Garmin Alpha thoughts and where to buy? (training/gps)

Shawk

Shawk

Member
Hey guys... I'm adding a second pooch and will be getting one of these collars. It's incredible with the tech that's available now. I've been out of the hunting game for a hand full of years and haven't bought a collar for 7ish years. I typically run just a collar on my dog but occasionally throw on a beeper in the real heavy stuff. I'll purchase an Alpha (two dog) so I can have both a training & GPS collar. It appears everyone that has them loves them... any thoughts or info would be appreciated. Most of all, I'm curious if there are any deals on them and where you are buying? I purchased my last collar at Collar Clinic online. Thanks :)
 
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Gundog Supply is a good group to do business with.
I am not aware of any deals at this time, but check Cabelas, Lion Country Supply and others.

But the Alpha is as good as it gets.
 
Thanks Steve... I was looking at Gundog Supply and may end up ordering there. Someone mentioned a 20% Cabela's discount just before Christmas. That would be incredible on one of these units but I don't think I'm going to find anything like that but hoping for at least 10%. I'd also go with the TT10 to save about $100, but I like the idea of having the buzzer/vibrate on the new model so I've decided to get the TT15 since I'm already forking over the cash.
I read some of your old posts regarding these units... good stuff... thanks for replying and posting!
 
SetterNut said:
They are pricey but worth the money to me.
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Hopefully I'll agree after purchase... I can't imagine that I'll be disappointed. I love every idea behind it!
I hate turning on a beeper... if I can hear it, the birds can too. I'm not excited about spending the money, but it'll be money well spent. It'll up the odds that my pooches come home safe with me. That was the whole reason I bought my first training collar. I used to hunt near a lot of busy roads and I'd rather give my lapdog a jolt (which was rare) over watching them get run over.
 
I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but I'm also very interested in a GPS system. My only reservations are that I wonder how weel the Components are made and also how long one could expect the thing to keep working ?
 
I replaced my Garmin 220, 40 collar Dec 2013. I had no problems with it's operation. I replaced it with The Alpha 100 and the TT10 collar. I used that unit all of 2014, training for NAVHDA utility and hunting.

From April through this fall it was in the water from 20 minutes to 2 hours a day. I did not have any problems.

I am sold on on it.
 
Fred74 said:
I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but I'm also very interested in a GPS system. My only reservations are that I wonder how weel the Components are made and also how long one could expect the thing to keep working ?
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No sweat Fred... the more info, the better! I've had a couple Tri-Tronics collars over the years and had great luck with them. I know one of mine went in for a battery but that's been it... There customer service was fabulous! So when I started looking at Garmin for a GPS and found out the two companies merged, that put Garmin at the top of my list right away. I still have a tiny bit of homework to do, but I'm 99% sure I'll have an Garmin Alpha now. Good luck!
 
Shawk said:
No sweat Fred... the more info, the better! I've had a couple Tri-Tronics collars over the years and had great luck with them. I know one of mine went in for a battery but that's been it... There customer service was fabulous! So when I started looking at Garmin for a GPS and found out the two companies merged, that put Garmin at the top of my list right away. I still have a tiny bit of homework to do, but I'm 99% sure I'll have an Garmin Alpha now. Good luck!
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Thanks Shawk -- I have the Tri-Tronics Upland G3 for my pooch. I was really unsure what to buy back in the begining, but it seemed like everybody over on Versatiledogs.com, said that Tri Tronics was hands down the best. I do like the collar I have, but I think silence while knowing where your dog is would be priceless.
 
Well, one of these magically showed up today with my name on it. I will post back later this year after getting a little time in with it... Thanks for the replies... ;)
 
Looking forward to your comments. I will predict you wii be very pleased. Another person questioned as to how durable. I own both the Astro and Alpha units. No problems with either and they have been subjected to water work as well as the normal land work.
 
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murphya said:
Looking forward to your comments. I will predict you wii be very pleased. Another person questioned as to how durable. I own both the Astro and Alpha units. No problems with either and they have been subjected to water work as well as the normal land work.
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Really like my Alpha, have had it for 2 season and run 2 dogs on it. It can be very complex with all the features and took nearly a season to get used to effectively using it.

I have had zero issues with mine and it has been very durable. Handles cold, thick cover, wind, snow, rain, etc without issue.
 
Snuck out last Saturday with the collar... very cool units! Stealthy... ;) Several points in grasses I couldn't see the dog in but was able to walk straight to her using the map screen after it told me she was "on point." I don't quite have a hold of the compass screen with the little arrow yet (locating/following using the direction arrow??). But I'm assuming this will be the screen I'll use most once I figure it out. Overall, first trip... zero regrets, period. It was extremely handy with one dog and should even better when I'm running two later this year. There are probably some features I won't use but there are a bunch I will beyond just training or tracking. Cool little features like marking your truck location, bird/covey locations, number of birds in cover and even just having a handheld GPS for general uses. More to come later on after really get some time in with it.
 
Alpha little arrow

The small arrow or triangle should show the direction the dog is moving. That is, toward you, away or right and left. I feel it does not respond as quickly as the dog moves but it gives a general picture. If it is not used the running dog replaces it.
 
murphya said:
The small arrow or triangle should show the direction the dog is moving. That is, toward you, away or right and left. I feel it does not respond as quickly as the dog moves but it gives a general picture. If it is not used the running dog replaces it.
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Thanks Murph! That's what I thought but by the time it showed my dog moving left, she was going right. I'll check my settings... I thought I had it set for 2.5 second refresh, but I'll bet it was on the 5 second refresh.
One thing that I really liked and thought might be a little gimmicky is the radius setting which notifies you when the dog leaves or re-enters. This was great in the 5'+ switchgrass we were in part of the day. The cool thing is every time she left the radius set, it was just moments before it vibrated and said she re-entered... Cool stuff! :thumbsup:
 
I enjoy using "gadgets" and this Alpha also serves a good purpose. In 1995 I purchased a Garmin unit so I could return to the dock on Lake in The Woods and mark fishing locations. I felt it was wonderful. The Alpha does that and so much more.
 
I use the compass nearly all the time. The arrow points the direction of the dog and the distance to the dog is displayed.

So Indy is 814 yards on point to the east, and Mia is 73 ft away and moving in the direction of that little triangle.

Walk in the direction the compass arrow is pointing to get to the dog.


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And yes the covey of quail was still there when we got to Indy. :D
 
SetterNut said:
I use the compass nearly all the time. The arrow points the direction of the dog and the distance to the dog is displayed.

So Indy is 814 yards on point to the east, and Mia is 73 ft away and moving in the direction of that little triangle.

Walk in the direction the compass arrow is pointing to get to the dog.

And yes the covey of quail was still there when we got to Indy. :D
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Cool stuff... 814 yards :thumbsup:
I'll play with it a ton during the offseason. My confusion was with the arrow/arm on the compass and then the little arrow as you're explaining. I didn't leave it on compass during much of the hunt. But I couldn't figure out if the gps was always north, if the arm was to the dog or what... it's definitely something a person just needs a little time with.
Any tips with setup? Thanks SN :)
 
I didn't see a post re: how well they hold up. I've had the Garmin Astro since they came out with the DC 30 -- and the various upgrades since then. I've had virtually no problems with them. I had one Alpha where the collar fried on me -- not sure what happened, but it was replaced by Garmin. I used to (first kid born this September) about 40 days per season and my units haven't given me any other problems than that mentioned above.

I've used the Alpha since it came out and I like it a lot. I really like not having to carry two handhelds. It has its shortfalls -- like not being able to crank the juice up quickly to break a dog from chasing deer or critters, but it is pretty darn kick butt otherwise.

So, in my experience, these things are pretty freaking tough.

Now -- have a buddy who is a breeder and literally runs dogs every day. He still uses the DC20s and the Astro 220 handheld. He has worn a couple out but it's taken him years and years to do so -- of literal every day use. And, quite frankly, the sturdiness of the product has gotten better and better with every generation.
 
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