Do Sharkbanz really work? Yes - 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. The science and technology behind Sharkbanz was founded through rigorous studies conducted by marine biologists around the world. Since 2014 and the creation of the product, additional field research has been conducted successfully using Sharkbanz on Bull Sharks - with the results quantified and verified by an independent third-party analysis group at the prestigious School of Coastal Environment Department of Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University.
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: Hammerhead (S. Mokarran and S. Lewini), Bull (C. Leucas), White Sharks (C. Carcharias), Australian blacktip (Carcharhinus Tilstoni), Lemon (Negaprion Brevirostris), Grey Reef (C. Amblyrhynchos), Milk (Rhizoprionodon Acutus), Speartooth (Glyphis Glyphis).
The current model, Sharkbanz 2, is an evolution of the original Sharkbanz, providing greater deterrent power, durability, and comfort. Dozens of unsolicited user testimonials outline the product's effectiveness at deterring a variety of predatory shark species, including Great White, Bull Shark, and Tiger Shark. However, it's important to note that Sharkbanz are a safety device, much like bike lights, and there is no guarantee of no shark interactions. Sharkbanz reduce the risk - they do not eliminate the risk altogether.
What is the effective range of Sharkbanz? The Sharkbanz deterrent field is approx. 1-2 meters (about 3-6 ft). The unpleasant sensation becomes very intense for a shark at about 1 meter (3 feet), and the field strength increases exponentially each cm/inch closer to the source due to the laws of magnetism.
The electromagnetic field is increased by your movement, but purposeful movement is not necessary. The simple rhythmic current of the ocean moving you around is enough.
Will Sharkbanz fit me? What about my child? Sharkbanz are designed for one size fits all, and a universal fit for ages 5+. After sizing to your preferred ankle, any excess band slack can simply be cut with a regular pair of scissors.
Sharkbanz 2 units will comfortably and securely fit ankles up to 13" inches in circumference. 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!
Can I wear multiple Sharkbanz (ankle&wrist) at the same time to increase effectiveness? Absolutely.
Worn on your wrist or ankle, one Sharkbanz unit 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 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.
How long will my Sharkbanz last? 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.
Can Sharkbanz deter great white? 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.
Do sharkbanz work on Tiger Sharkbanz? The patented shark deterrent technology behind Sharkbanz
Additionally, Sharkbanz has
Does Sharkbanz attract Sharks? 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.
Do Sharkbanz affect other ocean animals? 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, dolphins, 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.
There is a dark particle material on my Sharkbanz - Is it leaking? 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.
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.
For legal and privacy reasons, we are unable to facilitate the exchange of information between customers and doctors.
Are there any shark species which are not deterred by electromagnetic fields like those emitted by Sharkbanz? Benthic-based sharks such as wobbegongs (family Orectolobidae) and port Jackson sharks (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) are not deterred by Sharkbanz or electrical shark deterrents, even if placed directly on the animal. Benthic sharks have evolved differently than other predatory shark species like bull sharks and do not respond in the same way to these fields.
Benthic species are a minor threat to divers/swimmers, although the wobbegong has been shown to ambush attack swimmers/surfers/divers when unprovoked. Most wobbegong incidents have taken place in NSW, Australia. All cases of wobbegong attacks have resulted in minor injuries with no fatalities.
Nurse sharks are not repelled by magnetic/electromagnetic fields such as those produced by Sharkbanz. This is especially true for captive nurse sharks.
NOTE: Sharkbanz are not tested on captive sharks in aquariums because their electrical sense is altered by the pumps in the tanks. Captivity also changes the animals behavior in a number of ways, among those, being accustomed to humans feeding them rather than hunting.
Will Sharkbanz affect my dive computer, dive compass, or other scuba electronic system? Special care should be taken with Sharkbanz and dive computers with compasses. The two can be used together successfully by ensuring the Sharkbanz is at least 24 inches (60 cm) away from the dive computer. By wearing Sharkbanz on the opposite ankle from the wrist with the dive computer, you can ensure it remains at least 24 inches (60 cm) away.
Placing your Sharkbanz within 24 inches (60 cm) of the compass will cause the compass to display an inaccurate reading. Dive computers without a compass feature will likely not experience mechanical problems within close proximity of Sharkbanz.
Avoid direct contact with any sensitive electronics (camera memory cards, hard drives, etc.) and Sharkbanz, especially for prolonged periods of time.
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 (300 ft), but they are an effective deterrent at any depth.
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 your Sharkbanz is not exposed to heat over 160°F (70°C) and the chassis is not physically damaged, then the magnetic technology will not lose its effectiveness. The longevity of the band varies depending on the frequency of use and amount of user abuse. Think of it as a more durable high-quality sport or ocean watch; you're more likely to lose it than for it to break.
Are Sharkbanz allowed by airlines and TSA in suitcases or on carry-on luggage? Sharkbanz are travel and airline-friendly. The TSA will not give you trouble over your Sharkbanz but may be curious about it as a carry-on item. Our team and customers alike have traveled to different countries and throughout the United States with them as checked and carry-on luggage and never had any issues thus far.
For anyone planning to travel with their Sharkbanz, please remember that Sharkbanz should be kept in their protective magnetically shielded box in order to protect sensitive electronic devices that may also be in your bag(s). The magnetic shielding in the Sharkbanz case will protect electronic devices in your luggage, but please always do your best to separate the Sharkbanz box from important electronics and/or memory cards.
Will sharkbanz affect my open water swim/ triathlon race monitor or timing chip? Sharkbanz has been officially approved for use in major competitive swim races such as Rottnest Channel Swim and Port to Pub (Australia). Our technology is not known to interfere with timing chips nor has any issue ever been reported by customers globally.
If you have outstanding concerns on this question, please contact your race organizers and ask if their timing chips are affected by magnets.
Would wearing one on my ankle protect my forearms while paddling out, or would you need one on your wrist, too? The majority of all shark attacks (bites) are classified as "hit-and-run" incidences, where a curious shark takes one bite and leaves. Most shark bites in these occurrences take place on a victim's legs, which is why if you're only wearing 1 Sharkbanz to wear the device on your preferred ankle.
For additional shark deterrent coverage, especially if you're surfing in known shark hot spots, we recommend wearing two (2) Sharkbanz units - one on your ankle and the other on your opposite wrist. The deterrent field for Sharkbanz is approximately 3-6 ft (1-2 m). The unpleasant deterrent sensation becomes intense for the shark at about 3 ft (1 m) and becomes exponentially greater each inch/cm closer to the Sharkbanz.
Depending on your height and movement in the water and on your board, wearing 1 Sharkbanz unit on your ankle could provide deterrent coverage to your forearms and wrists, but simply put, your safer wearing one on your wrist as well. In addition to reducing the risk, you'll also enjoy greater peace of mind and be able to freely focus on surfing.
Does sharkbanz need to be submerged in the water to deter sharks? Yes – In order to generate a consistent and effective deterrent field you want the product underwater whenever possible. Water is a conductor and air is an insulator. An electric field is produced by a shark as it moves through the magnetic field generated by Sharkbanz products. That field is constrained to the water. A shark would be able to detect the deterrent field only when Sharkbanz products are submerged.
Do sharkbanz protect people around me, too? The Sharkbanz 2 product is a personal deterrent device. The deterrent field is approximately 3-6 ft (1-2 m). The unpleasant deterrent sensation becomes intense for the shark at about 3 ft (1 m) and becomes exponentially greater each inch/cm closer to the Sharkbanz.
People seeking to be within range of the Sharkbanz' deterrent field should wear their own personal Sharkbanz, either 1 on their preferred ankle, or 2 units - one on their wrist and the other on their opposite ankle.
