FCSx SHARKBANZ POD

Impossible to tell if this works but haven’t been bitten by a shark yet. Light and I don’t notice it while surfing, I call it a win! Gives me peace of mind

I surf Oahu, north and south shores at dawn. I'm on a SUP so the ankle bracelet was almost always out of the water. I put these pods on my leash and now have even more peace of mind. I don't notice any drag. Haven't had a close encounter yet but recently was coming out of the water and a small shark was apparently within a couple feet of me (others saw it-I didn't). It never came close to me. Coincidence or Pod? Doesn't matter. But when a lifeguard jets up and tells me an aggressive tiger was spotted three breaks over, I still get out of the water - especially when I know it's headed in my direction. I don't go int the water without a pod now.

My husband is now not as scared to be out surfing by himself! Let’s pray that it works when one is around! We live in shark infested waters!

So far it feels like a compact product that is solidly built.Have to say, though, it just feels like a strong magnet and not much else “space-age”/“patented” technology going on beyond that lol.I surf in the dark everyday through sun-up for 1-2 hours a day (I’m aware I’m lucky for this lifestyle).But my point is the problem seems like it’s going to the cheap feeling Velcro pouch this pod comes with.The one that you attach around your leash cuff.And it’s not the Velcro that feels like it’s going to be the issue (which is what I originally was concerned about before purchasing - this isn’t as big an issue because once you strap it onto your leash cuff you just don’t undo the pouch until you switch it onto a new leash).The issue is the material for the pouch is already showing wear and small holes that will inevitably get bigger soon.I’ve only had this Sharkbanz x FCS pod for a week (surfing everyday since in okay waist-shoulder high conditions in San Diego) and check out my photo: it’s showing those aforementioned small holes.Checked here and on the website to find replacement pouches and I found nothing.I think if this persists people will FOR SURE lose the pod through the flimsy Velcro-pouch.I think FCS should come up with a similar pouch made up of a different material soon or sell replacement pouches. Or else I am not supporting this product any time soon.

This product is heavy but on a leash band, you don't notice it. I haven't gotten bitten yet so that's promising.

Attaches to leash easy and securely.

Smaller than original, which is huge. Who knows if it works or works any better than the original but it is a strong magnet. Yet to be determined if the velcro will hold up and will hold up to the weight of the magnet

Neoprene pouch rips and pod gets lost in the ocean. Bought 2 of these and 1 pouch ripped and lost the pod and the 2nd one is starting to rip. Just get the wearable band instead. This is not worth it!