I think i have used about every type of tip up out there at one time,I prefer the frabill artic fire for price and easy use.
I use scrap 11/2"blue dow,cut it into circle big enough to fit in a 5 gal bucket cut a slit for the shaft.Really helps slow freeze up.
This year gonna try the blu tipz transmitters.tried of constantly looking out the window for a flag up!!
Boxes are just to bulky for me,especially if I'm gonna run a trapline for norts!!