Having had a night of ups and downs thanks to a "touch 'n go" Optonic recently, I decided to look into the possibility of replacing my ancient alarms with something a little more modern.
Now I’m no tackle tart, so my needs were that it should be a sensibly priced alarm that won’t let me down if it got wet. That was it really.
I was initially tempted by the Fox MX+ range of alarms, but then I discovered the CHUB T3 and T5 models via my local tackle shop.
At first, I wasn’t overly impressed with their looks. However, I watched a couple of videos online and decided that they were worth a little more investigation.
My first result was winning a brand new T3 on "that auction site" for the grand sum of ten pounds. I awaited its arrival eagerly.
The postman arrived and I tore into the packaging like a man possessed. First impression was just how small the T3 is! It’s tiny! (In comparison to my house brick-like Optonics anyway)
T3 ALARM AND CLAMSHELL CASE
The T3 also comes with an optional plastic clamshell case. This allows you to keep the alarms on a bar, bankstick or pod and affords them some protection. They’re neat little mouldings and work fine. There is no "proper" hinge on the case however (just part of the plastic moulding acting as a hinge), so I’m not sure how long the halves will remain attached to one another. Time will tell I guess.
The alarm looks good. Better in the flesh than it did online in my opinion. It has twin red LED’s, an isotope slot, a speaker grille and company logos on the front face.
LED'S ARE BRIGHT! PICTURE DOES NOT DO THEM JUSTICE...
Anti slip rubber pads are fitted in the rod slot.
SLIGHTLY OUT OF FOCUS RUBBER PADS
A quality brass 3/8" UNF male thread pokes out of the bottom of the alarm. This has an o-ring on it to cope with alignment issues on bars and pods etc.
The alarm is approximately 106mm tall by 50mm wide by 33mm deep. It weighs 93g with batteries fitted.
The T3 is powered by 2 x LR1 batteries.
The battery door is clipped into place and then held securely by a recessed screw. There is a rubber seal on the door to keep the weather out.
3 buttons take care of all control on the T3. POWER on the left hand side of the casing and +/- on the right hand side. Simplicity!
POWER AND CONTROL BUTTONS. SIMPLE STUFF!
Power up the T3 and you are welcomed with bright red LED’s and a little 3 note ascending beep to let you know that the little beasty is ready for action.
Volume is controlled by pressing the plus or minus buttons. The range is from 1 (minimum) to 8 (maximum) When you have selected your desired volume, then LED’s then flash the relevant number of times to display the volume level. Maximum and minimum volume levels are indicated by double beeps.
To adjust tone, you simply hold down the + button until the alarm beeps and the LED’s glow. Then just press + or – to adjust the tone. The double beep indicates the lowest and highest tone available. Tone setting is at a pre determined volume, so if you’ve set volume to MAX then it is still at a sensible volume level whilst setting your tone requirements. Once you are happy with your tone, press the power button briefly and the LED’s will go out and you’re ready to rock!
The unit will remember volume and tone settings until the batteries expire.
To switch the alarm off, simply hold the power button until a 3 note descending tone is heard.
Sensitivity is fixed on the T3 model. The alarm’s tone is the same whether the take is a run or a drop back.
The sensing mechanism is called "e-motion" and is quoted as being durable and sensitive. It also offers great battery life. The roller wheel inside the alarm is friction free.
Once a take has been indicated, the LED’s latch on for 20 seconds.
Coating the circuitry of the alarm enhances durability. The casing halves are also fused together. Don’t expect to be pulling these alarms apart. They’re sealed for life!
A 2.5mm socket is another great addition to the alarm. This will allow the user to connect the T3 up to remote systems if required. I believe Chub are working on a remote system for the T3 and T5 range. This is due for release sometime in 2012.
3/8" UNF THREAD & 2.5MM SOCKET
The alarm is capable of subtle volumes, but can really belt out the run if required. I was pleasantly surprised just how loud the little alarms were given their size. On the lowest tone of the 8 options and the lowest volume setting, the speaker is pretty much redundant. You still have LED indication though.
Warranty is 2 years. The alarm has to be registered with Chub for this to be valid. The alarm’s serial number is found in the battery compartment.
The T3 is the budget alarm in the range. It does not have all the bells and whistles of the T5, but for an angler who doesn’t want to spend big bucks on their kit or for youngsters, they look to be an ideal investment. They can currently be purchased for around £19.99 complete with clamshell case. That’s got to be a bargain hasn’t it?
The only limitations I can really see with the T3 are…
No sensitivity adjustment. – If you need that, then look at the T5.
No warning of low battery level – Again, the T5 has this feature.
If you’re looking to bore your fishing partner/wife/children/dog with gadgets and gizmos, then the T3 may not be for you. However, if you want to get fishing with well thought out and well made gear on a budget, then it looks like the T3 could be worth a look.
