Smokin-It User Forum!
General Discussions => Introductions => Topic started by: Big Fish on May 31, 2014, 11:19:45 AM
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Just joined Smokin-it because I was thinking about buying the #3. I have been lurking for a couple of weeks before I joined. I am new to electric smoking - there are a lot of choices out there and have been shopping and "feeling" out all the choices. I called Smokin-it last night and waiting for a call back - I have a million questions. I'll mostly be smoking fish (I live on the water - salt), definitely ribs and big pork candy. Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and do some researching. Oh, nice joint you have here.
You need no teef to eat my beef.
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Welcome, again, Big Fish! When you compare apples to apples (SI, Cookshack, Smokin Tex), SI is hands-down the best value for the dollar. The units are very well-made, have a longer warranty than the others, and come with the best customer service in the business! You'll probably read some of the posts on comparisons; there are quite a few on here. You'll find many of our members were in exactly the same boat as you (me included), and ended up choosing Smokin-It. Other than the bomb dropped by robb (that you posted to), you just won't find negatives.
Another thing to look at is the other manufacturer's forums. The level of activity is a testament to the product. Also consider replacement parts costs, especially if considering Cookshack. Great units, but very costly.
Steve was probably out with the family last night - I'm sure he'll get back to you soon. By the way, we have several of you sea-dwellers around here, so lots of good advice on fish! ;)
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Thanks for the welcome DivotMaker. What I don't get is, why is everyone modding these smoking-it smokers with additional electronics, when the other guys have them already installed when you buy them? I really don't mind the extra cash layout, but it's done and calibrated already off the show room floor - for a more precise finished product (via temperature)? It's all about the perfect end product, right? I'm a low voltage guy and know the damage one could do if modded incorrectly (voids the warranty - boat anchor). And I'm not being cocky here, just trying to make sense of it all - and I know "schtuff" needs to be modded to suit one's needs, but getting the correct temp seems like a big deal (KEY) when smoking.
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I have a stock #2 & produce phenomenal Q. The mods are not necessary but some enjoy the accuracy. I'd put my finished product up against any. The ability to have the auber drop to a holding temp upon the meat reaching desired temp does sound nice though. Not sure the others do that.
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Steve should sell these with the mods if desired.
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Fish, it is absolutely NOT required to "mod" these smokers with a PID controller. They work great "as is." I have a #1 that is factory stock, and have produced lots of pounds of great Q. I am fortunate to have a #2 that is a test bed for a digital controller (still in the works), and I use an Auber PID with it. The stock analog controller will have temp swings, which is just the nature of the beast with analog controllers. Smokin Tex says +/- 40 degrees on their website. The Auber PID option brings temps to within 1-2 degrees of set point. Not even the Cookshack controller is that accurate. We have a CS owner here, and he ran a test on temp swings to see, so this is not just made up info. The Auber is not required, but makes a great smoker incredible. The only reason for the bypass mod is to take the temp above 250, which is the limit of the stock controller. Again, not required, but is nice to have. I suspect we'll see smokers from the factory with these modifications in the future.
You said "when the other guys have them already installed when you buy them." What "other guys" do you mean? Please don't include digital controlled smokers like Masterbuilt or Cajun Cooker in with these smokers - whole different animal, and will not last as long. The "big 3" are Cookshack, Smokin Tex and Smokin-It.
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I was looking at the CS 45. By the time I want to get the smokin-it 3 to get it where I want it to be, it would be close in $$ AND I wouldn't have to slice and dice (with the CS 45). Right? They just posted a 10 percent off too. Again, just thinking and not by any means, putting down anyone's product.
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Big Fish,
Since you mentioned the CS SM045, we can compare more easily. Here's my take on it, for what it's worth. First, a couple of observations on features:
1. CS45 has a 750 w element, whereas the #3 has a 1200 w element.
2. CS45 has 3 shelves (nickel plated, 14"x18"), and the #3 comes with 4 shelves (solid stainless steel, 15"x20"). The extra inch in width, and 2" in depth may not seem like much, but it makes a big difference.
3. The CS controller, while electronic, is NOT a PID. It is a simple on/off, set the temp with up/down buttons, controller. The Auber PID is programmable with 6 steps, triggered by time or temperature, and holds temp within 1-2 degrees of set point. Also, replacement cost of the 45's controller is $235. Just looking at long-term cost of ownership, if it goes out after their 2 yr warranty.
Now, you mentioned you would be "close on $$" to get the #3 where you want it to be. Here's what I see, even considering their 10% off sale. I'm including a PID with the #3, but it is optional, and does not have to be purchased up-front for it to work:
SI Model 3:
Unit $499.00
Auber PID $216.00
Cart $200.00
Cover $40.00
Total $955.00
CS SM045:
Unit $1275.00
Cart $400.00
Cover $235.00
Extra shelf $31.00
Total $1,941.00
- 10% = 1,747.
Not considering shipping, the CS is $792 higher, $1008 higher if you go #3 stock (no PID).
So, you're looking at a smaller unit (both in size and wattage), a 2 yr vs. 3 yr warranty, and right at twice the price. Hope this helps - just trying to look at it from a "spec-spec" comparison, and value for the dollar.
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Hey Big Fish,
I have the #3 without the PID controller and I have zero issues. The PID is a nice to have, but not necessary, although I wouldn't mind picking one up simply because us boys like our toys, but I can wait, I am fine without it. It's similar to buying a car, then modifying the engine with after market parts to get more out of it.
In addition, Tony is dead on, the PID is not the same as the CS temperature control, it is a different beast altogether.
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I'm going to try and call Smokin-it again. I still haven't heard from them. Who knows, he might be on vacation or had an emergency.
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Ernie, now that you mention it, I believe he was out of town this week! Have you emailed him at [email protected]? He usually answers emails pretty fast, but it is Sunday. Might try him tomorrow when he's back.
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Don't they have a 30 day money back guarantee? I was hoping to see if he runs a Father's Day Special. Thanks for all your help, Divot.
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Yes, Ernie - 30 day money back. I'd be surprised to hear if anyone has ever actually used it! lol.
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Not planning on it. 8)
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When I picked up my #3 from Steve, we spoke for about 30 minutes and he did mention that he offers the 30 days because he is confident and stands by his product because nobody has returned there unit because they were not satisfied with it.
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Welcome Big Fish.
You won't go wrong with either the SI or the CS unit. They are both solid performers. I understand your not wanting to go the slice and dice routine. That is understandable. There are some good instructions within this forum on how to hardwire in a PID and still keep the option of analog. Call it an either or solution. On the CS, if the controller dies, the smoker is dead, unless you as an analog controller as a backup (still the slice and dice). The same holds true with the SI unit. Given the value, the SI provides more bang for the buck, plus the accessories are less expensive as are parts, should the need arise. The power cord is longer, a plus, and the wheels are larger, a real plus. Also look at rack size. Again you won't make a bad decision with either unit; they are both robust units, well insulated, well manufactured. It comes down to budget. and what you are comfortable with. If you go with the SI, think of all the meat you can purchase with the money saved!
Best of luck in your decision and happy smoking.
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I am passing on the Smokin-it. The customer support just isn't there (one guy answering a cell phone?). Not to offend anyone here, I am sure you guys love the product. Thanks for all your help.
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Best of luck to you, Ernie. Missing out on a great smoker!
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Sorry to hear Ernie. We are happy with our purchases, but at the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with your choice. This is a start up company and we deal directly with the owner which keeps the cost down on these units, but no doubt in our minds that it's growing. Our forum keeps growing every day with new members and I've never had to call for service.
Well, happy smoking and maybe one day we will cross paths again.
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Thanks guys!
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I am passing on the Smokin-it. The customer support just isn't there (one guy answering a cell phone?). Not to offend anyone here, I am sure you guys love the product. Thanks for all your help.
There are reasons why other manufacturers have legions of customer service personnel!!!! :o
I wish you the best of luck!
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Martin's dead-on, as usual! The owner of the company, dealing with EVERY customer service issue personally, is more than just "one guy with a cell phone." Most of us have never had to call for customer service, as the units perform great. If a large customer service staff is your decision point, I hope you'll be happy with whatever you choose. I wish you the best of luck, but you may be basing your decision on a factor that isn't really a factor at all. But, I understand your concern. As the company grows, Steve may delegate the important aspect of customer service to someone else, but I hope not. That's what sets this company apart, at least in my mind!
Best of luck, and I hope we meet again!
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I did countless hours of research over several months before I purchased my #2 even talked to steve a couple of times on the phone. I've been very happy with this unit, almost went with the Bradley, know several people who own them, the #2 blows it out away, have never looked back or desired something different. As far as performance the mods i did are just my ocd like nature to mod everything I buy performed fine without them. The forum is a great addition to the product any questions are answered sometimes with in minutes, could'nt imagine going somewhere else. All things considered bang for the buck for surpasses any of the other products on the market!!!
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From what I can tell your "perceived" customer support issue is the only downside of getting a Smokin-It.
Everyone is different, but the overwhelming number of Pros significantly outweigh the one "perceived" Con in my eye.
If you want a smoker where Customer Support is important, get a MasterBuilt or a Bradley. Customer Support simply is rarely needed with the Smokin-It smokers and if it is you get the main guy instead of a customer support person from who knows where with little control to do anything about many of the problems that you report.
Then as mentioned before, replacement parts should you fall out of their 2 year (verses the 3 year on the SI) are significantly cheaper with a SI verses the other brands.
In the end, you have to do what is right for you. But if not having a dedicated Customer Support team is the only reason for not choosing the Smokin-It smoker, I would recommend that you look at the big picture and truly try to compare all of the pros and con/s before making your purchase.
Just my 2 cents (maybe worth 1 ;))
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Ernie,
The 'guy' answering the cell phone is the owner, Steve. I have talked to him many, many times over the past 3 years, oftentimes when he was on the road, once when he was on vacation. And when he did not answer, he called back in one day, or in a couple of hours. His business is more of a mom&pop business, with a small staff, and that helps hold down costs which is to the benefit of the customer. Customer service is generally for service after the sale for the customer, but can be accessed prior to a sale to answer any questions prior to a sale not covered on the web site. Between his site, and the forum, there isn't anything missing on the SI line of smokers, unless one is looking for flashy videos and eye candy. And those can be found on youtube.
Good luck with which ever company you go with.
Dave
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Youz guyz convinced me, I pulled the trigger on the SI #3 :P
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Ernie,
I think you will be pleased. And to bring it up to digital (if that is what you want to do) look for another PM.
Dave
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You won't be disappointed Ernie.
I have a stock #3 and may add an Auber PID with permanently installed Pit Probe someday. But that would only be for the added functionality of the programming and the ability to go higher than 250 degrees.
I have smoked some of the best Q with my stock #3 that I have ever smoked or for that matter tasted.
So, while the add-on stuff is cool, it is totally not necessary.
Luckily these units ship super quick. So your wait should not be that long.
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Congratulations, Ernie...you made the right decision! Cheers ;D
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Ernie, welcome back to the club. We can honestly say that you will not be disappointed. I too had my hesitations, but I kept coming back to the SI #3. Being from Toronto, the shipping costs were too high once it crosses the border, since I have family in Ohio, I decided to take a trip to visit family and pick up my #3.
After speaking to Steve numerous times before my purchase, Steve was honest and never tried to pressure me for the sale and was very accommodating when I picked up my smokers (I ordered and picked up 2 units). Steve did mention that he backs these up for 3 years and that he was confident in doing so because it is very rare for something to fail on these units.
Needless to say, I am extremely happy with my stock #3, never had any issues at all and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these units to anyone. I get compliments all the time, not just for the appearance of the smoker, but also for the output these things produce. When I have my garage door open, some guys even slow down and even stop to ask me about it. I love this unit and have never looked back with absolutely no regrets.
You made the right decision, good luck, enjoy and we are all looking forward to having you on our forum.
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A big Congratulations is in order, Ernie! As you can probably tell, the general consensus is that you'll be extremely happy with your purchase! We're all very confident in recommending these units, because we live it! Glad to have you with us!
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Hey, Ernie, once your smoker comes in and you get a few smokes under your belt with the SI, let's us all know what you think if it.
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Will do. and again, thanks for all your help. I am working on one of these to control my temps. I am going to retrofit to fit the SI #3. 8)
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Lol, the waiting is killing me. He shipped it out right away too! ;)
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Lol, the waiting is killing me. He shipped it out right away too! ;)
Hey Ernie,
That's the customer service we mentioned. We understand the anticipation and excitement of waiting for your smoker, but be careful of what you wish for because I have to warn you in advance of how this is going to temporarily change your life.
You will be so excited and attached to your new smoker that your wife will be jealous for spend more time with your smoker than her. If that happens, don't you worry because she will understand once she tastes some of that Q that these units produce.
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I tell ya, that shipping is a killer. $149....and I know it's a lot of weight. I can get a lot of meat for $149. I hate FedEx too. They throw schtuff around with no respect to what is inside. Anyhow, it says it will be here tomorrow, but not getting my hopes up. FedEx is not the most reliable either. Last time my last dealings were with Fedex and had ordered 2 generators during Sandy - I had no electric for 2 weeks. They came up with so many excuses, I had to go pick it up and one was severely damaged. And the kicker is, when I got to the FedEx depot (not in the best of areas - high crime) my girlfriend calls me, when I was loading on the pickup truck - all happy, saying the electric has been turned on in my house.
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Just so you know, Ernie, Steve does not mark up shipping (like some do). It is auto-calculated by FedEx on weight and destination. You will find these are packaged very well, and that's really not bad for a 135 lb oversized package. I've received 2, and both were in perfect condition.
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I wasn't insinuating that at all. One carton is 128 LBS. I'm just thinking out loud again. ;)
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I know, Ernie - didn't take it that way. Just wanted to throw that out there since the question does come up every now and then. ;)
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Shipping to Canada is approximatemy $300 per unit and that does not include any duty charges and additional taxes. That is why it was worth the 6 hour drive from Toronto to Ohio to pick up 2 SI #3's. I saved myself the shipping, taxes and duty charges and visited family at the same time. Well worth the drive, at least it was worth it for me with all factors considering.
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Placed the order on 6/03/2014 for the Smokin-it #3 with all the goodies (stand and whatnot) and the Fedex site says Estimated delivery Thur 6/05/2014. This came in my email from Smokin-it: Your order has shipped. (Order#: 8567 placed on 06/03/2014). I called FedEx and Smokin-it hasn't called to ship it yet - they just created a shipping label! Kind of sucks, because I stayed around the house today (6/05/2014) to help the FedEx Guy unload. :o
Oh Brudda, I have a bad feeling about this - I hope I am wrong.
>:( >:( >:(
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Hey Ernie, why not call Steve and ask, usually they are shipped right away, especially if you received confirmation.
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Ernie, in my experience FedEx never issues an estimated delivery date until they have the package. Generating a shipping label only shows that shipping info has been received, when you click the tracking on FedEx.com. Sounds like a FedEx issue to me. Call Steve.
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Do I detect a hint of buyer's remorse?
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"Buyer's remorse?" Oh, heck no. I have spareribs hanging from my ears waiting for the #3! I have a big party coming up on the 15th, should be here before then and I can get a practice run in or 2.
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"Buyer's remorse?" Oh, heck no. I have spareribs hanging from my ears waiting for the #3! I have a big party coming up on the 15th, should be here before then and I can get a practice run in or 2.
The comment about the ribs hanging from your ears is one for the books. Just too funny...
And there definately won't be any buyers remorse once you get your SI smoker. If anything you will say it was worth the wait.
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Ernie,
No offense meant.
Dave
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None taken Sarge.
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Now I am getting Buyer's Remorse, Sarge. No calls, no emails...where is this wonderful Customer Service you all speak of?
Due to shipping delay thru 6-12-14, we will give you a chip screen (which was already free when I purchased), Rib Hooks (which was already free when I purchased), Cord Hook (which I already purchased with the order), & Lilly Flavor Saver free with the purchase of any model smoker. No substitutes, on our website only and no code required. Happy smokin' enjoy!!
Just call me Lucky...Mr. Lucky to you!
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Steve is moving to Michigan, as he says on his web site, in the pane above what you quoted. Moving is hectic. Your whole life is upended, temporarily, and that is a fact.
And we have all, at one time or another purchased something only to find out that it went on sale the following week and there was no possibility of getting the sale price retroactively. And we think, if only I had not been in such a hurry. What happened to my cool analytical thinking and my patience. Such is life and business.
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Lol, business stops?
DivotMaker, you think I'd be pushing it if I demanded a PID Controller. Lol, I am being sarcastic. :o
I found myself looking at the CookShacks again, but the Amerique this time, but I think that might be overkill for me. CS Amerique would be the only choice I would make, other than the SI #3.
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I would rather wait a few extra days for the SI3 than to dish out the extra money for the CS. But that's just me.
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Ernie, I know your smoker shipped today. They began moving everything to their new location today, and everything ordered by 7 am this morning shipped today. I know they're doing the best they can to take care of folks, but a move of this size is a chore for a small company. At least they're throwing in some extras for the inconvenience.
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No, business does not stop. It may hit a speed bump or two during this move, and a hiccup, but it does not stop.
And from the "why Smokin-it" section:
"We try to ship all products with in 72 hours."
That is reasonable They try. And in many cases customers reported their smoker shipped the same day. I reckon it depends upon just how busy everyone is at the time, to include the shipping company.
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Divot, I thought you would have gotten the Pid Controller comment - I guess that smoke was dry. :o Looks like in between their moving, he shipped from new place.
Sarge, I am moving too and getting out of this Tax riddled State they call NY (especially Long Island). When I bought the house, taxes were 3K and now almost 10k - and that's only 8 years! I grew up here where I live now and it's a shame. For lack of a better description, moving sux - especially across State lines.
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LOL - I got it, Ernie! ;) I was just kind of in a hurry. You'll be smoking by next week! 8)
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And that's a huge compliment to SI, comparing the SI #3 to a CS AmeriQue - considering the price differential, but that was my only 2 choices. I plan on Q'ing for a very long time and needed a solid unit. ;)
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And that's a huge compliment to SI, comparing the SI #3 to a CS AmeriQue - considering the price differential, but that was my only 2 choices. I plan on Q'ing for a very long time and needed a solid unit. ;)
It is, for sure. I appreciate you cutting Steve a little slack for the delay. This is a big move, and I've never seen anything else ever delay shipping. I know you'll be happy with your choice!
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I just didn't get the one handle to close (and seal tight) the doors on the other units. Some of the wattages seemed low too. The SI replacement parts were cheaper than dirt too. I started looking at those costs too.
Geez, ya think I was buying a new car and not a smoker! For us boys (4 brothers - huge families and friends) the wives/girlfriends/kids couldn't boil an egg between them - all the men do the cooking. We have Italian roots, so cooking is important to us, because we have huge get-togethers year 'round. I am a formally trained Chef - as well as another younger Brother - he has a restaurant in Tennessee and working on a second. All 4 of us owned a pizzeria or a restaurant at one time in our lives. Me, I just do it for fun now - but am a serious cooker. I hope this SI #3 is a good solid unit, because I will be beating the hell out of her. ;)
We have a big party coming up (niece's HS graduation and acceptance into Penn State) and I am sure this contraption will be a big hot item with the products it's going to produce. My Brother lives down the street, on the bay, so most of us are fisherman (as a hobby). We all like catching those Big Fish. Lol, SI will prolly get some sales out of it.
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No worries, Ernie - you'll fit right in! 8)
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Once your family members see your SI unit in action, they will be placing their orders, especially once they taste the Q these units produce.