Press Room

February 2008: Thunder Equipment Releases Thunder 500 Launcher

For years retriever trainers have been asking for something very simple; equipment that is EXTREMELY reliable, made of high quality components, dependable to withstand years of use, and easy to setup, use, and transport. Thunder Equipment located outside Pittsburgh, PA is proud to announce the next generation in retriever training equipment, technology and product reliability, the Thunder 500 launcher! This revolutionary new and innovative equipment will take retriever training launchers and accessory products to an unprecedented level of quality, reliability, and performance.

Highlights of the all new, revolutionary Thunder 500
• DURABLE CONSTRUCTION AND COMPACT SIZE: All aluminum, solid construction, and powder coated exterior won't crack or rust. System measures 9" x 9" x 19"and only weighs 18 lbs! Designed to fit easily into small storage areas or extra holes in your dog truck. Will transport and store neatly without the need for additional carry bags or rotator removal and legs fully retract inside system frame.

• RELIABLE AND EASY TO USE: Tested to withstand the rigors of professional and amateur trainers. Fires within 1.5 seconds every time between 20o F - 100o F. Sets up in under 1 minute and reloads in 5 seconds!

• REMOTE LAUNCH ADJUSTMENT: First and only patent pending process that allows for variable distance from the running line using your Tri-Tronics or Dogtra transmitter. No need to walk out in the field or change charges to modify launch distance, arc, or launcher volume. One extra push of the transmitter button is all it takes!

• VARIABLE DISTANCE AND ARC AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: With one turn of the button you get long arcing throws to short throws. No need to change primers or reload. Adjust throw angle and trajectory using new tripod legs for infinite possibilities.

• ONE SHOT EVERY TIME: One push of the transmitter means one launch! No need to prime your system before each shot and NO OXYGEN is required!

• INEXPENSIVE OPERATION: For less than 1 cent per shot you get a sound which closely imitates a shotgun blast and is SIGNIFICANTLY louder than blank charges. Approximately 600 - 800 shots per tank of inexpensive disposable MAPP gas found at any local hardware store. No .22 Blanks or primers to buy and No Firing Pins to Set

• REDUNDANT SAFETY: The system has a lighted arming switch which disables the unit and incorporates variable distance with gas shutoff.

• MINIMAL MAINTENANCE: Wipe periodically with a damp cloth and store. That's it!

We urge you to research all multiple shot launcher options on the market and challenge you to "do the math" for the serious amateur to full time professional. Evaluate the cost of lifelong ownership: purchase price + cost per shot + maintenance and then add the frustration and time factor of associated costs for complicated equipment field setups, lengthy reloading processes, extensive maintenance and upkeep, and lost time for packing and transporting and decide for yourself. We are confident our products will stand up to the test.

Throughout this year and beyond we will continue to introduce additional useful and innovative retriever training products that will benefit the professional and amateur alike. If you have an idea for future products let us know! We are here to support the retriever community for the advancement of the sport!

Fall 2007: Etch-Mark Sells Launcher Division to Wilson Retrievers

Etch-Mark, Inc., is proud to announce the sale of its launcher division to Doug Wilson and Wilson Retrievers, Inc. of Pittsburgh, PA. The new & improved launcher will be the foundation product for the introduction of Thunder Dog Training Equipment and will be manufactured and serviced in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

"We purchased this technology with one specific goal in mind, to build the best, easiest to use, most versatile, durable and reliable training launcher on the market," said Doug Wilson. "Over the years, multiple shot launchers and related technologies have become very popular in the canine training disciplines. Everyone from hunters to field trialers recognize the benefits of using mechanical aids to assist their dog in reaching their ultimate potential. The new and innovative technology being implemented will take retriever training launchers to an unprecedented new level of quality excellence."

Due to the new technology being planned for implementation Januray - February 2008, we believe it is prudent to begin communicating these new benefits to our dealers and customers instead of selling the current models.

Current interest in the new launcher has been extremely HIGH and even though the launcher is a few months from production many people have expressed interest in the new system. We will keep everyone informed as the new product launch approaches.



Press Room February 2008: Thunder Equipment Releases Thunder 500 Launcher For years retriever trainers have been asking for something very simple; equipment that is EXTREMELY reliable, made of high quality components, dependable to withstand years of use, and easy to setup, use, and transport. Thunder Equipment located outside Pittsburgh, PA is proud to announce the next generation in retriever training equipment, technology and product reliability, the Thunder 500 launcher! This revolutionary new and innovative equipment will take retriever training launchers and accessory products to an unprecedented level of quality, reliability, and performance. Highlights of the all new, revolutionary Thunder 500 • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION AND COMPACT SIZE: All aluminum, solid construction, and powder coated exterior won't crack or rust. System measures 9" x 9" x 19"and only weighs 18 lbs! Designed to fit easily into small storage areas or extra holes in your dog truck. Will transport and store neatly without the need for additional carry bags or rotator removal and legs fully retract inside system frame. • RELIABLE AND EASY TO USE: Tested to withstand the rigors of professional and amateur trainers. Fires within 1.5 seconds every time between 20o F - 100o F. Sets up in under 1 minute and reloads in 5 seconds! • REMOTE LAUNCH ADJUSTMENT: First and only patent pending process that allows for variable distance from the running line using your Tri-Tronics or Dogtra transmitter. No need to walk out in the field or change charges to modify launch distance, arc, or launcher volume. One extra push of the transmitter button is all it takes! • VARIABLE DISTANCE AND ARC AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: With one turn of the button you get long arcing throws to short throws. No need to change primers or reload. Adjust throw angle and trajectory using new tripod legs for infinite possibilities. • ONE SHOT EVERY TIME: One push of the transmitter means one launch! No need to prime your system before each shot and NO OXYGEN is required! • INEXPENSIVE OPERATION: For less than 1 cent per shot you get a sound which closely imitates a shotgun blast and is SIGNIFICANTLY louder than blank charges. Approximately 600 - 800 shots per tank of inexpensive disposable MAPP gas found at any local hardware store. No .22 Blanks or primers to buy and No Firing Pins to Set • REDUNDANT SAFETY: The system has a lighted arming switch which disables the unit and incorporates variable distance with gas shutoff. • MINIMAL MAINTENANCE: Wipe periodically with a damp cloth and store. That's it! We urge you to research all multiple shot launcher options on the market and challenge you to "do the math" for the serious amateur to full time professional. Evaluate the cost of lifelong ownership: purchase price + cost per shot + maintenance and then add the frustration and time factor of associated costs for complicated equipment field setups, lengthy reloading processes, extensive maintenance and upkeep, and lost time for packing and transporting and decide for yourself. We are confident our products will stand up to the test. Throughout this year and beyond we will continue to introduce additional useful and innovative retriever training products that will benefit the professional and amateur alike. If you have an idea for future products let us know! We are here to support the retriever community for the advancement of the sport! Fall 2007: Etch-Mark Sells Launcher Division to Wilson Retrievers Etch-Mark, Inc., is proud to announce the sale of its launcher division to Doug Wilson and Wilson Retrievers, Inc. of Pittsburgh, PA. The new & improved launcher will be the foundation product for the introduction of Thunder Dog Training Equipment and will be manufactured and serviced in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. "We purchased this technology with one specific goal in mind, to build the best, easiest to use, most versatile, durable and reliable training launcher on the market," said Doug Wilson. "Over the years, multiple shot launchers and related technologies have become very popular in the canine training disciplines. Everyone from hunters to field trialers recognize the benefits of using mechanical aids to assist their dog in reaching their ultimate potential. The new and innovative technology being implemented will take retriever training launchers to an unprecedented new level of quality excellence." Due to the new technology being planned for implementation Januray - February 2008, we believe it is prudent to begin communicating these new benefits to our dealers and customers instead of selling the current models. Current interest in the new launcher has been extremely HIGH and even though the launcher is a few months from production many people have expressed interest in the new system. We will keep everyone informed as the new product launch approaches.
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