Shark shield question

What models do u have and where do u mount them?

I saw a used shark shield freedom 4 for $100 and was wondering if it was good for kayaks.

Jimmy

I've got the freedom 7. According to this link

http://wadivers.com.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7203

the differences have to do with run time and ease of charging. They say the freedom 4 lasts for 4 hours, whereas the freedom 7 is supposed to go 7 hours. Mine goes 5 hours and 45 minutes (almost to the minute). So, I'd think the freedom 4 is probably going to be about 3.5 hours, which seems too short, IMHO.

I wouldn't buy that old of a model.  Even if the battery lasted half the time years ago compared to a newer model it could be way worse now. 


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The "hose" on mine won't fit through any of the scuppers, so I hang it off the side handle, but it takes some fiddling to get it so the battery part doesn't drag in the water, and the hose to head down before it streams back.  I used some short lengths of cord attached to other fittings, and kept tying knots to adjust it until I got it right. Even in the best position on the side, it cuts my speed by most of one mph.  It might cause less drag if mounted further aft, but I kind of like it near where my body is for some reason.  I also tied a safety lanyard onto it with a clip at the end, so I can clip it to the yak first, then start attaching the unit without fear of losing it.

The "hose" on mine won't fit through any of the scuppers, so I hang it off the side handle, ...

On my Hobie, it fits perfectly through a rear scupper hole, where it's secure and nicely out of the way. I also have a short leash attached so even in the worst case, it won't end up at the bottom of the ocean.

I never thought about testing the amount of drag, but I'm sure that's what accounts for me being such a slow fart. 

I've got a Hobie w/ the Vantage seat, and as Scott already noted, the antenna goes thru the tank well scupper nicely. I also find this location is perfect for utilizing the Freedom 7's Velcro strap to attach the unit to the seat back's lower crossmember which pretty much gets the antenna pointing straight down thru the scupper. Since the seat is secured to the boat, then so is the Shield.


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How important do you think having a shark shield is?  Do you feel that it's worth it?

freedom 7 velcro ankle strap around my front seat clip strap...dial is right at my hip and unit is dry on side of seat...dangles/trails down one side

How important do you think having a shark shield is?  Do you feel that it's worth it?

Everyone is different.  If you know statistics you probably don't need one.  If you know them and are a bit skeptical regarding drivebys and kayak attacks then it is a possible tool.  Worth it?  It does help me with some strange confidence that I'm a percentage safer with it, but not to be oblivious to the hair on my neck and the eerie conditions that some have written about here before a sighting or even a bump or actual experience.  Supposedly, if it's your time to meet your maker then your going home shark shield or not, I put the sticker on my kayak in case the unit is not effective and the shark can read ........look out for those whales and those 400lb sea lions also........

How important do you think having a shark shield is?  Do you feel that it's worth it?

It's only important if you fish in salty water...

Whether it's worth it or not is hard to say, as that depends on your chance of being attacked and the effectiveness of the SS. I don't know how to determine the chance of being attacked (although it does seem that more than a few people on this board have had a close encounter). As to whether it's effective, for kayakers I'd say the answer to that appears to be "yes".

if your spending the whole day in deep waters where there ARE giant white sharks....and this device is proven to deter them from 'under yak launch attack' then , no ...not important  .....let em rip..of course, it helps...it will turn a charge away...im looking the other way fishing and will never know it worked...but dang it makes for some fun boils near by sometimes...

oh and it will stun any fish that touches it ..quivering,not gonna come back either ,least thats what ive seen...dont bump into the SS with any planned C&R fish...they get scrambled

oh and it will stun any fish that touches it ..quivering,not gonna come back either ,least thats what ive seen...dont bump into the SS with any planned C&R fish...they get scrambled

Maybe a new way to subdue a halibut...

That doesn't sound too appealing if one was to end up in the water and get caught up in the thing while trying to get back in their kayak.   

it doesnt  wrap around ya like a snake lol..its made to not wrap-for diving -freedom 7 model- ..anyway its just a little bump for humans-if it wraps on gear when diving sometimes i dont even notice or get a slight buzz in my filings lol... but fish dont survive it --at least big rockfish dont so far--testing continues