Pitchmen Episode 3

This week on Pitchmen:

We will take a look at a couple of products; the Sharkstopper and the Jupiter Jack.

The Sharkstopper is an ankle bracelet that people wear while swimming in shark infested waters. It emits a high frequency sound that is said to deter sharks. The man who pitched this product claimed that he tested the device in several areas that contained sharks. He did not, however, offer any proof such as a video of this product in action.

This product is a dud, as they proved on the show. First of all, the product fell off of the ankle while Anthony Sullivan was testing it! If that were to happen with sharks around, you might be screwed. Secondly, without the known presence of sharks around you, there is no way to really test the Sharkstopper. There is also no way that it could have 100% effectiveness, and would undoubtedly end up getting someone hurt.

Finally, the high frequency sound is of killer whales. What happens if the Sharkstopper deters sharks, but attracts killer whales! They aren't all like Willy and Shamu ya know!

I would never trust this product, until I see some video evidence and even then, I would be very cautious to strap one on and jump in the ocean with sharks. It is smarter to understand shark behavior while swimming with them, than it is to rely on a piece of flimsy technology.

0 out of 5

The Jupiter Jack is a neat little gadget that you can plug into the audio jack on any cell phone. You then tune your car radio to 88.7 and you now have a hands free cell phone that you can hear through the speakers of your car!

The idea is good, and the Jupiter Jack has been successful, however I would be cautious in buying one of these. If you have ever plugged an iPod or other MP3 player into your cigarette lighter, and tuned your radio to the right station, you have probably experienced the frustration of the constant background static. You would have to get awfully lucky to get clear reception through your speakers with the Jupiter Jack.

You can also purchase a wired product that can be installed in your car's auxilliary which will produce a perfectly clear sound every time. The benefit to the Jupiter Jack is that it has no wires annoying you while you drive. (although the wired ones can be installed internally, so that no wires are showing)

For $10 you get two Jupiter Jacks. They are so inexpensive, that it is probably worth a try. If they work, then you are all set when your state inevitably bans hand-on cell phone use while driving.

3 out of 5