Hello Lucan. We were not aware if you had an older or newer model. We cannot compare forum avatar names with our customer list. If you contact us directly and let us know who you are we would be happy to discuss the possibility of an exchange as it directly benefits us that our customers are pleased and happy. We have worked directly with many amateur and pro pilots to test and compare different approaches and ideas. If that idea interests you please contact us at
[email protected] and reference this thread and who you are.
But please understand that no company offers to replace its previous models with a new one. If you bought the older Hoodini, that was before we knew that drone pilots were looking for a solution. Just because a certain product does not completely solve your particular needs does not mean it is "crap". We never claimed or advertised the older model was for drone pilots. But interestingly enough we did start receiving emails from drone pilots who liked it. In fact we were at International Drone Day in San Diego and an Inspire 1 pilot using an older Hoodini came us to us to us and said how much he liked it and we saw him using it in camera competitions on that windy day. Five of our new PadHat shades were awarded as prizes for competitions and that pilot was one of the winners.
For you weight might not be an issue but for others it is. Many do not use a harness.
We again respectfully submit that the brand you have does not effectively block glare and reflection because of the shade height and angle. Please go out in the sun and try it on and off. The only difference we can see is that the framing helps to focus the eye a bit, which any shade will do, but does not block the glare itself. We would not state this if we did not test it ourselves. Again
we did extensive research and testing on this subject and designed our shades to effectively block ambient glare and reflection which is the real problem. We will not sell a product that does effectively block glare and reflection no matter how many claim the angle vs shade height does not matter. It does. If you have a different experience we would sincerely appreciate some pics showing the difference with your shades on and off at the same spot and time. And we mean "sincerely". If someone can show us where our testing and observations are incorrect that only helps us to get it right which is our goal for products and customers.
We completely stand by the fact that our shades are reasonably priced, work as presented, currently have the best solution on the market and are used by 100s of amateur and pilots, many who rave about them.
Please note we are contacted by pros and production companies who are repeat buyers. In fact producers for the Discovery channel recently used the PadHat on a shoot and just contacted us today to overnight them 2 more, whatever the shipping cost, for an upcoming shoot later this week. You should also know that they first purchased the brand you use and are now using PadHat shades.
I encourage you to contact us at
[email protected] to continue a productive discussion about your particular experience and needs. Just please let us know you are Lucan so we can review previous email exchanges we may have had with you.