Pond Boss Forums Thread Like Summary - Feeders - I know - asked many times

I've used the search and all I find is older posts, so I'll ask for current info on this.

I know there is plenty of info on Sweeney and Texas, then there are the really low end with very mixed reviews but I see a few around the $600 range that might be all I need.

One acre pond, started hand feeding last year and when the ice is gone, we will again start feeding but would like to use a feeder this year to be more consistent. The pond is close to the house so easily monitored.

I see one from ASF called EZ Feeder for $600 - the company has a long history of making feeders so that is a plus though I don't see reviews.

There is the Woods to Water Everlast also for about $600.

Are there others in that price range and/or does anyone have knowledge of these or others preferably in use for first hand knowledge?

OK, quick update on the Great $600 Fish Feeder Mystery.

Called ASF today — super nice folks, very helpful, even sent me a video of the feeder in action. Guy tells me it throws 50 feet and about 10 feet wide. Video looked legit, so at first I’m thinking, “Alright, sold.”

BUT…

Upon closer inspection of the video, I notice the timer says Everlast.

Hmmmm.

Then I notice the feeder in the video is green, while the one on ASF’s website is more of a brown/earth tone.

So now I’m thinking one of two things:

- ASF is making these for Everlast,
or
- ASF is buying Everlast units and slapping their own sticker on them.

Either way, it’s the same feeder wearing different shirts.

Both list the price at $599.

Both gave me the same WELCOME10 code for 10% off.

So far, everything is looking identical.

Then shipping enters the chat.

ASF’s site proudly says $85 flat-rate shipping… until you put it in the cart.

Then it jumps to something like $105. Classic.

So I wander over to Everlast, toss one in the cart (plus a battery), and shipping pops up at about $16.

At that point, the decision basically made itself. Same feeder, same price, same discount… but almost $100 cheaper to get it to my door.

So I ordered from Everlast.

Already got a UPS tracking number. Expected delivery: March 4th.

Now I just need the ice to melt so I can actually test the thing. When I do, I’ll post a full review.

Time for an update.

The feeder has been out for quite a while now. I manually test‑fired it off and on until the fish started showing up regularly, and once they settled into the routine I switched it over to the timer. It’s currently set to feed once a day, and everything is working exactly as advertised.

It throws the feed the distance they claim, the feed has stayed completely dry, and my Aquamax/Endurance mix runs through it with zero issues.

The feeder showed up yesterday. One tiny corner of the lid had a dent — the kind of dent that says, “UPS gently introduced this box to a heavier box,” but nothing worth losing sleep over. The tape on the box had started to give up on life, but thankfully the foam inserts inside were doing the real work.

And yes, the box proudly wore a Made in China label. At half the price of the competition, I would’ve been more shocked if it didn’t.

There is a viewing window. Legs attached easily, some adjustability for height there, if needed.

Battery plugged in, timer set with zero drama, and the test button spun the motor like it meant it. So far, so good — no smoke, no sparks, no mysterious grinding noises that make you question your life choices.

Now I’m just waiting for ice‑out so I can feed something other than my own curiosity. I’ll keep you posted once it starts flinging pellets instead of air.

First, I'm not going to bash any of these fish feeders. Each may have their own positives, and almost all will have the same water related problems. Humidity is one of those problems. Humidity in East TX can cause problems with moisture inside the hopper. West TX probably doesn't have that problem. I'm in NE TX, and summer humidity is 99% every stinking morning. Since I live in a humid area, I run 2 bags of feed at a time so I can see if all the pellets are dry. There can be clumps of damp pellets in the corners, and If so, they needed to be removed before adding more pellets. It's probably not a big issue in dry areas.

At some point, almost all feeders need silicone for the windows. Also, after hot and cold, the seam in the hoppers may start leaking there too. Silicone works well, and I've had good luck with HVAC foil tape. I had been usually Flex Seal Spray, but summer heat can cause pellets to stick to the walls of the hopper, and that can be a mess. It keeps water out, but sticks pellets to the walls.

All fish feeders come from Texas.

Texas Hunter has been known for solid fish feeders for years, and their buyout hasn't seemed to change a thing. The issues I had with it was it's not ability to throw any pellets over 1/4". The feeder itself is rock solid and I like the cone shaped throw for the pellets. The controller is easy to learn, and if needed, the replacement cost is right around $100 after the warranty runs out. Esshup bought one of my TX Hunters from me 5-6 years(?) ago. So between the 4-5 years I had it, it's done well over 11 years. Parts are easy to get, and not real expensive. Adjusting the height of the horizontal spinner is an easy way to control feed flow.

I replaced my TX Hunters with Sweeney's when I sold my TX Hunters. The Sweeney's have an horizontal auger instead of a small spinner to add pellets to the vertical throwing spinner. I was throwing Cargill Triton 3/8" pellets, and TX Hunter had a tough time throwing them. I did a lot of surgery on it, but none worked. Sweeney's have done well, but the controller can be a little confusing at the start. Two things would keep me into a new Sweeney's if 1) the controller doesn't fade out over a few years and tough it read, and 2) having drop in different auger sizes would be a huge advantage above other feeders. I had to cut tin drop in plates to limit small pellets. A new controller is around $200.

This year, I bought an ASF deer feeder and am extremely happy with it. It's rock solid, is easy to manage the controller which is only $50, and all the seams have been sealed. Most anybody that's stopped at a Bucc-ee's has probably seen the deer feeders outside the building. ASF did release a fish feeder last month, and that's probably what I'll buy next. Parts are online, and a phone call will get all info you may need. It's a huge TX facility that does custom work as well. I also have a ASF bird feeder for years, and it's rock solid. A shotgun couldn't damage it.

I know nothing of Woods to Water Everlast, and It looks to be something sold, not manufactured in house. If I'm wrong then please correct me. The price is close to the ASF fish feeder.

Deciding what you buy is totally up to you, and the cost you want to spend. As esshup said, I'll probably get the ASF next and drive south to the factory and get a little BBQ while there. If I missed anything, just let me know.