How to choose electronic bite alarms: varieties

Created: 08/05/2020
Updated: 08/09/2020 16:31:54Share:
*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Bite alarms make it easier to fish with multiple rods placed along the bank or on a dam. Such devices also allow you to move away from the gear to the tent, communicate with friends and eat food, without worrying about missing a bite. Our experts looked into which models do fishermen in Russia prefer and why. Thanks to this review, it will be easier for you to choose your own alarm system based on the characteristics and reviews of the product.

How many alarms will I need?

Each working rod is a set of electronic and mechanical signaling devices.
We strongly recommend that you don't try to get by with just one thing. We hope that we are writing this in vain and no one will think of fishing only with an electronic or only a mechanical one, but just in case - if you put only an electronic one, then when you bite “on the bank”, you can forget about the signal and timely hooking. It simply won’t be there - the line will weaken, fall through and you will have to first reel in the slack and only then hook it. By this time, the fish will probably have gone into cover and a break will occur. If you install only a mechanical alarm, then you will have to turn into an owl for three days and stare at the fishing rods without stopping.

Prices for alarms

Electronic signaling devices. So, alarms, like fishing rods, are divided into three budget segments. Budget models are, as a rule, the simplest alarms, in which there is only one setting - the volume of the signal. Sometimes you can’t even connect a pager to them. But they are really inexpensive.

The best option for beginners is definitely FOX Micron M. It is quite inexpensive, yet it is completely sealed and can withstand any rain or cold. These are our very first alarms, for which we have already caught so much that we would never sell them. You can’t get much money for them, but they are dear to us, like a memory.

More expensive versions (NTXr, NXr) already allow you to configure the alarm, like a musical instrument - pitch, sensitivity. For example, in strong winds, you can turn down the last setting so as not to be distracted by gusts of wind. In calm weather, set it to maximum and even millimeter bites will be heard.

When talking about top-end alarms, one cannot fail to mention Delkim. By the way, these are the very first alarms, which were invented in the mid-70s by two carp fishermen - Del Romang and Kim Donalds. Surprisingly, during all this time the design of the signaling devices has not changed at all and is already a calling card.

One of the latest innovations that the carp equipment market offers is FOX RX alarms. They replaced the top-of-the-line NTXr and introduced the world to a much wider range of capabilities. Incredible sensitivity, which literally reacts to the movement of the fishing line in a matter of millimeters, while you can also set a much less sensitive mode. The pager has a “night mode” that will respond to all bites, but will not disturb the angler’s sleep over trifles.

Mechanical alarms. Everything is simple here. The world of mechanical signaling devices has changed since the release of the FOX Black Label Bobin. This series is a real constructor that allows you to instantly adapt to wind, zig-rig, long and short fishing distances without any extra effort. Read the full review here. We talk in detail about the advantages of this series and the rules for using all components.

Subsequently, FOX introduced an updated line of mechanical alarms, adding the Dumpy Bobbin and Stealth Bobbin models. We also wrote a long and detailed review about them.

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In general, mechanical alarms are divided into “swingers” and “bats”. Bats are two balls, between which a fishing line with a chain clings. Swingers are a metal leg and a special lock that hangs on a fishing line. Bats are more delicate, but are subject to strong fluctuations during the wind. Swingers are heavier and put more tension on the line.

Selection of alarms

Of course, first of all, you should start from your budget. The best option is to buy alarms as a set. This way they will be much cheaper than purchasing four alarms and a separate pager separately. Currently, in stores you can always purchase “3 1” (3 alarms and 1 pager) or “4 1” (4 alarms and 1 pager) sets. All sets are supplied in protective cases, which is also a big plus - it’s convenient to store them after fishing.

The same applies to mechanical alarms, although they are much cheaper than electronic ones, and this is quite logical.

Based on companies, for beginners we would recommend the FOX M or FOX MX series. You can save a lot on a pager, but if you can buy one, that’s great. The choice between the top series FOX or Delkim is a matter for every angler. We have used both and can confidently say that these are products of the highest quality, which, in principle, forever solve the problem of choosing alarms.

Review of the best bite alarms

Buying an electronic bite alarm means creating the conditions for full-fledged fishing, day and night, and often trophy fishing. Most often, such alarms are used by carp anglers or those who like to catch large carp. This list presents some of the most common electronic alarms. However, this list is completely incomplete and the designs of these devices become outdated every day, and they are replaced by new brands.

Alarm Barracuda T5

This signaling device has adjustment of sensitivity, volume, signal tone, light and sound signaling. The rubberized casing protects the device from high humidity and even from bad weather when there are continuous autumn rains. The Barracuda T5 electronic signaling device operates from a 9-volt Krona type power supply.

Delkim

The best bite alarms are equipped with special vibration devices that allow you to find out about a bite on a particular tackle without an audio signal that others can hear. The sound can be turned off and a vibration signal will let you know about a bite. At the same time, the overall picture of the situation is recreated, where the moment of the bite is displayed on the pager. This device is equipped with the ability to program the operation of one or more alarms, where setting a personal code prevents access to the devices of other fishermen. This electronic bite alarm allows you to connect multiple channels. The number of sets connected to the pager is possible within 3-6 alarms. It depends on the line of devices of this company.

Kosadaka T4

This bite alarm is equipped with volume and tone controls. The last option is reminiscent of the good old bells of different sizes, materials and shapes, which makes the sound of each bell unique. The operating color of the LED in standby mode is green. All adjustments are simple and reliable. The waterproof case protects the device from moisture. The bite alarm is powered by a nine-volt Krona battery. The device is equipped with a protective cover.

Carp Pro Flash

How does this type of bite alarm work? This electronic bite alarm has an expanded range of capabilities, including the moment of the last bite stored in the pager’s memory. The device has adjustment of the acoustic alarm level and the height of a specific tone. In addition, you can connect a swinger to the Carp Pro Flash bite alarm. This alarm device has a protective coating – softtouch. The diodes glow in a range of 4 colors. Power supply – “Krona” 9 volts.

Modern Winner signaling device

The alarm of this electronic device in visual and audio format can be in readiness around the clock. The device is equipped with functions for adjusting the desired tone, volume, and sensitivity. The device is controlled by touch buttons. The duration of the diode glow is about twenty seconds after the moment of the bite. The alarm is protected from the influence of weather conditions. It is possible to connect a swinger. Powered by two batteries of 1.5 volts each.

EOS C-9004

The set of this device contains four electronic signaling devices, and the device is also equipped with a walkie-talkie and a suitcase for transporting this device. The range of the propagated signal is about two hundred meters. The EOS C-9004 device has functions for adjusting tone, sensitivity, and volume. There is a light indication and the ability to connect a swinger.

Chinese bite alarm for feeder

Once again - no. Be sure to purchase an electronic and mechanical alarm for each rod. This is the only way you can be sure to spot bites and know when to hook. This has already been said above!

All branded alarms are designed in such a way that when hooked, they themselves unhook from the fishing line. Regardless of design, swingers, bats, slicks from Fox. Each of these alarms can be easily unhooked when hooked. This is a mandatory requirement; no one unhooks the alarms manually.

I want to talk to you about electronic bite alarms with a pager, or rather about their choice. Today the market is simply overflowing with such gadgets, they all have certain features in technical characteristics and price. The main thing is to understand the principle of operation, otherwise fishing will turn into torture. Let's move on to specifics and look at the functions that you need to pay attention to first.

First of all, consider the function of turning the gadget on and off. It is most convenient when bite alarms are equipped with separate buttons for such purposes. You can often find devices in which the power button also controls the volume of the signal. At first glance it may seem that there is nothing wrong with this, but this is not at all the case. It will add extra hassle to you, because you will need to adjust the volume every time after turning it off. But with a separate button there is no such hassle.

But the power button is not the only thing you should pay attention to when purchasing. You can buy electronic bite alarms with a power switch rather than a button. I like such devices better, because you can determine whether it is turned on simply by looking at the position of the toggle switch.

Each gadget has a function for adjusting volume and sensitivity. You can adjust these parameters using buttons. So, on some popular models, each change in the position of the button is accompanied by a sound signal, which is also not very convenient. So it’s better to look for a device with toggle switches to adjust these parameters.

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Be sure to pay attention to the handle. The handle must be comfortable, the surface must not be slippery, and the device must turn easily and smoothly. Otherwise, it will simply be inconvenient to work with it with wet hands, and when fishing they are often wet.

I would like to talk about cheap Chinese bite alarms. And here the well-known Chinese goods store Aliexpress comes to the rescue. I recently decided to take an interest and bought a bite alarm for the feeder there. The price of such a device is only 5 dollars. Only the model is some kind of nameless, but nothing.

The device has the following parameters and technical characteristics:

• Made of plastic;
• Powered by a nine-volt Krona battery;
• Has a sound and light alarm with the ability to adjust the volume;
• 9 centimeters in height and 5 in width;
• Designed for rods up to 20 meters long;
• There is no moisture protection (the seller claims the opposite);
• Together with the battery it weighs about 120 grams.

An excellent feature is the presence of a 2.5 mm swing jack. Let's now talk a little about the appearance and functions of our inexpensive alarm. The device has a number of buttons:

• Button “T” - allows you to adjust the tone of the signal;
• Button “V” - is responsible for adjusting the volume;
• Button “S” - allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the device;
• Switching on and off is done using a separate button;
• During night fishing, two LEDs will help you register a bite.

Now about the benefits. First of all, we are pleased with the low price, despite which the device is made quite well. The ability to adjust the tone and volume of the signal can also be considered a plus. Well, the main disadvantage is the lack of protection from moisture. Well, a short video review is attached.

Bite alarms with built-in transmitters are quite popular. This feature allows you to transmit a signal over several tens or even hundreds of meters. This function will be useful for long fishing trips (several days) and in bad weather conditions, when the fisherman needs to hide in a tent. Often you can buy a set of such devices.

Typically, the kits are equipped with several electronic alarms and one pager. Depending on the cost, the set may include covers for each alarm, spare batteries for the pager and alarms.

The elements of the set are placed in a plastic box with special slots for each of them and a soft edging to protect against mechanical damage during transportation. Very often you can notice that additional empty space is left in the drawer for another alarm.

1. Pendulum bite alarms. They were invented quite a long time ago, but are still used today. Such a signaling device can be made at a primitive level from a stick, wire and two rings at each end of the stick, which serve to fix the device on the fishing line. Analogs of such devices are now being produced in China. Only it’s no longer made of wood, but of plastic. This type of alarm is not suitable for fishing in windy weather.
2. Sound alarms. A simple device; on the cheapest models there is only the ability to adjust the volume. More expensive models have a tone adjustment function. You can play around with this regulator a little and adjust it differently for each rod. Sometimes this can be very useful. Well, the sensitivity can also be adjusted, depending on the fishing conditions.
3. Light bite indicators. Such a signaling device is attached to the tip of the feeder rod. Until the rod bites, a green light is on on the device, which allows you to navigate in the dark. Thanks to the built-in detector, the device distinguishes swaying from waves and wind. Typically, such alarms operate on batteries. During a bite, the red light blinks. This device is most convenient to use for night fishing.
4. Swinger alarm. This is a plastic alarm equipped with a line clamp and additional weight. It is attached to the fishing line using a clamp. Swingers are most suitable for carp and bottom fishing. It is best used in combination with an electronic alarm.

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Vole alarms - mechanical

First of all, it is worth noting here (especially for beginning carp anglers) that in carp fishing, only the (mentioned above) electronic bite indicators are never (!) used. For carp fishing (when working with specific equipment for carp fishing), a “bundle” is always used: electronic + mechanical bite alarms.

And the main reason is that electronic models work perfectly only in cases when the fish (after biting) pulls the carp equipment in the direction “from the shore”.

If the carp follows sideways or “towards the shore”, then the fishing line will simply weaken or sag, thereby not affecting the roller or indicator sensor. And we, accordingly, will not hear anything. So, it is for this purpose that mechanical bite indicators exist, to a greater extent, acting as a “special weight” for tensioning the carp fishing line.

The main advantages of branded products

Of course, as a “weight” (for amateur fishing “for fun”) you can use homemade indicators made from ordinary clothespins, sticks (with a slot) or plasticine. And also, for example, buy mega-budget fishing bells. But they are definitely not suitable for serious carp fishing, as they have a LOT of shortcomings.

fishing bell on the feeder

The same cannot be said about modern/branded bite alarms (i.e., “store-bought”), which have such advantages as:

• convenient installation on carp fishing equipment (in particular, on stands for carp rods );
• the ability to quickly and effectively adjust the fishing line (depending on the specific conditions of carp fishing);
• the presence of LEDs (lighting up when bitten) or a special socket/mount for the “firefly”;
• guaranteed stability in windy weather and virtually instant dismantling (in case of a bite).

Naturally, there are a lot of other advantages introduced into ultra-modern products based on the many years of experience of their developers (part-time carp anglers).

Most popular varieties

Over the entire history of carp fishing, several versions of mechanical (visual) bite alarms have been developed. However, only 4 varieties turned out to be the most popular and practical: springers, “monkeys”, swingers and bats/hangers. But at the moment, the first 2 options have not survived the “race” and are practically not being produced. Since “climbing monkeys” (despite many advantages), they are still little/sensitive, and springers do not tension the line well, which makes them unsuitable for long-distance casting of equipment (or fishing for carp in a strong current).

In total, the best mechanical bite indicators turned out to be bats/hangers and swingers. What are they?

baht/hanger

Bats (or hangers)

Their basic design consists of a plastic (or metal) cylinder, on top of which there is a clip for fishing line (clips with “collars” or magnetized balls). And at the bottom there is a specially equipped mount for removable weights (actually, providing adjustment of line tension). Most often, the bats are attached to the stand itself (buzz bar or rod pod) using a chain. By the way, this is why they began to be called hangers (from the English word “hanger” - hanger, pendant).

This type of mechanical bite alarms is an ideal option for delicate (supersensitive) fishing for low-active carp on lakes or ponds (including pressed ones). Their only drawbacks are the not very fast and comfortable adjustment of the degree of line tension and a lot of idle indications in windy weather.

swinger

Swingers

Unlike bahts, they work normally even with strong gusts of wind. And, despite the lower sensitivity, they are extremely convenient in terms of adjusting the line tension. For this purpose, just move the weight on the metal “leg”. Those. a solid steel rod, one end of which is bent in the shape of a “leg” and is “hinged” connected to a plastic mount (in the form of a lever) on a buzz bar or rod-pod. And at the other end there is a clip (with antennae, legs, brackets or arms), respectively, for attaching this entire structure to the fishing line.

In some models of swingers for catching carp in strong currents or at ultra-long distances, a special spring (also adjustable) is provided for additional line tension. Another advantage of modern swingers is the presence of light indication (using a “connection” to an electronic signaling device). Thus, in the dark, you will be able to recognize a bite “from shore” or “to shore” by the different colors of LED flashing.

How to configure alarms correctly?

The logic is as follows. The further the fishing distance, the stronger the line tension. The closer the fishing distance, the weaker the line tension. When fishing with a zig-rig, a strong line tension is required.

In general, regarding the dependence of line tension (setting up alarms), there is a wonderful guide from Rob Hughes, which has been tested for years, and from which you can safely build on.

• Fishing near the shore, at any depth - low tension
• Fishing at medium distance (up to 60m-90m), at any depth - medium tension
• Long-distance fishing, as well as fishing at any distance with obstacles (grass, algae) - strong tension

Below are pictures, from left to right: medium and high tension. The pictures are guidelines rather than strict illustrations. There is no need to measure the height of the signaling devices on them down to the centimeter. This is rather just a demonstration so that you have something to start from. With a weak tension, the mechanical signaling devices are strongly lowered down to the ground.

Why do you need to vary the line tension? If you are fishing at a long distance, then slack line can prevent the alarm from detecting a bite, since it neutralizes the movement of the line. Roughly speaking, not the whole line will move, but only some part of it. When fishing close, on a shorter piece of fishing line, medium tension is quite enough. Moreover, near the shore, a fishing line stretched like a string will scare away the fish.

How does an electronic alarm work?

Electronic bite alarms serve, as you might guess, to notify the fisherman about a bite and are special rod holders that are placed on a plastic or metal stand.
The rod is placed on such a holder, and the fishing line is placed on a rotating roller, with the help of which the slightest movements of the fishing line are recorded in case of a bite.

Electronic alarms provide the ability to adjust sensitivity, that is, depending on the selected mode, fishing line pulls from 1-2 mm to 3-4 cm can be recorded. This is a very important function, since adjusting the sensitivity will allow the alarms to be used for catching almost any fish and in any body of water, without reference to a certain permissible current strength.

The notification itself can be a sound signal or LED lighting effects.

The volume and type of sound signals can usually also be individually adjusted.

Care and prevention of alarms

Again, all alarms from reputable companies that have established themselves in the market as industry leaders produce reliable alarms that, if handled with care, will serve you for many years. There is no need to carry out any preventative work. Our FOX M worked flawlessly for a long time and is still working. Our Delkim have been with us from the very beginning of the competition and serve faithfully to this day. Even in the harshest conditions, there were no failures.