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

Dec 2015 update...

I've been running the unit on both dogs every day out this season. I have a 10 month old pup and a 7 yr old. To be fair before I say how much I love this thing, I'll say I've had it freeze up in the field a couple times on me (same 2nd collar each time). So one collar continued to track and the other didn't. A simple reset fixed it both times. Talked to customer service the first time and they were fantastic. So I'm not overly concerned at this point. I'll send it in if needed after hunting season or update software myself shortly if that's all that is needed. But as I already mentioned, all in all, I absolutely LOVE this unit. Click on video below which shows how this thing shines. I was running both dogs in 3'-5' grasses keeping more of an eye on the pup ahead to my left than my older dog working ahead to my right. The hand unit vibrated telling me Mia was on point which is the moment I started the video. I couldn't see her but the unit told me she was 35 yards slightly ahead and to my right. I walk toward her and just before I get to her (I still couldn't see her) a bird flushed under point. You'll see her just right of the bird after flush. This unit allows us to be incredibly quiet when running fields... I take off collars with tags, no beepers, ect... Very stealthy... ;)

 
It's a good unit all around including training. If I didn't want the GPS then I would buy a unit a little more simple/cheaper like the TT Field units I've owned in the past. But as far as navigating from tone, to shock, to beep, etc., it's pretty simple switching back and forth. Initially I thought there was a bit to much to the unit with all the stuff... but after using it a few times, it's really not overly complicated to use. There are a few cool features I may never use but there are others I'm using that I didn't think I would either.
 
Shawk said:
It's a good unit all around including training. If I didn't want the GPS then I would buy a unit a little more simple/cheaper like the TT Field units I've owned in the past. But as far as navigating from tone, to shock, to beep, etc., it's pretty simple switching back and forth. Initially I thought there was a bit to much to the unit with all the stuff... but after using it a few times, it's really not overly complicated to use. There are a few cool features I may never use but there are others I'm using that I didn't think I would either.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I've been leaning towards the Pro 550. Lot's of guys I know love it. Simple, but very effective.

That being said, I would love to hunt without a beeper. Just something about the peace and quiet.
 
I've been running this unit as well all season and for the most part it's good but not a fan of the touchscreen. The screen always gets switched to 3 or so screens from where I need to be to train my dog. By the time I get to the screen I need in the field, it's always too late. Leaves me very frustrated but it's great for tracking your dog.
 
shorthairs4life said:
I've been running this unit as well all season and for the most part it's good but not a fan of the touchscreen. The screen always gets switched to 3 or so screens from where I need to be to train my dog. By the time I get to the screen I need in the field, it's always too late. Leaves me very frustrated but it's great for tracking your dog.
Click to expand...

I agree... I shortened the screen timeout to 15 seconds. Before I did this the touch screen seem to bounce around from screen to screen while walking in my vest/jacket. This took care of it for the most part for me... that drove me a little batty at first too. Not near the issue now.
 
shorthairs4life said:
I've been running this unit as well all season and for the most part it's good but not a fan of the touchscreen. The screen always gets switched to 3 or so screens from where I need to be to train my dog. By the time I get to the screen I need in the field, it's always too late. Leaves me very frustrated but it's great for tracking your dog.
Click to expand...

You can lock it so that it will not change screens.
But I have a holder that it sits on the strap of my strap vest. Pretty much the perfect set-up for me.
 
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