Pocket alarm in comparison My name is Mia and I recently moved to Vienna to study. The move was a big step for me, as I come from a very small village in Salzburg. Nevertheless, I took the step and am actually very happy with my decision. However, there are a few aspects that I still don't quite understand in Austria's only big city. I am generally a rather anxious or, to be more specific, alert girl when it comes to attacks or other things. In my opinion, it's good not to be naive and I don't put myself in danger for no reason. My problem, however, is that I love running. And as I'm not a morning person, I prefer to go jogging in the evening at dusk. Well, first of all, I don't know my way around Vienna very well yet and I usually just start jogging or go running in Praterallee or Schönbrunn. They are actually beautiful areas, but I've always had a bad feeling in the dark and haven't been able to enjoy jogging like I used to. That's why I thought about equipping myself a little better, in addition to the reflective clothing and my headlamp, which I of course always wear. So I did some research and read other runners' experiences to help me make my decision. I bought 2 different pocket alarms and then put them to the test.

pocket alarm

My personal experience report: The first model I tested is from the brand “Pentatech” and I bought it from Saturn for just €8,99. This pocket alarm device is very handy, has a small flashlight and at 115 dB the volume is also quite ok. However, it is clearly not a model for sports. What bothered me the most was the cord that you can hang around your neck. So in my opinion it's actually just a pocket alarm for your handbag, since the cord is the trigger. This means that if you hang the pocket alarm around your neck while running, the alarm will go off accidentally. Well, attracting unnecessary attention really wasn't my goal. It was also very annoying for me to wear it around my neck while running because the alarm was dangling the whole time and is relatively short. However, if you want to use this model for a different purpose than I do, it is quite practical as it can be used over and over again and does not require batteries. And finally ... Based on my experience, only buy it if you want to protect yourself from pickpockets or simply use it when you go out or in everyday life. In my opinion, it's not ideal for jogging. The second model that I tested was from the "Xavax" brand and also only cost me €9,00 at Saturn. This pocket alarm is also fine in terms of size and shape and also had a volume of 115 dB. In terms of use, however, this model is a little different to the first. The first point that I don't find very practical is that this pocket siren only works with batteries and therefore cannot be used all the time without problems. I also didn't like the function of the cord that you can hang around your neck. One positive aspect, however, is that you can also trigger this model with a key chain, making it much better for running. However, I was concerned about the responsiveness that you need if you want to have the alarm quickly to hand. But like the pocket alarm device No. 1, it is also suitable for other purposes, such as for carrying in your handbag. And finally ... After the pocket alarm test, this model is a little more comfortable for me for exercising, but I'm not sure whether you can always manage to actually trigger the alarm in time. The alternative to the pocket alarm: Well, after my pocket alarm test I'm somehow still not 100% satisfied and haven't found anything. That's why I did some research and thought of an alternative. I'm thinking about it now Alarm tape and try it out. I think it's ideal for running and other purposes, as you wear it like a watch. (Incidentally, I also find it very stylish.) But I'll definitely try it out and report back on my pocket alarm experience soon. Experience report from Tamara H. from Salzburg.