I also belong to the Handyman club, life member. It took quite a while to get some test products, and for the most part, were inexpensive. But it was fun testing them and was not disappointed that I didn't get a generator or a hammer drill. The last product tested was a darn good flashlight retailing about $100. Hang in there guys, things DO get better.

Bob

I think thats how to reel you in. Oh we will give you all this cool stuff to test out. But in reality you just get hooks and dinky lures. I was disappointed too but I realised anything free is good. ANYTHING. Ive noticed this club can be weird and sometimes seem like a scam but i just like getting the magazine, I dont expect anything more.

I would love to hear from someone who received and item worth more than $100 through the old field test program. Out of all the members I have corresponded with over the years, I received the most worthwhile item, an Okuma reel that retails at $89.95.

Hey Pegsguy, yea I was able to test teh Foley-belsaw fishing guild course, valued at $599.99 I wrote a review on it that you may be able to find. I was dissapointed in the course but not the field testing program. It's a hit/miss situation when it comes to testing and who gets what. The real value is in the hope and anticipation of being able to get something good to test and not so much in teh acual value of the product, the closer your profile matches to whats needing to be tested the better your chances are you may recieve it. I am a bit worried about this new testing program they came up with though. It seems to favor those who like the "social" media outlets more than those of us who acually spend more time in the field and not with out face pinned to a monitor and some twit ter account. Seems like things may be up for grabs around here now that Pennaz is taking time away and letting someone else dip the net in the waters.
As for hairy and amosca, Its a lottery scenario on field testing and kind words in response are better suited than sarcasm. your club members, not frat brats so I hope. GL to ev1 and enjoy what you have, not what your hoping for.

My intention was to reference a real, tangible item of gear that would be of use to most of the members, not the "trial subscriptions" for software or a course on becoming a guide, which, admit it , has limited value to a large portion of the membership here.

Well, I've only been a member since June, and as of yet, I haven't received a magazine. I did receive the "welcome" packet; the sticker and card, basically, but no free gift to speak of. I never got a chance at the old field testing program, but when I checked my email tonight, I had one from StuffStuff, informing me I've been selected to test the plastic lures from basskandi. It claims that the lures should be shipped in 2-3 weeks, and that after I have received and tested them, that I would need to write a review, then I should be able to apply points to next item I am interested in testing. It also claims that should I submit some photos (I'm assuming they mean photos of fish I caught with lures), that would also give me extra points. So long as StuffStuff does what it's supposed to, I should receive the lures, so long as the product manufacturer does what it's supposed to. Only time will tell...

I basically joined this club for the magazine and the forum. The off-chance that I might get to test some sort of product and maybe win one of the contests were only very small selling points; I'm more interested in what the magazine and forum might pass along in the way of experience, and in maybe a chance to help someone else out with what I know. I guess we all need to remember that "nothing in life is free", and if it is, maybe we shouldn't expect too much from it?

In fairness, the reason you are not receiving the magazine may not be the club's fault, they do depend on the USPS to deliver! I received my Aug/Sept/Oct issue just a few days ago. If you haven't received yours by the end of the week, call member services. My attempts at emailing the club have met with frustration.

Yeah, I'm giving them the benefit of a doubt, but all of my other mag subscriptions show up regularly, so maybe it just takes them awhile.

Lohycore. I also have the Bass Kandi to field test. I got mine this week. Have not had time to go to the lake as yet but tomorrow is the day. Sure hope they work as good as they look. Will be give my report tomorrow night. I also did not join for the free stuff as I know that is basically a come on. I did join for the magazine, what I can learn, and the Friendship of other fishermen. Hope all your casts produce a hit.

I have no problems testing stuff,I just testeda $22.00 tested a knife sharpener.

I've been a life member since 1996. I also joined for the magazine and knowledge. Field testing was/is a perk. I always kept my profile active during those years. I was fortunate to have been selected to test many items through the years. From plastic baits to catfish bait to harness rigs. That said, I've never tested anything valued over $10. Until now. A month ago I received an email stating that NAFC was turning the field test program over to StuffStuff. A week ago, I followed the link and completed all of the questionnaires. Even though I only belong to NAFC, you can fill out profiles for The Hunting and Handyman Clubs too. Yesterday I received an email stating that I was accepted to test a pair of Rocky boots valued at $150. Something tells me that this new program is a huge improvement over the old one. If anyone has any questions on how StuffStuff works, just ask.

I recently got a free pocket knife after buying a set of books.
The liner lock was messed up, but I got it functional. A week
later and it's pretty much falling apart. No love for that product.

That said, the hooks, lines, and other goodies have been fine.

Actually NAFC promotes the opportunity to field test as a membership benefit. I haven't had a chance to field test anything in years, except the chance to share all my detailed fishing information with some stranger's database. LOL.

Seriously guys. The economy sucks. I doubt the club is getting much in the way of stuff to share with the members these days. They also have some pretty stringent requirements (according to a past product test provider I have spoken with) to get involved with their product test program. I read my magazine and that's the end of it for now I suspect.

Bob

field testing is alive and well !!! they have revamped it so we can pick/ apply for product we want to test ,,( its still luck of the draw ) but ten times better then we had click on field test link above and sign up for the new system called stuffstuff. once your loged in read the FAQ link it explains how everything works.

Word of caution to everyone Rodtender, I was banned from facebook after posting only a few likes and reviews of products I've tested, used on my own and said I wanted to try because it looked like a good thing. I mean after only a few too.  I was told its in violation of facebook policies. So who are we suppose to be helping here. Our club members or stuff stuff? seems like only one getting anything out of it so far is not the ones getting banned for posting likes. This new way of field testing seemed to over look a few things like facebook rules. Now lets see how they treat those of us who've lost something in the process of helping them advertise in public forums.

Hey fishalotadays,

I don't even bother with field testing anymore. I signed up for stuffstuff and didn't see anything I cared to test. By me not participating it will allow more of you that are interested in doing so a better chance. Good luck.

I resemble that remark Wellsley. I didn't sign up either.

I have field tested some of the beads and trinkets that were offered for testing before snuff-snuff, and didn't think it would get any better. So far I haven't missed any of it. I'll just let the folks who signed up have a better chance of testing something.

Salty Dan
Life member

Guess what Mo, I only started the facebook page for stuff stuff, listed onlyi a few items and was told I was spamming. Something more to it? I dont think so buddy. Other than the fact maybe they only scan a small percentage of whos doing what. Maybe you have some more Ideas to toss out here about someone you dont know ? Don't be making assumptions about something you've no idea about you know what happens when you assume something dont you. AS for facebook they can fishstick it in the mudhole, I've done fine b4 facebook and wont miss a thing without it. As for my fellow fishing club girls and boys go It's just nice to know it isnt happening to all of us. What's that I hear? oh yea something more important to do, hard water fishing and not posting advertisments on social media for someone who doesnt care what "you" get to try out. Happy hunting ev1. P.S. Lots of perch, crappie and slab gills in the bucket this week. What sounds more fun, fishing or posting?