Another radar reflector?

[T37Chef]

I had an old fold-able Davis style reflector, but it has pretty much fallen apart beyond repair so I want a new one.

I really don't want to spend mucho $$$ on something like the Tri Lens that has such great reviews. I like the tube style reflectors by Plastimo & Mobri. I have not been able to find much about them? Are they decent? Other suggestions...

BTW, the pricing differences of these between West Marine, Defender, Sailnet is ridiculous! What a rip off WM, I almost want to cancel my membership!

For example:

Plastimo 25586
WM: $49.99
Defender: $32.99

Plastimo 39099
Sailnet Store: $69.08
Defender: $74.99

Tri Lens Standard/Medium (not positive these are the same units)
WM: $314.99 (WTH!!!!)
Defender: $199.99

[sailingdog]

Chef—

The Tri-Lens that WM is selling is a very different unit. It is a much larger, far more effective unit than the plastimo 2" or 4" reflector tubes. BTW, the Plastimo tube reflectors generally do fairly poorly in tests... and the best bang for the buck is usually the Davis Echomaster type reflector.

The trilens looks like this:



The Plastimos look like this:



Not the same thing at all.

[T37Chef]

Yea, I know what they look like. I have been trying to compare them but I haven't been able to find that PS review...I liked the easy install and lightweight of the Plastimo but was unsure of its ability to reflect well based on its design...I don't much care for the fold-able ones like I had (Davis), so maybe I bite the bullet and go with something such as the Tri Lens?

[T37Chef]

Okay, so now I'm leaning towards the Tri Lens style, but check out the pricing between WM & Defender. Probably would get the Medium/Standard one...

West Marine prices:
Mini: $187.99
Medium: $314.99
Large: $839.00

West Marine: Tri-Lens Radar Reflector - 12"W x 6"H Product Display 710&Ne=0&Ntt=Tri Lens Radar relector&Ntk=Primary Search&Ntx=mode matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=Tri Lens Radar relector&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=8&subdeptNum=52&classNum=275

Defender:
Mini: $139.99
Standard: $199.99
Large: $499.99

Radar Reflectors


Why such a difference in price, they must be the same? BTW, SailNet store...where is your Tri Lens?

[pdqaltair]

From the US Sailing site:
(http://offshore.ussailing.org/Assets...r+Test.pdf.pdf

This Coast Guard / Seagrant study comes up with a tin hat!
http://www.seagrant.umaine.edu/files...al/05raref.pdf

[T37Chef]

Thanks pdq,

Based on the first report and my budget I would say I should go with the Standard/Medium Tri Lens.

I guess I could just hoist my stainless pot after dinner in a pinch LOL

[sailingdog]

IIRC, the MAIB report on the sinking of the Ouzo had some information on Radar Reflectors as well....

[CaptainForce]

Beyond the useful function of all the studies is the actual image that you produce on your vessel when scanned by the other guy's radar.... Ask! Many boaters are out there running their radars even on good visibilty days. I have one of the Davis style,- three dimensions of aluminum plate mounted on the triactic near the top of my mizzen. Everyone tells me I'm showing a sharp and clear image. I've seen these same simple reflectors in the fog mounted on the bouys marking the end of a commercial fishing long line float showing very well on my radar. I my opinion there is no majic in wraping your relector in molded plastic with an expensive mount or justifying a high cost when three pieces of aluminum sheeting interlocked into three planes and fixed in position with stainless steel wire will excell. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

[drobarge]

wal-mart bag full o' beer cans!

[chef2sail]

I use the Davis. Everyone says I show up clear and sharp with it.

Dave