USED AND ABUSED (and I do mean: abused!): Gardner Tackle’s ATTs Bite Alarms

I’ve owned a set of Gardner Tackle ATTs since they were first launched, around 15 years ago. And I still have the same set today. So I believe I’m uniquely placed to offer a warts and all critique of these super-compact alarms.

Now, full disclosure: after about 8-9 years of service, one of the heads did develop a bit of a wobble, so I sent the lot off to be overhauled by the lovely folks at Gardner Tackle.

The process took a couple of weeks; so I figured I’d see what the fuss was about and invested in a set of the then all-new Nash Sirens. They were great, but they weren't — and still aren’t — ATTs. They are, quite simply, a different beast.

Sure, there are lots of bells and whistles. But that’s not what I’m looking for in an alarm.

I want a set of alarms that are bombproof and guaranteed to perform, no matter the weather. I don’t need 38 levels of sensitivity, a rainbow of LED colors, or a lighthouse to guide my boat back to shore in the early hours.

What I need is a simple system that lets out a bleep when a fish moves towards or away from me. Every time. And the ATTs do precisely that.

It is possible to adjust the sensitivity on an ATT alarm, by switching out the roller to either a four or six magnet version. But the factory default—two magnets—requires minimal line movement to spring into action, and I’ve never encountered an issue with it.

The trade-off? How many alarm sets can you honestly say can be submerged in lake water for days and keep on going? I can promise you: the ATTs do just that.

In a perfectly characteristic moment of clumsiness, I kicked one into the depths of Willow Walk. Rather than disturb my swim, I waited to fish it out three days later, and it just kept working.

That same level of incompetence equips me to vouch for the durability of the receiver too —which, as you may know, is essential since the alarm heads themselves are silent (hence, the ‘s’ in the name).

Having left my ATTx receiver in a bucket under a brolly through two days of torrential rain (don’t ask), I can confirm: this kit is more than a match for 48 hours’ marinading in a stew of method mix and rainwater. 

Just leave it on the mantelpiece to dry out for a day or two, and it’ll be right as … well … rain.

Oh, I also ran over an ATT head in my Landrover (again: don’t ask) burying it in clay. Bit of a spruce up and, yes; it’s still going strong.

Given the foregoing, it should be clear: a £600 set of TXRs would not be safe in my hands. Which leads me to the price: at +/- £70 a pop, they’re a steal. Hence, their permanent place in my buzz bar bag.

That’s not to say I haven't moved with the times. Well, a little, anyway. 

In fact, I’ve invested in a couple more ATT sets, specifically the Underlits, which feature LEDs below the wheel, to illuminate the entire roller (enhancing visibility on bright days).

And yes, I have a set of Crystals, which - having a clear body - glow brightly in the event of a take.

They also look great too. Or utterly ridiculous. Depending on your point of view. 

Aesthetically, the crystals are an acquired taste. But in terms of functionality, they share all the characteristics of the regular ATTs. Most significantly, they are 100% watertight. 

The absence of buttons, jack-plug sockets, and speakers eliminates risk of water ingress and electronic damage. The rods sit in high parallel 'ears' that prevent lateral movement, reducing the risk of a rod being pulled off the alarm during fierce takes.

And there are many other advantages, too - not least:-

• The Anti-Rock Firmware - which helps prevent false indications.

• Ease of use: the alarm heads have two states - on and off. Remove the hard case, they’re on; put it back: they’re off. 

• Low Battery Warning System - lets you know when the battery is running low (duh!).

• Long Battery Life: These alarms are known for their impressive battery longevity (certainly, that’s my experience - but then again I seldom catch anything, so they don’t have to work too hard for me).

Given all this, it should be clear, I wouldn’t swap my ATTs for a set costing thrice the price. 

Fact is, over the years, I’ve used top-end Fox and Delkim alarms, Sirens and Stevie Nevilles; and I understand the appeal of them all. 

But for me—the world’s clumsiest and most cack-handed angler—rock-solid reliability is paramount.

And in this regard no other alarm comes close to the ATTs.

Here endeth the lesson.

Save to mention where they’re for sale. (Go on: take a guess.)