to the OP...there are a lot of reasons why the more expensive alarms are better...they last longer, have more features (nightlights etc), work more efficiently and work in all weather conditions.
I started with the very first set of optonics as a birthday prezzie from my parents about 30+ years ago and have had a number of differrent brands ranging from the cheap to the expensive.
Some cheaper alarms appear to do the job...but most that i owned have limitations which stop them being reliable. My last cheaper set struggled in heavy rains and the line would sit on top of the water which sat on the wheel meaning the wheel didnt turn and i missed several runs due to this happening at night.
I currently own a maver set (T150) that retails for about £300, but got em in good nick from ebay for under £60. These alarms have never let me down in any weather so far and will do me until i can afford some TXis.
must have spent 2k on gear over the last year or so...i must resist!
