do I need?
One Sharkbanz will give you protection for your ankle or wrist, although two will provide a greater defence. For swimming or surfing, we suggest wearing them on your ankle. When scuba diving or snorkelling, the wrist is preferred so that the band can be more easily directed at a curious or aggressive shark, but please be mindful of our magnetic technology and how it may interfere with a diving computer. If you’re absolutely terrified of sharks, you could wear them on every limb to increase the size of the protective field.
What’s the range of Sharkbanz?
The field is about 1-2 meters (about 3-6 ft). The unpleasant sensation becomes intense for the shark at about 1 metre, becoming exponentially greater each cm closer.
Do I need to be moving to generate the magnetic field?
The electromagnetic field is increased by your movement, but the movement is not necessary. The simple rhythmic current of the ocean moving you around is enough. Sharkbanz does not need to be submerged in water to deter sharks so keep us in mind next time you take out that Ocean SUP or Kayak.
Will Sharkbanz affect my medical devices such as heart monitor, metal plates, screw, etc?
If you have metal or medical devices under the skin, always consult with your doctor before purchasing and using Sharkbanz.
Will Sharkbanz affect my dive computer and other scuba electronic systems?
Sharkbanz technology can harm electronic devices, including electronic scuba equipment, and should be kept at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from these devices. If you are handling electronic equipment while diving, we suggest placing Sharkbanz on your ankles to avoid direct contact with the electronics.
Will Sharkbanz attract sharks?
No!
Sharkbanz emits 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. For added peace of mind, please know that based on the laws of magnetics, this magnetic field created by Sharkbanz drops off at the inverse cube of the distance from the source, meaning at a distance of 10 feet and beyond, the field is not detectable by even the most sensitive laboratory equipment.
Has Sharkbanz Technology been tested on all shark species?
This technology has been tested on most common predatory sharks, including Bull, Blacktip, Oceanic Whitetip, small Tiger, Nurse, Lemon, Caribbean Reef, and Bonnethead. For more information on species tested, follow this link to our partners at SharkDefense.
*Note from our scientistic partners: Official research tests showed that large magnets deterred Nurse sharks, but Sharkbanz will not elicit much of a reaction. Nurse sharks are bottom feeders and use their electrical sense much less than most predatory species, instead of relying on their keen senses of sight, smell and barbels. They will bite if severely provoked, but are otherwise docile. Do not attempt to “test” Sharkbanz when diving with nurse sharks, as you may provoke the animal.
Do Sharkbanz prevent Great White Shark attacks?
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. However, Great Whites rely heavily on their electroreception when swimming in open water, and Sharkbanz could effectively deter an investigating Great White. Much like other safety devices, such as bike lights, Sharkbanz reduces the risk — they do not eliminate the risk altogether. That said, customers in Australia and California have used our products to deter investigative Great Whites. You can read these testimonials on our Reviews page.
By purchasing Sharkbanz, buyer acknowledges that Sharkbanz are a deterrent to shark interactions and that there is NO GUARANTEE of no shark interactions. We liken Sharkbanz to other safety devices, such as bike helmets and seat belts. They’re intended to reduce the risk of harm, but they cannot protect someone fully, all the time. Instead, they add protection when previously there was none.
What is the depth rating of Sharkbanz?
Sharkbanz and Sharkbanz 2 do not have any electrical or pressurized components, and Sharkbanz 2 are waterproof tested up to 100M.
Do Sharkbanz affect any other animals in the ocean?
Sharkbanz technology has also been known to deter stingrays, an added benefit to the product. Sharkbanz do not attract Sharks, nor are they detectable by or known to harm any other ocean creatures such as dolphins, sea turtles, or fish.
Do Sharkbanz have batteries?
No – Sharkbanz do not use batteries and thus do not require charging. They are powered by the magnetic field of the earth and are always “on”. As long as the magnetic technology is not exposed to heat over 150°F (65°C) and the chassis is not physically damaged, the Sharkbanz are operational.
How long will my Sharkbanz Last?
As long as your Sharkbanz are not exposed to heat over 150°F (65°C) and the chassis is not physically damaged, then the magnetic technology will not lose its power. The longevity of the band varies depending on the frequency of use and the amount of abuse. If there is a problem with your Sharkbanz, please let us know.
When will Sharkbanz be in stock and/or shipped to my address?
Sharkbanz orders in Australia and NZ will be shipped immediately from our local business address. If you are in Sydney you are welcome to come to our showroom.
After wearing my Sharkbanz, it appears as if something is leaking out of the chassis…is my Sharkbanz defective?
No! The magnets are very powerful and all ferritic (iron) particles will stick to the banz and sometimes look like a dark goo. Don’t worry; your Sharkbanz is not leaking, nor is the effectiveness reduced. The best way to clean the particles off is to use a slightly damp or dry towel and smoothly wipe them away.
Will Sharkbanz fit me? What about my child?
Sharkbanz are designed to fit on either your wrist or ankle. Sizing the band to your ankle using the instructions found on our Product Care page will allow you to wear in both places. In rare cases, Sharkbanz may not fit. The best way to find out for sure is to measure the circumference of the wrist or ankle with a tape measure. If it’s between 5.5 and 14 inches (14 and 35.5 cm) then you’re all set!
Packaging and Transport
Sharkbanz will arrive in special packaging with handy magnetic shielding to decrease the magnetic field put out by the product during transport and storage. Learn more about packaging on our Product Care page. We recommend storing Sharkbanz in its case when not in use to reduce the risk of damaging electronic devices nearby.
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