options of good ecollar?

[Commando]

hey guys. im looking to get a ecollar for my pup soon and i was wondering what your general thoughts are on a good one. id like to keep it around 300-400. ill mainly be hunting ducks but will throw in the upland hunt on a fairly regular basis as well. i was thinking of the tri tronics flyway just cause i know that tri tronics has a good track record. thoughts? thanks guys!

[Blackjaw]

I like Dogtra, but there is nothing wrong with tri-tronics. Take a look at both and see  which has the functions you like. Sounds like you are looking for a collar for a lab/spaniel and not a pointer? I don't know what brand is best when you start getting into GPS collars.

[Happy Gilmore]

Tri-Tronics was bought by Garmin. They are discontinuing most of their lines except for the Pro 500 series and adding or, replacing that with the Pro 550. You can still get some of their collars however, big warning....they no longer fix and/or service any collars except the Pro series. I'd recommend getting a Pro 100 which are still available. I've had a Dogtra in the past and it held up well. I do not like the feel of the dogtra stimulation. It is a very sharp almost painful burst. The Tri-Tronics(TT) is more of a slower jolt in comparison. Garmin has their new series out. Not a Garmin fan. They should have stuck to the GPS business.

On a side note, I am field testing a new collar which is made in the US called Einstein E-Collar systems. Their pricing is very reasonable. I should have my demo models here in a week to test them for two months. If I like their performance, I'll become a dealer/rep for them if not, I'll ship it back and say thank you.

If you'd like to hold out for a while, I'll test this new collar system and give you a report. They start at $150 for a 1/2 mile range one dog collar. The top of the line system for two dogs will be around $350.

[LndShrk]

Love my Dogtras.
Their service is absolutely top notch as well.  Over the 10 years I have had them I have replaced the batteries once (Easy and inexpensive)
 

[AspenBud]

On a side note, I am field testing a new collar which is made in the US called Einstein E-Collar systems. Their pricing is very reasonable. I should have my demo models here in a week to test them for two months. If I like their performance, I'll become a dealer/rep for them if not, I'll ship it back and say thank you.

If you'd like to hold out for a while, I'll test this new collar system and give you a report. They start at $150 for a 1/2 mile range one dog collar. The top of the line system for two dogs will be around $350.

How long have these been out? The pricing appears VERY competitive.

[jackson7]

gents,
have used  tritronics and dogtra. they are beeper collars set to point only.
both have worked out well. check out collarclinic.com.

[KFhunter]

They won't fix the upland G3?

[AspenBud]

To the OP, I've been using a Dogtra 3502 with my Pointers for the better part of 5-6 years now and they have spent a lot of time getting the crap beat out of them in the woods chasing grouse. I've had to change the batteries once and the transmitter of all things finally had problems last summer. I sent it in and $50.00 later I had my problem fixed. I like Dogtra's collars if anything because they are reliable and I like the vibrate function.

Garmin bought TriTronics a year or two ago and as Happy Gilmore said, they are phasing out the old TriTronics products and rolling out their own. I suspect they made the move to get on the fast track to making a GPS/e-collar combo (see Garmin Alpha). Their new e-collar lineup is still new so I don't know how well vetted they are, but the Garmin Delta does offer a nice set of features in one e-collar unit.

Sportdog isn't known for their quality like the other two, but but they have fast service, are good with returns, and people like them for a reason as well.

If you're into upland it might be worth your while to look into Lovett's electronics too. They have a beeper/trainer combo that seems to get good reviews as well and it is made in the USA.  http://www.dogbeepers.com/

I have no experience with DT Systems e-collars, but I like my remote bird launcher from them.

[AspenBud]

They won't fix the upland G3?

My guess is they're trying to push everyone over to the Delta.

If you need someone who might be able to fix it, contact these guys  ->  http://www.collarclinic.com/

[KFhunter]

I've got 3 DT bird launchers and really like them,  pheasant size works great for launching pigeons



I'll start training again probably next year,  about a year out from a new pup my dog is 6 already 

[Happy Gilmore]

There is no fixing or repairing/returning of ANYTHING except PRO series collars.

The Einstein Collars just came out recently. Got an email mine is shipping today so, I should be able to start using it training when I get back from a business trip to CA next week. Stay tuned.. 

[AspenBud]

There is no fixing or repairing/returning of ANYTHING except PRO series collars.

This is probably a calculated risk, if you're a pro training dogs you're probably not using the bottom end collars and of all the groups not to make mad, it's the guys who can advertise and speak with some authority about their collars.

It would not be a good idea to have everyone at the National Bird Dog Championship at Ames drop Garmin/TriTronics because Garmin said they would not service the products they use daily.

Meanwhile they can push more price conscious buyers into the Delta  and retain their advertising base.

Personally I think they are playing with fire. Lots of people were mad at the acquisition because they knew it meant an end to TriTronics service and "Made in USA" would probably not apply anymore to their products. People were further upset when the Delta came out because it has so many features and many would like to keep the collars simple. Dropping service on the old collars is risky business.

[Commando]

thanks for the replies guys. yes i will be using thiis with my lab. he is still to young to start working with this though. i knew that Garmin had purchased them but i didnt know that they were going to discontinue most of the collars thanks for that info. there is a pro 100 at a store near me ill look into. for awhile there i was looking at the 500 but i think that might be to much collar for me.
 
 Happy Gilmore i will definitely take you up on that please let me know how they work out.

 so looks like i will look into dogtra and keep my ears open for anything else. again thanks guys

[AspenBud]

There is no fixing or repairing/returning of ANYTHING except PRO series collars.

Happy, was there a press release about this from Garmin?

[Curly]

One thing that you might consider if you plan to get another dog someday, is you may want a transmitter that can transmit to 2 separate collars.  Just a thought......if you get another dog then you can get another collar that will work with your transmitter so you only need one transmitter for both collars on your dogs.

[AspenBud]

One thing that you might consider if you plan to get another dog someday, is you may want a transmitter that can transmit to 2 separate collars.  Just a thought......if you get another dog then you can get another collar that will work with your transmitter so you only need one transmitter for both collars on your dogs.

That's what I did, though with three now I wish I had a three dog unit. If you figure in a 5 year rotation for a new dog having three at once in the house is not too unlikely.

[HighCountryHunter88]

There is no fixing or repairing/returning of ANYTHING except PRO series collars.

The Einstein Collars just came out recently. Got an email mine is shipping today so, I should be able to start using it training when I get back from a business trip to CA next week. Stay tuned..

Where are you hearing that? I just got off the phone with them and we actually talked about this very subject. they are supporting ALL G3 devices like classic 70, trashbreaker, EXP ect. they are just not supporting any G2 models

[Happy Gilmore]

There is no fixing or repairing/returning of ANYTHING except PRO series collars.

The Einstein Collars just came out recently. Got an email mine is shipping today so, I should be able to start using it training when I get back from a business trip to CA next week. Stay tuned..

Where are you hearing that? I just got off the phone with them and we actually talked about this very subject. they are supporting ALL G3 devices like classic 70, trashbreaker, EXP ect. they are just not supporting any G2 models

Classic 70, Pro 100 and Pro 500 are considered "Pro" series. All of the Sport models and G2 line, flyway etc are toast. Did you call TT or Collar Clinic?

Classic 70, The Pro 100 series is also on the chopping block. Soon all that you can buy will be the Pro 550 or Garmin labeled products. EXP is not a transmitter series- EXP simply means expandable. So, your Pro 500 can work 3 dogs. Collars(receiver) must be EXP to work with EXP transmitters.

[AspenBud]

There is no fixing or repairing/returning of ANYTHING except PRO series collars.

The Einstein Collars just came out recently. Got an email mine is shipping today so, I should be able to start using it training when I get back from a business trip to CA next week. Stay tuned..

Where are you hearing that? I just got off the phone with them and we actually talked about this very subject. they are supporting ALL G3 devices like classic 70, trashbreaker, EXP ect. they are just not supporting any G2 models

Classic 70, Pro 100 and Pro 500 are considered "Pro" series. All of the Sport models and G2 line, flyway etc are toast. Did you call TT or Collar Clinic?

Classic 70, The Pro 100 series is also on the chopping block. Soon all that you can buy will be the Pro 550 or Garmin labeled products. EXP is not a transmitter series- EXP simply means expandable. So, your Pro 500 can work 3 dogs. Collars(receiver) must be EXP to work with EXP transmitters.

Happy, I'm not doubting you. But if you can provide some documentation from Garmin saying as much it would be helpful.

[HighCountryHunter88]

There is no fixing or repairing/returning of ANYTHING except PRO series collars.

The Einstein Collars just came out recently. Got an email mine is shipping today so, I should be able to start using it training when I get back from a business trip to CA next week. Stay tuned..

Where are you hearing that? I just got off the phone with them and we actually talked about this very subject. they are supporting ALL G3 devices like classic 70, trashbreaker, EXP ect. they are just not supporting any G2 models

Classic 70, Pro 100 and Pro 500 are considered "Pro" series. All of the Sport models and G2 line, flyway etc are toast. Did you call TT or Collar Clinic?

Classic 70, The Pro 100 series is also on the chopping block. Soon all that you can buy will be the Pro 550 or Garmin labeled products. EXP is not a transmitter series- EXP simply means expandable. So, your Pro 500 can work 3 dogs. Collars(receiver) must be EXP to work with EXP transmitters.

actually the "Pro Series" is the 100 200 and 500, the classic 70, trashbreaker, field 90, flyway, and upland special are in the "Field Series"

i know the sport series are discontinued, that have been for sometime.

the info im providing is directly from my Garmin/TT dealer rep.


also commando, for 300-400 a classic 70  would be a great solid unit that will do everything you want and plenty expandable for more dogs. i have experimented with almost every popular brand including Einsteins (e-collar technologies) and i keep going back to TT.

[Happy Gilmore]

There is no fixing or repairing/returning of ANYTHING except PRO series collars.

The Einstein Collars just came out recently. Got an email mine is shipping today so, I should be able to start using it training when I get back from a business trip to CA next week. Stay tuned..

Where are you hearing that? I just got off the phone with them and we actually talked about this very subject. they are supporting ALL G3 devices like classic 70, trashbreaker, EXP ect. they are just not supporting any G2 models

Classic 70, Pro 100 and Pro 500 are considered "Pro" series. All of the Sport models and G2 line, flyway etc are toast. Did you call TT or Collar Clinic?

Classic 70, The Pro 100 series is also on the chopping block. Soon all that you can buy will be the Pro 550 or Garmin labeled products. EXP is not a transmitter series- EXP simply means expandable. So, your Pro 500 can work 3 dogs. Collars(receiver) must be EXP to work with EXP transmitters.

actually the "Pro Series" is the 100 200 and 500, the classic 70, trashbreaker, field 90, flyway, and upland special are in the "Field Series"

i know the sport series are discontinued, that have been for sometime.

the info im providing is directly from my Garmin/TT dealer rep.


also commando, for 300-400 a classic 70  would be a great solid unit that will do everything you want and plenty expandable for more dogs. i have experimented with almost every popular brand including Einsteins (e-collar technologies) and i keep going back to TT.

What is the reps name and when was the last time you talked to them? Where did you get an Einstein? Just curious. I don't believe they are available in any stores? Did you field test one from the factory?

[Birdguy]

Had my Dogtra for about 5 years and could not be happier. Love the variation in stimulation  for th he different dogs. Beeper function is great but I would rather have vibrate in a perfect world. Long battery life and quick charge.

[HighCountryHunter88]

E collar technologies actually had to change the Einstein name to Educator from here on out due to them losing a legal case for the trade mark name.

these systems have been out for awhile now and multiple companies sell them. we tried them out a good while ago and had about 15-20 of them out with one of our professional trainers and his clients, the return rate was higher than we liked. The problems they were having were battery failures and charging failure. Other than that they were slick little rigs but when you have someone buys 3-5 a month and half of them come back it becomes a problem.

ever since the sport series was discontinued we have been trying alot of entry level systems. its been a headache finding an entry level system that meets our standards in reliability and company product support.right now the most reliable entry/mid level system we have found is the Dogtra 300M
Dogtra 300M
 

[AspenBud]

E collar technologies actually had to change the Einstein name to Educator from here on out due to them losing a legal case for the trade mark name.

these systems have been out for awhile now and multiple companies sell them. we tried them out a good while ago and had about 15-20 of them out with one of our professional trainers and his clients, the return rate was higher than we liked. The problems they were having were battery failures and charging failure. Other than that they were slick little rigs but when you have someone buys 3-5 a month and half of them come back it becomes a problem.

ever since the sport series was discontinued we have been trying alot of entry level systems. its been a headache finding an entry level system that meets our standards in reliability and company product support.right now the most reliable entry/mid level system we have found is the Dogtra 300M
Dogtra 300M

I've never used the 300m but I did own a 280 NCP from Dogtra for a while. Like my 3502 it was solid. I only got rid of it when I needed a two dog unit.

Any thoughts on the Garmin Delta since that's supposed to be the TT Sport series replacement?

[HighCountryHunter88]

E collar technologies actually had to change the Einstein name to Educator from here on out due to them losing a legal case for the trade mark name.

these systems have been out for awhile now and multiple companies sell them. we tried them out a good while ago and had about 15-20 of them out with one of our professional trainers and his clients, the return rate was higher than we liked. The problems they were having were battery failures and charging failure. Other than that they were slick little rigs but when you have someone buys 3-5 a month and half of them come back it becomes a problem.

ever since the sport series was discontinued we have been trying alot of entry level systems. its been a headache finding an entry level system that meets our standards in reliability and company product support.right now the most reliable entry/mid level system we have found is the Dogtra 300M
Dogtra 300M

I've never used the 300m but I did own a 280 NCP from Dogtra for a while. Like my 3502 it was solid. I only got rid of it when I needed a two dog unit.

Any thoughts on the Garmin Delta since that's supposed to be the TT Sport series replacement?

the garmin delta and delta sport are awesome, i love them EXCEPT for one thing, the prongs are non adjustable. if they come out with adjustable prongs i will be using this system for around the house and for my retrievers.

[Happy Gilmore]

Wild, I've never seen a pro nor any dog person or client around use them or have one. I'm around dog people and dogs 365 days a year.

Right now my #1 recommendation would be to buy a Pro 100 series. Second the Dogtra NC.

I don't think I'd buy a Garmin collar or recommend one until they've been proven. My friend who outfits boats said the Garmin Marine line of products is something to avoid. He said they do make a lot of money replacing Garmin Marine products so he likes Garmin for his business flow.

I've had the Upland G2 EXP system for about 4 years now. I REALLY, REALLY wish I'd had skipped a "good" deal on it and bought the PRO 500. It has been flawless however, no more service available for the transmitter. If it breaks, you get a discount on a G3 so you must step up.

[Commando]

Thanks again for all the help guys. I've decided to go with the dogtra 3500.

[Happy Gilmore]

Thanks again for all the help guys. I've decided to go with the dogtra 3500.

That's a great collar you won't be disappointed.