Training/Hunting Collar

[LC Smith]

I don’t think the 550+ Tracks dog stats.

It does when you use the Garmin Explore app. It is a really cool app. I also use the Instinct watch.

 

[Munster927]

I've been looking for a GPS collar for over a year, hunt with a flusher for pheasants so it's not as important as those hunting thick grouse cover or wide ranging pointers that often go out of site. That being said I want one mainly for the peace of mind. For a long time I thought I'd go w/a Garmin Alpha 200i, after reading Chestle's post I'm leaning towards a Garmin 550+. I would love an Alpha, but wouldn't use 70% of the features and wonder about how to holster one. I believe dog stats can be tracked with a 550+ if used in conjunction with Garmin's phone app. As the dog is already collar conditioned I'm going to hold off on a gps collar and hope for a sale.

Hey Bob, I see you can get the Alpha 100 for $150 bucks more than the 550+ from Gun Dog Supply. In my absolutely non professional opinion, I think it's worth the extra money myself. I like having my ONX map chip on my Garmin. Considering I hunt alot of public land, it's handy knowing those boundaries if I'm hunting somewhere new. The Alpha also has a bigger range than the 550. If my memory serves, I think the Alpha is 7 or 8 miles or something (in perfect conditions of course). I also like being able to use the handheld as a GPS for popping in waypoints.

But depending on your wants and needs, you may not find those extras worth 150 bucks.