i own labradors and need to replace a old shedding tool, but cannot find the one I want, anywhere.  The only thing I do find is  the furminator and was curious as to what they are like.

I personally don't like them. They claim that they don't cut hair but I used one on my semi smooth BC and it has made him look like his coat has been cut in places, and looks like he has dry split ends, which he never had before. I won't use one again, its a good job he is only a pet, this why I won't use one on my leo

I use a furminator type tool from PAH, bought it just to try ;)

Used with the handle it will cut the top coat :( but if I remove the business bit and use it in my hand at a different angle it just removes undercoat :-D 

Have you tried

HUB Rakes and Shedders

Coat Kings

Simpsons Shedding Tools

Groomers Shedding Blades

I use a Furminator on my Malinois (coat not all that different to Labradors, a bit harsher) and it really does the job. In my case most definitely has not damaged the coats at all, my 10 year old had it used on her the day before Crufts and went on to take BOB. I use it on my Golden as well.

They claim that they don't cut hair but I used one on my semi smooth BC and it has made him look like his coat has been cut in places

Is that a double coat? It does say they must only be used on double coated dogs. Hence absolutely not on my Papillons.

All Bc's should have a double coat even the smooth coats.

Yeah, he has a double coat

i use a spratts fine toothed comb and alternate a fine elastic band through the teeth this takes out the dead hair

i use a spratts fine toothed comb and alternate a fine elastic band through the teeth this takes out the dead hair
Much more efficient than these new expensive gimmicks welshie! :)

i have used furminators but dont really rate them , but the coat king works really well on newfies especially my speyed girl , who sometimes resembles an explosion in a cushion factory!

who sometimes resembles an explosion in a cushion factory!  LOL
I know what you mean my speyed Bernese lady has this sort of coat now...she never had a brilliant coat till she was speyed and now this describes her perfectly!!!
Aileen...and a pillowed Pepsi!

we got a groomit and it just takes out the dead undercoat.

I use a furminator on my labs (they aren't show labs though so I don't know if it effects the coat long term?)  I've redecorated my garden with labrador coat thanks to furminator, but it at least does seem to do the job (I just need to be a bit more organised with the disposal of half a lab!)