Product Reviews
Chub Neuron T5 Bite Alarm
When I received a phone call from those clever guys in the Hardy & Greys Product Development team asking me if I would be interested in field testing their new bite alarm concept I quickly jumped at the chance. Fourteen months later the fully tested and finished version is here in the shape of the new Chub Neuron T5 Bite Alarm and it's been well worth the wait.
Much like its smaller brother the T3, the T5 is a superb piece of electronic engineering that is brimming with all of the features that anglers have come to expect from a modern day bite alarm. Both the T3 and T5 proved virtually faultless during testing and so far my prototypes haven't missed a beat.
One of the main features on the alarm is Chubs' patented E-Motion sensing system. This boasts no less than eight different sensitivity settings which are easily adjustable at the touch of a button. The advanced sensing system alerts the angler to not only the direction that the fish is travelling but also the speed that it is moving. The series of bleeps become faster as the fish moves quicker and there is also a different triple tone alert which signifies a drop back or line bite thus offering substantially more feedback than a conventional roller buzzer.
The twin LED's are super bright and feature unique interchangeable lenses that allow the colours to be changed with ease so no need to decide what colour alarms to buy as these can be changed at will. By holding the on button down for three seconds a neat greennight light is activated in the centre of the alarm making location easier after dark.
Simple push button controls turn the T5 on and off as well as buttons on the front adjusting the volume, tone and sensitivity all of which having eight individual settings. I have owned push button operated alarms in the past and they have been a real mission to operate but the Neuron T5 really is a breeze, very simple and extremely user friendly.
Other great features include clip lock protective cases to prevent damage and a wireless and fully waterproof battery enclosure with twin layer waterproof seals. A low level battery warning light gives plenty of notice when a new battery is required and the non slip rubber rod pads protect your valuable rods and help keep rods secure when fishing on slopes or at angles.
The centre of the alarm also has a horizontal slot which will house a 2.5mm x 8mm isotope in the colour of your choice while the brass threaded stud is locked securely into the head for maximum durability and is finished off with a chunky rubber O-ring.
But without doubt the most impressive thing about the Chub Neuron T5 is the price. To my mind there is no other mid priced alarm on the market that possesses this huge specification and extensive list of features. At only £54.99 its set to take the market by storm and if the field testing was anything to go by not only will the T5 be the best value alarm on the market it will also be one of the most reliable.
David Springall, July 2011
Chub Snooper Carryalls
If you're in the market for a new carryall then look no further than the great offerings currently available in the Chub Snooper range.
Available in three sizes there is something here to suit everyone's style of fishing from specialist anglers to the hardcore long stay specimen hunters. All three carryalls in the range possess a whole host of great features making them one of the most complete and versatile carryalls on the market.
One of the first things you will notice is that all four sides of the Snooper Carryalls are of a rigid nature on the top section. It's stiff sided, box like construction helps maximise room and minimise the chances of the carryall collapsing. This makes the Snooper the perfect choice for a barrow bag. The rigid top section also doubles up nicely as a bivvy table due to its solid construction.
On opening the carryall you will find three internal Velcro pockets inside the main compartment, one of which is just the job for storing tickets and rod licences. The others are suitable for storing essential items such as catapults, PVA etc. The outer pockets are generously sized on all models and will comfortably house a multitude of tackle items. These pockets all contain further internal mesh pockets to store small valuable items such as wallets, keys and mobile phones. The back of the carryall however has been left blank with no external pockets. This design lends itself perfectly to the rigid outer wall sitting exactly flush against the front bars on your barrow.
The front flap boasts snap buckles for extra security and a full length heavy duty mesh pocket. This pocket is great for keeping all essential items at hand for those of you who like to stay mobile and fish straight off the barrow. Items like hook baits, PVA, scissors and bait floss all fit snugly in here should you need to get at them quickly in order to bait a rig and cast at showing fish without having to hunt though your entire carryall.
If you're like me and you like to travel light the fully waterproof base eliminates the need of carrying a groundsheet around with you while the heavy duty zips and ergonomic padded carry handles are made to last.
All in all another superb product from the team at Chub which is as at home on your shoulder as it is on the barrow.
David Springall
