Bite Alarms & Indicators

I had a sneak preview of these alarms around a year ago, when they were still in the early stage of development. At first I liked the compact heads, dedicated remote and the eye-catching orange presentation box. I’ve seen hundreds of sets of remote alarms, though, so was only so impressed by what at first seemed yet another, albeit made by Fox, obvious bonus. However, when I learnt their prospective prices I was gobsmacked.

The smaller brother of the popular RSI Siren, the S5 is a well-built, compact, feature-loaded bite alarm that won’t break the bank. Designed in England with a minimal understated finish it looks the part and features include a latching and run LED light system, adjustable volume control and super-sensitive indication. Each alarm is supplied in a soft PVC case to protect it and ensure it remains in top working condition for years to come. The S5 is probably the most feature-packed and smartest-looking alarm for the price bracket.

Unique alarms with built-in solar panel to allow constant recharging of the lithium-ion pack, even in gloomy conditions. One charge lasts for up to two weeks. The alarms boast all the usual features and this set includes three blue-LED alarms and a wireless receiver. RRP: £349.

As a huge fan of the old RX Digital, an iconic alarm that Fox produced 10 or so years ago, I went off Fox alarms when they started to produce much smaller and comparatively complicated units. After such faux pas as the EOS, Fox has burst back to the top with its current Micron ranges, in particular the NXr and the range-topping NTXr. The slightly larger head looks much better – how a Fox alarm should look, in my opinion. Although I rarely venture far from my rods, the water I often fish is surrounded by trees, so a strong signal is needed even if I am just sharing a brew with a mate in the next swim.

Numerous products caught our eye at the Tackle & Guns Trade Show and you lot have plenty to look out for in 2013. However, this year we decided to choose our favourite and give it a bit of coverage. After much deliberation, the Fox Black Label Indicator range edged it as best new product of the show. Following on from the phenomenal Black Label rod support, the indicators are extremely impressive and offer the user a complete bite-indication setup that can be tailored to suit any water and conditions.

Ultra-compact bite alarm that looks great and won’t break the bank. Each alarm features tone, volume and sensitivity control, plus latching, variable LED and low-battery warning. Batteries included. £24.

The TC boys get to grips with tackle and bait, testing them to the limit out on the bank. Here’s what they think…Gardner Bug IndicatorsRRP: £8. 99 eachWebsite: www. gardnertackle.