I'm interested to know if anyone has seen anything on independent testing on the shark leash which Modom have teamed up with. It came to my attention as all surfing Victoria members have been offered a 10% discount on the purchase of the $250 leash.
There was something about shark deterrents on 60 minutes which I missed so not sure if this was on it. Looks pretty good, any thoughts?

I'm no expert on this.

I have spoken to people who surf in WA and have used the electronic type that is fitted into boards.

They said that if the device is off and a shark comes near to you and you turn it on, the shark will immediately go away.

However if the device is constantly on and the shark swims up, the effect is coming on gradually to the shark and it doesn't disturb them so much.

Also they said the sharks get used to it and once they have been exposed a few times, they tend to ignore it.

Again, this is just what I was told, I don't have first hand experience or any knowledge of the science.

The one shown on 60 minutes is called "Shark Shield" and it has been around for a number of years. They want $599 for the unit and it is embedded in a tail kick pad and permanently stuck to your board.........................

Its way too expensive for the average punter
You cannot inter change between your numerous boards. You need to buy one for each board
You cannot remove it from your current board and put it on your new board.

I did not watch the 60 mins program, but I would be very keen to see a "test pilot" jump into shark infested waters and paddle around for an hour or so......

Sorry smash but you're a bit off there.
You can move it between boards.
It is not permanently attached.

The model on 60 minutes has not been around for years, it is a new design.

Both the old freedom 7 and the new surfboard model are attached to a tail pad. To move between boards You just need an additional tail pad which is $90.

There is also the rpela units.

As for if it is too expensive guess that is a matter of ones own opinion.
Surfing early with no crowds and piece of mind is worth more the $500 to me..

As for the shark bands leggie

Why not just buy the band for 145?
Either way i wouldn't get one until we see some proper testing.

My big q is does it need to be in the water to work?

If you go to the general topics there is a shark shield thread there and a vid showing the shark bands in action.

There is also a link to a research paper that was released on Monday about shark shield

I would believe the science over Internet experts and marketing spin.