ECU, Steve Neville or Delkim bite detectors

An In-Depth Look at ECU, NEVILLE and Delkim Bite Detectors

As an angling retailer, we have the privilege of fishing all the new items and products we offer in our shop. This allows us to give you, our customers, the best product information. After all, nothing beats our own experience and use to give honest advice on the pluses and minuses of each product. In this blog, we want to take a closer look at the different bite detectors we sell in our shop.

ECU Bite Alarms:

ECU bite alarms have been part of our range since December 2015. We have fished with almost all the different series, with the exception of the S-Plus version, which is ideal for day fishermen. This series has no remote function, meaning it does not come with a receiver. The operation of the S-Plus is otherwise similar to the R-Plus series described later. In this blog, we start with the first MK1 Compact series and continue with the evolution of ECU in the R-Plus and Super+ series.

MK1 Compact: The Classic

The MK1 Compact is a small, old-skool alarm designed specifically for English fishing on syndicate waters. Despite a range of just 50 metres, this bite alarm performs optimally within this distance. The technology behind the MK1 Compact series is designed to eliminate 95% of false alarms. This eliminates the need to constantly monitor your rods. The sensitivity is automatically adjusted to the receiver, so you won't receive unnecessary notifications from floating weed, for example, even at the lowest sensitivity.

What makes this bite alarm extra attractive is the choice of 16 different tones. From low to high, there is always a tone you like. The adjustment options are simple too, with buttons for sensitivity, volume and the brightness of the LED colours. For anglers who don't like a light show at the waterfront, this is an ideal feature. In addition, the receiver has a vibration function for those who like it. Using the MK1 Compact is easy, making it a perfect choice for anglers who always stay with their rods but want the convenience of a receiver at night.

Plus points:

• User-friendly
• Easy to set up
• No false alarms
• No interference on other bite alarms
• Old-skool look
• Comes with batteries as standard

Cons:

• With only 50 metres range not suitable for anglers who like to visit others
• No option to choose your own LED colours
• Rollerwheel can freeze in damp, freezing weather

MK1 Compact R-Plus: Improved Functionality

In 2017, ECU listened to its customers and launched the R-Plus series, which has a wider range than the MK1 Compact. The R-Plus offers the same functionality as the earlier series, but with additional features. For instance, each LED has its own button, allowing you to set your own colour for the corresponding rod. The R-Plus has a range of 180 metres in optimal conditions, which is a significant improvement over its predecessor.

A handy feature is the mute button, which allows you to silence your alarm and receiver for 30 seconds, perfect for when you want to tension your line without disturbing everyone around you. With the 2018 series, battery consumption has been improved, allowing you to plan longer sessions without worrying about dead batteries.

Plus points:

• User-friendly
• Easy to set up
• No false notifications
• Old-skool look
• Comes with batteries as standard
• Mute function
• Improved range of 180 metres
• Battery indication
• Range testing function

Cons:

• Rollerwheel can freeze in damp, freezing weather
• The R-Plus is prone to failure when used in humid conditions for extended periods

MK1 Compact Super+:For Lovers of Old-Skool

In late 2018, ECU launched the Super+ Bugeye version, which offers a classic look. The Super+ has a single large LED that takes over the functions of the running and latching LEDs of previous models. This model features ‘enhanced speed bite detection sensing’ for faster and better bite detection. The user experience remains similar to the R-Plus, but with fewer buttons, making for a quieter look.

Plus points:

• User-friendly
• Better and faster bite registration
• Fewer buttons on the receiver

Cons:

• Rollerwheel can freeze up in damp, freezing weather

Steve Neville Bite Detectors: Oldskool Simplicity with Modern Reliability

If you've been fishing for a while, you've probably heard of the Steve Neville bite alarms. These iconic alarm systems for anglers have been on the market for years and are often seen as the ultimate choice for those who love simplicity and functionality. But what makes them so special, and why, despite their classic look, do they remain so popular? In this blog post, I take you through the pros and cons of these oldskool bite detectors.

Oldskool Design with Modern Updates

Steve Neville bite alarms stand out for their simple and timeless design. They do exactly what they are supposed to do: detect a bite without all sorts of complicated settings or extra features you never really use. The look of the bite alarms has hardly changed over the years, giving them a classic, old-school character that appeals to many anglers.

Yet subtle updates have been made to the hardware over the years. Take for instance the latest MK4 version: it offers better battery performance and refined sensitivity settings. Whereas previously you could only adjust sensitivity with the rollerwheel by adding or removing magnets, this is now a thing of the past. The storm mode lets you easily switch between three sensitivity levels without fuss.

Easy to use

The strength of the Steve Neville bite alarms lies in their simplicity. You can only adjust sensitivity and volume, and you do so by simply turning the bite alarm on and off. This may sound basic, but it actually makes the bite alarms very user-friendly. You always know where you stand, without getting tangled up in complicated menus or settings.

The receiver introduced in 2016 also fits this simplicity perfectly. With features like a vibration mode, programming option, and battery indicator, it offers just enough extra functionality without unnecessary fuss. Moreover, you can still pair the latest bite alarms with the old receiver, which is a great advantage for anglers who are attached to their familiar equipment.

Fully Customisable to Your Taste

Through Kudos Tackle, you can fully customise your Steve Neville bite alarms. There are several versions available, such as the bug eye version, different colour combinations for the housing, and even the underlit version with an LED light under the rollerwheel. There are also numerous accessories for sale, from rollerwheels and speakerbungs to carbon backplates and baseplates. This gives you the opportunity to customise your bite alarms entirely to your style and taste.

Disadvantages:Fragile Housing

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to the Steve Neville bite alarms, and the biggest of these is the fragile housing. The housing is relatively weak and can break if you tighten the bite alarms too tightly on a buzzer bar or bankstick, or if you accidentally drop them. Replacing a broken housing is possible, but that often means sending the bite alarms to the UK, which can quickly add up the cost. Sometimes it is even cheaper to buy a new bite alarm.

Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this. A carbon baseplate allows you to distribute the pressure on the underside of the bite alarm better, reducing the chances of it breaking. But prevention is always better than cure, so be careful when mounting and handling your bite alarms.

Conclusion: For the Lover of Simplicity

The Steve Neville bite alarms are perfect for anglers who love simplicity and reliability. No unnecessary bells and whistles, just a functional design that does what it needs to do. The oldskool look appeals to many anglers, and the ability to customise them completely to your own taste is a nice bonus. You do have to be careful with the fragile housing, but with some care and attention you can enjoy them for years.

Whether you opt for the more classic models or the latest MK4 version, Steve Neville bite alarms remain a reliable choice for those looking for pure functionality and style on the waterfront.

Benefits at a glance:

• Easy to use
• Oldskool look
• Few unnecessary features
• Personally customisable via Kudos Tackle
• Many accessories available

Cons:

• Fragile housing
• Repairs can be costly if damaged
• Rollerwheel that can freeze during humid freezing temperatures

 Delkim TXI-D V2: A Modern Bite Detector with Classic Quality

If you've been fishing for a while, chances are you've used a Delkim bite alarm at some point. Delkim is one of the pioneers of bite alarms, and their products are often either loved or hated by anglers - there seems to be no in-between. From their early days, when they adapted old Heron and Optonic bite alarms for carp anglers, to their latest model, the TXI-D V2, Delkim has always been at the forefront of developing reliable technology for the waterfront.

In this blog post, we share our experience with the new Delkim TXI-D V2 and take a closer look at the pros and cons of this advanced alarm system.

Modern with a Historical Foundation

The Delkim TXI-D V2 is the successor to the V1 and comes with a number of significant improvements. Where the V1 was sometimes seen as complicated, Delkim has listened carefully to user feedback. The result is a bite detector that is much easier to set up, without compromising on extensive functionality.

Just a few buttons will take you to all the bite alarm's settings, such as volume, sensitivity, LED colour, brightness, stealth mode and theft mode. The great thing is that the RX-D V2 receiver automatically takes over the settings of the bite alarm, so you hardly need to adjust it if you have already set it up properly.

A big advantage of the TXI-D V2 is the ability to choose from 32 different tones, so you can always find a tone that suits your fishing style without becoming irritating. There is also a handy mute function, which temporarily silences the bite alarm while you lay down your line after casting out or casting. Unfortunately, the receiver does not adopt this setting, so it continues to beep.

Ease of use: Lots of Options, but Manual Needed

Although the Delkim TXI-D V2 is much easier to use than its predecessor, it is still advisable to have the manual handy, especially if you are using the bite alarm for the first time. With so many settings and functions, it can be difficult to navigate through the menus without a guide.

During our tests, we noticed that the settings did not always sync automatically, which caused some confusion. With no internet or user manual to hand, this can be a point of frustration. Fortunately, it was quickly resolved when we were able to download the manual. Tip: always take the manual with you when using a new set of bite alarms for the first time.

Ruggedness and Weather Resistance

Another big plus of the Delkim TXI-D V2 is its rugged housing. These bite alarms are solidly built and can take a beating, which is essential for anglers who are often in rough conditions. They are fully waterproof, making them ideal for rainy or damp conditions.

In terms of sensitivity, Delkim has also made strides forward. The bite detector is no longer as ‘nervous’ as previous models; it does not overreact to wind, waves or raindrops, which is a great advantage in bad weather.

Personalisation and Redundant Functions

The Delkim TXI-D V2 offers plenty of customisation options. For the first time, you can set the LED colours yourself, and the bite alarm comes with a handy nite-lite function for better visibility in the dark. In addition, the receiver can be equipped with various functions such as vibration mode, anti-theft mode, and even a torch function.

While these features may be handy for some anglers, we found them largely unnecessary. The torch and quick torch mode, for example, can weigh heavily on battery consumption. For us, it was more important that the receiver only goes off when the bite alarm itself goes off - we turned off all other options.

Advantages:

- More user-friendly than the V1, with many improvements in terms of settings and ease of use.

- Nite lite function for better visibility in the dark.

- Automatic synchronisation of bite alarm settings with the receiver.

- Robust, waterproof housing, perfect for fishing in poor weather conditions.

- Choice of many different tones and pitches for a personalised experience.

- Less susceptible to false alarms in wind, rain or waves.

- Preset by Delkim when you purchase the presentation set.

- Delkim app that helps with setting and understanding the bite alarm.

Disadvantages:

- You need the manual for setup, especially if you are using them for the first time.

- The mute function does not work on the receiver, which can be annoying.

- Stealth mode also disables the nite-lite function, which is not always convenient.

- The receiver has some unnecessary functions like torch and anti-theft, which not everyone will use.

The Delkim TXI-D V2 is a great bite detector for anglers who love personalisation and robustness. The improved settings and automatic synchronisation with the receiver make it much easier to use than previous models, while the sturdy housing and waterproofing ensure that you can rely on your equipment in all weather conditions.

If you are willing to invest time in setting up and learning its functions, the Delkim TXI-D V2 offers an extremely reliable and versatile solution for any angler. For those who prefer to keep everything as simple as possible, the many settings and functions might be overwhelming, but in the end they make life on the waterfront a lot easier.

Have you tried the new Delkim TXI-D V2 yet? Share your experiences in the comments!

Which bite alarm system is best?

Choosing the best bite detector is ultimately very personal, but based on my own experiences, I can draw the following conclusions:

1. Ruggedness and Reliability: This is where Delkim stands out head and shoulders above the rest. Its sturdy housing and excellent waterproofing make it a reliable choice, especially in rough conditions. The ECU bite detector comes a close second, although it is slightly less robust. Steve Neville finishes last here, mainly because the housing is fragile and needs to be resealed after replacing the battery.
2. Ease of use: For convenience, the ECU bite detector wins convincingly. You don't need a manual and adjusting settings is easy and quick. Steve Neville follows at number 2 because of its simplicity in functions, which means you finish setting up quickly. Delkim finishes in third place here because you have to perform more operations for the same adjustments.

Conclusion: ECU bite detectors are my favourite, mainly because of their ease of use and appearance. But all three brands have their own strengths and weaknesses, so ultimately the choice depends on your personal preference and fishing style.

Which bite detector suits you best? That's up to you to decide!