Anyone have one of these? Link:
http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=82105033-0e2e-45e1-9aee-44f3751e4575
The local farm store has a steal of deal on them, but I can’t seem to find any feedback online about their performance. I’m looking at using it to charge an interior strand of electric to keep horses off an existing wire fence…
We sell Patriots at the feed store I work at… we get very good feedback from them, haven’t had a single one returned or replaced, and the local apiary in addition to Fish and Game are using them throughout the wilderness here to keep grizzly and black bears out of the honey hives with total success. They’re buying a bigger stronger version of the fencer that costs closer to $270 but the apiary bought ten of them without batting an eye b/c he said it was the only fencer that worked on the bears that he’s found in 40 years. The company has been good to deal with and the customers are happy with the fencers. For what it’s worth!
Hmmmm I need a new fence charger, I might have to check into these!
Thanks for the info, cowboymom! I think I’m going to try it since they have them at such a great price. I’ll try to remember to re-post with results. 
Please do report back! :yes: We’re still using an ancient Parmak Fieldmaster that we bought fifteen years ago so I haven’t used a Patriot myself. At the store we are considering going entirely to Parmaks and Patriots so I’ll be interested in your opinion!
Happy fencing! 
The Parmak seems to be the top reviewed online and what I was going to order, but we’re having to do a TON of improvements to the pasture at our new place. If I can save a good chunk of change on a fence charger without compromising quality too much, I’m all for it!
I said I’d update… better late than never, right?
I’ve been really happy with this charger. It has functioned flawlessly for over 3 years now. It delivers plenty of juice to keep the horses’ respect and even shocks reasonably well through the summertime weeds that inevitably get to the fence. My only minor complaint is that the shock is a lot weaker during the daytime than it is at night-- I don’t know if this is typical of all models or if mine has some sort of minor flaw with the battery, solar panel, or wiring. But when the sun’s out, it just delivers a sufficiently uncomfortable zap. When the sun goes down, the thing will knock you off your feet! I can’t complain too much, it actually makes me feel better to know it works so well at night when visibility is low.
However, for the first time in over 3 years, I went outside tonight and the charger was not working. The red light was not flashing. When I hit the power button, it turned on for a second, but then powered off immediately. I’m assuming the battery has gone kaput and plan to pick up a new one tomorrow if possible. I have no idea if 3+ years of continuous use and abuse is typical life for a 12V battery on a solar charger. Between the short days, a lot of rainy weather, and the fact that there are still some weeds touching the fence in places, maybe it was just too much for an older battery…
Replaced the battery and it seems to be good as new!
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