CC Moore
Gemini
CARPology Reviews

Affordable Alarms From Sonik!

Sonik’s new alarms won’t just dazzle you with their fancy LEDs—the price tag is equally as attractive

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Sonik’s VaderX range must be one of the company’s best-selling lines in recent times, and justifiably so given the quality and value offered within it. What began with a selection of rods now includes big-pit reels, freespool reels, a rod pod, landing nets and swanky cork-handle rods in a variety of lengths. The next logical step, then, is to introduce a bite alarm that matches the VaderX ethos—it’s got to be feature packed and durable, but it’s also got to come in at just the right price. Have they managed it? You bet they have! Here’s all the details on the brand-new VaderX Alarms… 

I can instantly see a lot of LEDs…
Yep, these are certainly well-lit little alarms. That distinctive V-shape cluster of LEDs beneath the roller wheel instantly sets them apart from other alarms on the market and helps you spot a bite in the darkest of conditions. Crucially, the V-LED (as Sonik call it) scrolls upwards when you get a run or downwards when you get a drop-back bite. There are also two more LEDs either side of the alarm above the roller wheel. 

What colour LEDs are available?
These alarms can be bought separately but are designed to be sold as packs for either two or three rods, with a matching receiver (which we’ll come to in a moment), so each alarm head has a different colour. In the three-rod pack you get red, green and blue; while the two-rod pack contains red and blue alarms. If you buy an additional alarm later then these single units have orange LEDs.

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What features do they have?
Firstly, all the electronics are housed in a solid weather-proofed case with a rubberised finish. A reinforced bolt head keeps these alarms solidly on your buzzer bars, too. Features-wise, you get eight volume and tone settings including a silent mode, a night-glow LED function and a 2.5mm power-out socket for illuminated indicators. Two screw-in snag ears are also included.

You mentioned a receiver…
Yes, these alarm heads all connect to a wireless receiver box which is included in the two or three-rod packs. The receiver has a 150m range and can be connected to up to six alarms with different colour LEDs for each (red, green, blue, orange, purple and white). It has eight volume levels, plus silent mode and a vibration mode, and has a magnetic attachment for sturdy placement in your bivvy. 

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How are the alarms and receiver powered?
Both use a single 9v battery which Sonik say offers great longevity. 

Okay, now hit me with the price…
I’ve been waiting for this moment, because I’m not sure you’ll believe it. The two-rod set with a receiver is just £79.99, while the three-rod version is £99.99. That represents pretty staggering value for money given the features we’ve just run through. If you want to add an additional alarm head that’ll cost £24.99. We can see these being very popular indeed!

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