Sport Products
Safety should always be a top priority when diving. Whether you're exploring the depths of vibrant coral reefs or navigating challenging underwater currents, its crucial to have reliable safety equipment and communication tools at your disposal. In this review, we'll take an in-depth look at the Cressi Magnetic Shaker Acoustic Warning Device a compact and innovative device designed to enhance diver safety by providing audible alerts for potential hazards like proximity to boats or other divers. Well cover everything from its design and functionality to durability, reliability, user feedback, and price, helping you determine if this is the right accessory for your underwater adventures. The Cressi Magnetic Shaker is a relatively new addition to the dive safety market, but it's already garnering attention among experienced divers looking for an extra layer of protection while exploring below the surface. This device utilizes magnetic technology and acoustic signals to alert you when you get too close to objects or other divers, reducing the risk of collisions and ensuring a safer diving experience. Lets dive in (pun intended!) and explore what makes this device stand out from its competitors.
The Cressi Magnetic Shaker is impressively compact, measuring just 60mm x 35mm x 17mm (2.4" x 1.4" x 0.7") and weighing only 80g (2.8oz). This small size makes it incredibly easy to attach to your BCD or dive gear without adding unnecessary bulk. The device is encased in a durable plastic housing, designed to withstand the rigors of saltwater immersion and repeated use. The design incorporates two powerful neodymium magnets that allow for effortless attachment to any metal surface on your equipment. Cressi has thoughtfully included a lanyard with an additional magnet at its end, providing even more versatility when it comes to positioning the device. You can attach it directly to your regulator hose or other convenient locations for quick and easy access. The user interface is straightforward and intuitive. There's a single button that serves as both the power switch and volume control, allowing you to adjust the shaker intensity based on your preference. The built-in LED indicator provides visual feedback of its operational status, ensuring you know when its active and ready for use. The Cressi Magnetic Shaker boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) for at least 30 minutes without suffering any damage. This level of waterproofing provides peace of mind knowing that your device is protected from accidental submersion during dives or while rinsing off after a day on the boat.
The Cressi Magnetic Shaker utilizes an integrated lithium-ion battery, which can be recharged via USB using the included charging cable. A full charge typically takes around 2 hours and provides up to 80 hours of continuous use more than enough for multiple dive trips. The device's low power consumption ensures that it wont drain your batteries unexpectedly during dives. The magnets are strong and secure, ensuring a firm hold on metal surfaces even under pressure. However, if you plan on using the Magnetic Shaker in areas with extremely rough currents or challenging conditions where there's a risk of accidental dislodging, we recommend securing it with an additional lanyard. Cressi has also incorporated overcharge protection to prevent damage from leaving the device plugged in for extended periods. This feature further enhances its reliability and longevity. The battery is designed to last through hundreds of charge cycles, minimizing the need for replacement batteries throughout its lifespan.
The Cressi Magnetic Shaker Acoustic Warning Device operates on a simple yet effective principle: it emits audible alerts when you get too close to other metal objects or divers equipped with their own magnetic shakers. This proximity sensing is achieved through the interaction of the magnets within each device. As two shakers approach each other, the magnetic field intensifies, triggering an alarm that vibrates and produces a loud beeping sound. The strength of this signal depends on the distance between the devices and their respective magnet orientations. The closer you get to another shaker or metal object, the louder and more intense the warning becomes providing clear feedback about your proximity. This functionality is particularly useful when diving in low-visibility conditions, where visual cues are limited. It also enhances safety during buddy dives by alerting divers of each others presence even when out of sight. While the Cressi Magnetic Shaker excels at detecting nearby objects and divers, it's important to note that its range is limited typically within a 1-2 meter (3-6 feet) radius. This ensures that you receive timely warnings without being constantly bombarded by false alarms from distant sources. However, if diving in crowded areas or around large metal structures like shipwrecks, divers should still maintain situational awareness and follow standard dive safety protocols. The devices adjustable volume control allows you to customize the alert intensity based on your preferences and environmental conditions useful for both noisy boat dives and quiet reef explorations. The shaker's vibration is strong enough to be felt even through thick wetsuits or drysuits, ensuring that you receive a clear warning regardless of your level of insulation.
The Cressi Magnetic Shaker has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from divers across the globe. Many users praise its compact size, ease of use, and effectiveness in enhancing dive safety. Several reviewers have highlighted how it's helped them avoid collisions with other divers or boats during low-visibility dives a situation that could potentially lead to serious injury if not addressed promptly. Some users suggest using the Magnetic Shaker alongside traditional SMBs (Surface Marker Buoys) for added visibility and redundancy. While it doesnt replace the need for an SMB, it complements its functionality by providing audible alerts when you're approaching other divers or vessels that may have difficulty spotting your buoy in time. A few reviewers mentioned concerns about accidentally triggering the alarm while handling metal objects on the boat or during equipment setup. However, this can be easily mitigated by switching off the device before beginning these tasks. Overall, user feedback indicates a high level of satisfaction with the Cressi Magnetic Shaker's performance and reliability.
The Cressi Magnetic Shaker Acoustic Warning Device is priced at approximately $79.95 - $89.95 USD (prices may vary depending on retailer). While this might seem a bit steep compared to other dive accessories, its important to consider the potential value of enhanced safety and peace of mind that comes with using this device. Compared to alternative proximity warning systems like sonar-based diver locators or underwater communication devices, the Magnetic Shaker offers an affordable entry point into advanced dive safety technology without compromising on functionality or reliability. Given its compact size, ease of use, and proven effectiveness in preventing collisions, we believe that the Cressi Magnetic Shaker Acoustic Warning Device represents excellent value for money.
The Cressi Magnetic Shaker Acoustic Warning Device is a valuable addition to any diver's safety gear arsenal. Its innovative design, robust build quality, user-friendly interface, and reliable performance make it an indispensable tool for enhancing dive safety especially in low-visibility conditions or crowded diving environments. While its range may be limited compared to other proximity warning systems, this limitation ensures that you receive clear and timely alerts without being constantly bombarded by false alarms.
The Cressi Magnetic Shaker is an acoustic warning device that alerts divers to potential hazards or communication needs while underwater. It's a simple yet effective tool for improved dive safety and communication in groups.
It operates on the principle of magnetic attraction. Two separate units are used one worn by the diver receiving signals, and another carried by the buddy sending them. When the buddy passes their unit close to the receiver's shaker, a vibration alerts the diver.
Absolutely! The Cressi Magnetic Shaker is incredibly easy to use, making it ideal for divers of all skill levels, including beginners. It eliminates the need for hand signals or cumbersome communication devices.
The effective range depends on various factors like water conditions and magnetic interference. Typically, it works reliably within a distance of about 6-8 feet (2 meters).
It's non-invasive, quiet underwater, doesn't require any audible signals that might attract marine life or disrupt the dive environment. It allows for discreet and personalized alerts between buddies.
Yes! The Cressi Magnetic Shaker is designed to work through wetsuits, drysuits, and even gloves. Its strong magnetic field ensures reliable signal transmission regardless of your attire.
The Cressi Magnetic Shaker is water-resistant but not fully submersible. While it can handle splashes and accidental immersion, it shouldn't be submerged for extended periods. We recommend rinsing with fresh water after each dive.
Each unit requires a standard button cell battery (CR2032) which typically lasts around 15-20 hours of continuous use. Battery life will vary depending on usage and environmental conditions.
No, there's no adjustable volume or intensity setting. The shaker provides a consistent level of vibration to ensure you receive the alert underwater.
Yes! While primarily designed for scuba diving, snorkelers can also benefit from the Cressi Magnetic Shaker to communicate with their buddy while enjoying surface watersports activities.
Each unit comes with a lanyard and clip that allows you to easily attach it to your BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), wetsuit, or other dive equipment for convenient access.
Yes! Multiple units can be used simultaneously without interference as long as each diver's receiver is paired with their designated buddy's transmitter unit.
Each shaker comes in different colors so you can easily differentiate between your buddies signals. Additionally, you could use colored wristbands or other identifiers for added clarity.
Simply detach the battery from its compartment on each unit to power down the device. This conserves battery life and prevents accidental activations.
While useful for communication, we dont recommend relying solely on it for emergencies. Always carry a primary safety device like a surface marker buoy (SMB) or whistle in addition to the Magnetic Shaker.
No pairing is required! The Cressi Magnetic Shaker uses magnetic attraction, so as long as you keep the transmitter and receiver close enough during use, it will work automatically.
Standard CR2032 button cell batteries are widely available at most convenience stores, pharmacies, or online retailers like Amazon.
Each Cressi Magnetic Shaker Acoustic Warning Device package includes two separate units one receiver and one transmitter each with a lanyard and clip for easy attachment to your dive gear.