Edwards Custom Upgrades – Bite Alarm Review

I was lucky enough to recently get my hands on a full set of the Edwards Custom Upgrades ECU MK1 Compacts to use for a few weeks and write a review on. I’ve always wanted to see these alarms in person to see what the quality is like.

They’re one of the more expensive carp fishing bite alarm sets on the market and have always seemed similar to many of the entry-level budget sets. I can now say that some differences make these alarms worth the extra cost. We will cover them in the points outlined below.

What I like most about the ECU Alarms is the quality. It ticks all the boxes for must-have features on a bite alarm and also provides some more custom options. Let’s dive into the finer details of the quality and features of these bite alarms.

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Edwards Custom Upgrades – ECU MK1 Compacts – Main Features

Tone Settings	16 Levels
Volume Settings	9 + Silent Mode
Sensitivity Settings	5 Levels
LED Colours	Red, Blue, Green, White and Purple
LED Brightness	4 Levels
Power Button	Toggle Switch on Bottom
Battery Type	1 x 9v Battery

The Edwards Custom Upgrades Bite Alarms Run off a Magnetic Roller Wheel, much like other bite alarms. With this set there are 8 magnets on the roller wheel, depending on the alarm’s sensitivity settings. Each time a magnet passes the electronic sensor, it notifies the angler via an audible tone and visual LED light. Most other bite alarms only have 2 magnets on the roller wheel, this allows the ECU Alarms to have a finer sensitivity setting.

• Take Indication – The ECU Bite Alarms have 16 adjustable tone settings for take indication, the alarms LED lights also light up to indicate a take. An interesting aspect of these alarms is that they emit a single tone when the sensitivity is turned up. Many anglers look for this feature and few alarms on the market come equipped with it.

The Alarms lack a dedicated drop-back indication. The light and sound are both the same in the event of a take or drop back.

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Edwards Custom Upgrades – ECU MK1 Compacts – Reciever Features

The ECU Receiver is very compact and durable. Much like the alarms themselves, the receiver is made from quality parts that will stand up to the rigours of carp angling.

Volume	Yes
LED Levels	Yes
Lights	Red, Blue, Green, White and Purple
Silent Mode	Yes
Vibrate	Yes
On / Off Switch	Toggle Switch
Battery Type	1 x 9v Battery

The receiver has the same sleek black colouring as the alarms and a matching array of LED lights across the top. The specific set I reviewed was all green so the receiver lights were all green as well to match. The adjustable brightness of the LED lights is an added bonus feature that I have not seen on other sets. This is a great feature for visibility during the day and added power saving at night.

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Edwards Custom Upgrades Bite Alarm Other Features

The most interesting feature of these alarms is the option of customizing them. There are isotope slots and interchangeable snag ears to change the looks to suit the angler.

• Quality – Durable Plastic outer shell with high-quality metal components.
• Batteries – Easy to access battery compartment, and each alarm takes simple to replace 9v Batteries. (Tip: Purchase Quality Lithium Batteries, and they will last many years.)
• They Look Nice – The ECU Alarms look different than most other alarms on the market.
• Locking Collars – One Stainless and One Soft Rubber Locking Collar (washer), this makes setting them up very simple; no more fiddling with two stainless locking collars to line your alarms up. Snug it down to the rubber washer, and give it a turn until it lines up straight and you’re good to go.
• Low Battery Warning – Once your batteries drop below a certain level, the alarms will notify you.
• Lightweight and Compact – These alarms fit in carry bags with no problem. Some alarms can be big and bulky and a pain to transport. This entire set with receiver fits nicely within one compartment of my bivvy bag.
• Isotope Slots – Additional isotope slots on both the alarms and receiver add more customization options for anglers.
• Compatible Port for Illuminated Bobbins – As with many other alarms, the ECU Alarms come with a small 2.5 mm port on the bottom corner. This is for illuminated bobbins or swing arms. A sought-after feature that most anglers must have.
• Removable Snag Ears – The set also comes standard with removable snag ears for each alarm. Although the alarms themselves have a sturdy rod seat, the option for attaching different sized Snag Ears is an added bonus.

The Edwards Custom Upgrades MK1 Compacts Set comes complete with:

• Presentation Case.
• Matching Screwdriver.
• Lots of Spare Screws.
• Spare Snag Ears and Long Snag Ears.
• Spare Speaker Covers.
• Spare Stainless Nurled Locking Collars.
• Spare Rubber O-Rings.
• User Manual.

It’s nice to see a set of alarms that actually comes with spare parts. It can be frustrating to spend hundreds of dollars on a set of bite alarms and then have to shell out more to cover replacement parts and shipping a year or two later.

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Edwards Custom Upgrades MK1 Compacts Bite Alarm Pros and Cons

I was quite impressed with the ECU Alarms and had trouble finding the cons for the pros and cons list below. If you’re looking to buy a set they come highly recommended. If you’re looking to get away from mass-produced cookie-cutter alarms made in China this is your chance to support a small UK-based company.

Pros	Cons
Lightweight and Compact	Battery Compartments Require a Screwdriver to Open
Optional Custom Storage Sleeves	No Dedicated Drop Back Indication
Removable Snag Ears Included	More Expensive than Other Bite Alarms
Sleek Carpy Looks
Higher Quality Construction and Components
Long Life Span and Impeccable Customer Service

These alarms get a 5-Star Review for their Quality, Durability and Customer Service. All top-notch in my books. Although they’re a bit more expensive than other sets of alarms, they will last longer and offer more customization options for anglers that are looking for them.

Edwards Custom Upgrades – MK1 Compacts – Bite Alarm Pricing

The price of the ECU Alarms can be found at many different retailers as most stock them. I will include links to three sources so you can shop around and compare current prices yourselves.

• Edwards Custom Upgrades – MK1 Compacts at Johnson Ross Tackle.
• Edwards Custom Upgrades – MK1 Compacts at the ECU Website.

If you’re still not sure about this set of alarms and features, be sure to check out the product review from the source in the video below.

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Still unsure what set of Bite Alarms is right for you? Check out our Recommended Bite Alarms Section.