Is it just me or are they way over priced. I could build one out of an electric-fence transformer($75) battery($25) switch($5) basic wires/pipes, etc($20) and a backpack($30).
backpack shocker prices
Started by
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, Nov 09 2010 12:10 PM
16 replies to this topic
#2
Guest_daveneely_*
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Posted 09 November 2010 - 12:22 PM
...and this is how electrofishing got such a bad rap for safety during its early use, including some well-documented fatalities.
Little things like tilt switches, immersion sensors, non-conductive plugs and casing, etc. are important things to have -- but I agree, they shouldn't cost $8000 and change.
Little things like tilt switches, immersion sensors, non-conductive plugs and casing, etc. are important things to have -- but I agree, they shouldn't cost $8000 and change.
#3
Guest_pylodictis_*
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Posted 09 November 2010 - 12:27 PM
...and this is how electrofishing got such a bad rap for safety during its early use, including some well-documented fatalities.
Little things like tilt switches, immersion sensors, non-conductive plugs and casing, etc. are important things to have -- but I agree, they shouldn't cost $8000 and change.
Yes, this is true. It is also true that this is how all home-made electronics got a bad name, unqualified people making makeshift electronics. But, if done correctly there shouldn't be any problems. Electricity is like a gun, if you're smart there will never be a problem, all you have to do is, NOT POINT IT AT ANYONE!
#4
Guest_netmaker_*
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Posted 09 November 2010 - 12:39 PM
....on lunch break so I'll make this quick.
Been there....done that.....bought the "Tee" shirt......... you may get away with using it, but if you're with someone who doesn't pay attention and puts his or her hand in or on the wrong place.......
There are at least 3 companies I know that sell certified equipment. I'd shop around first and see if maybe one of them could build you something stream lined to your effort. Safe, but stream lined without all the unneccesary frills that you might not ever use. SAFE being the ultimate word.
As for cost, I guess it is a supply and demand thing. We don't do 'lectricty down here....we scoop up in nets!
nm
Been there....done that.....bought the "Tee" shirt......... you may get away with using it, but if you're with someone who doesn't pay attention and puts his or her hand in or on the wrong place.......
There are at least 3 companies I know that sell certified equipment. I'd shop around first and see if maybe one of them could build you something stream lined to your effort. Safe, but stream lined without all the unneccesary frills that you might not ever use. SAFE being the ultimate word.
As for cost, I guess it is a supply and demand thing. We don't do 'lectricty down here....we scoop up in nets!
nm
#5
Guest_ashtonmj_*
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Posted 09 November 2010 - 01:23 PM
Smith Root is having a holiday sale, big reductions in costs of backpack shockers. You know things are bad when that is advertised.
There are also many people who think they know how to operate them, but don't. Flipping on a switch and seeing if fish roll doesn't cut it. Dave is spot on though about safety.
There are certain over priced things, like batteries than can be made at a much cheaper cost. But then you're spending your time (i.e. money) on producing equipment, so you have to factor that in. We personally build our batteries and do minor repairs to components like anode poles, clocks, and reed switches. There is something to be said for safety and reputation and paying a little more. Cheapest isn't always best.
There are also many people who think they know how to operate them, but don't. Flipping on a switch and seeing if fish roll doesn't cut it. Dave is spot on though about safety.
There are certain over priced things, like batteries than can be made at a much cheaper cost. But then you're spending your time (i.e. money) on producing equipment, so you have to factor that in. We personally build our batteries and do minor repairs to components like anode poles, clocks, and reed switches. There is something to be said for safety and reputation and paying a little more. Cheapest isn't always best.
#6
Guest_pylodictis_*
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Posted 10 November 2010 - 03:47 PM
Smith Root is having a holiday sale, big reductions in costs of backpack shockers. You know things are bad when that is advertised.
There are also many people who think they know how to operate them, but don't. Flipping on a switch and seeing if fish roll doesn't cut it. Dave is spot on though about safety.
There are certain over priced things, like batteries than can be made at a much cheaper cost. But then you're spending your time (i.e. money) on producing equipment, so you have to factor that in. We personally build our batteries and do minor repairs to components like anode poles, clocks, and reed switches. There is something to be said for safety and reputation and paying a little more. Cheapest isn't always best.
I think it's rather hilarious that a fisheries equipment company is having a X-mas sale. "Honey, what would you like for Christmas?" "I'd like a new backpack shocker."
#9
Guest_FishheadDave_*
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Posted 11 November 2010 - 05:30 PM
A few thousands dollars for life-saving safety features and durability seems like a bargain to me. The added control of the newer units (in trained hands) also makes it much easier to capture fish effectively while minimzing power consumption and fish injuries. In practice, there is a lot more to electrofishing than flipping a switch.
#10
Guest_pylodictis_*
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Posted 11 November 2010 - 06:34 PM
I keep asking, and she doesn't get the hint...
No, in practice there is a lot more to safely electro-fishing than flipping a switch. I'd be willing to bet they make a huge profit, and since there are so few companies doing it, there is some unsaid price fixing.
#11
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Posted 11 November 2010 - 07:06 PM
I can't see the executives of Smith Root as billionaire industrial barons. Do they make a tidy profit on each unit sold? I hope so. Are they selling a large-volume product to a steady market? Not at all. You can only survive on razor-thin margins if you are selling product by the bushel day in and day out.
Too, jerry-rigging electric devices for use in a wet environment is a great shortcut to an early grave. Save up or use a net.
Too, jerry-rigging electric devices for use in a wet environment is a great shortcut to an early grave. Save up or use a net.
#12
Guest_Uland_*
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Posted 11 November 2010 - 07:17 PM
A few years ago I sat down with the electrical engineers from work over a few beers and we came up with a rough cost and material list to "copy" a shocker design that's no longer in production.
We were surprised at how costly the list came out to be (considering we were distributors for a good portion of the components).
We discussed ways to get the price down but it was always a matter of either compromising on the quality of components or safety.
In short, if I could get an order for 100,000 units, I could make them pretty cheap and make a good profit but in reality the market is really quite small.
I seriously doubt anyone making backpack shockers is making a huge profit. You have a building mortgage, pay employees a salary and provide health insurance, and don't forget the insurance for selling such equipment (oh I'll bet that would not be a fun meeting with the insurance company). But if you're able to cut out salary, insurance and a mortgage, I'm pretty sure you could make a shocker for less than S-R but it would also likely lack many safety features (or you'd possibly be tinkering with the safety features to no end to get them right).
For the record, I'm not suggesting anyone make a backpack shocker from scratch and flat out recommend otherwise.
We were surprised at how costly the list came out to be (considering we were distributors for a good portion of the components).
We discussed ways to get the price down but it was always a matter of either compromising on the quality of components or safety.
In short, if I could get an order for 100,000 units, I could make them pretty cheap and make a good profit but in reality the market is really quite small.
I seriously doubt anyone making backpack shockers is making a huge profit. You have a building mortgage, pay employees a salary and provide health insurance, and don't forget the insurance for selling such equipment (oh I'll bet that would not be a fun meeting with the insurance company). But if you're able to cut out salary, insurance and a mortgage, I'm pretty sure you could make a shocker for less than S-R but it would also likely lack many safety features (or you'd possibly be tinkering with the safety features to no end to get them right).
For the record, I'm not suggesting anyone make a backpack shocker from scratch and flat out recommend otherwise.
#13
Guest_Irate Mormon_*
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Posted 13 November 2010 - 12:22 AM
I feel the same about the cost of medical equipment. The price is all out of proportion to its utility/construction. And there is no shortage of demand for it. What's worse, eBay won't let you resell most of it. What a racket.
#14
Guest_EricaWieser_*
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Posted 13 November 2010 - 01:29 PM
I feel the same about the cost of medical equipment. The price is all out of proportion to its utility/construction. And there is no shortage of demand for it. What's worse, eBay won't let you resell most of it. What a racket.
*imagines Irate Mormon trying to sell used syringes* ...
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