Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Bird Dogs => Topic started by: Commando on March 06, 2017, 08:46:08 PM

Title: Zinger winger release
Post by: Commando on March 06, 2017, 08:46:08 PM: I'll be getting my first launcher at the end of the month. I'm going with the zinger winger. As for the release what is the preference? The Garmin or the dogtra release system? I know garmin took over tri tropics a few years ago but have not heard anything bad about them in the dog training field. Dogtra has been around awhile and I know a few people around me use them and like them. I normally train alone so I'm not to worried about getting what others have in the group. I'd just like to get honest opinions between the garmin and dogtra release systemS. Thanks
Title: Re: Zinger winger release
Post by: Colin on March 07, 2017, 03:58:16 AM: I have dogtra. I think it's mostly personal preference that is the main thing as WWHRC uses older TTs and they seem to work well. Like anything the batteries will crap out eventually but mine are still doing fine after 2 years.

Sounds they make are different. Dogtra has a beep and a duck call. TT has a tone. Dogtra is louder.

Dogtra has a toggle switch to change between receivers. Garmin is a button I believe.

I've had very good luck with my dogtra stuff, I have 5 receivers and a transmitter.

I have gunners up wingers and you have to make attachment plates to get the receiver to stay on the winger. I think the TTs have a 1/4 hole to attach with. Not sure how either works with zingers but it's something to consider.

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Title: Re: Zinger winger release
Post by: Happy Gilmore on March 07, 2017, 06:41:37 AM: Most folks I know have dogtra winger electronics and use Garmin/Tri-Tronics on their dogs. I've had nothing but problems with my dogtra RT. Batteries don't hold charge, inconsistent stim level and nothing when in the water and wet at a distance. I've got a Garmin 550 on order. Will send in my G3's to Collar Clinic when it gets here and keep the Dogtra for emergency back up.

I will add years ago I had a dogtra NC 2000. It was a decent unit and had fewer problems than I've had with the new RT. Used Tri-Tronics for the last 7-8 years. I bought the Dogtra and still found myself using TT until my TT transmitter quit last week. Probably a battery
Title: Re: Zinger winger release
Post by: Old Dog on March 07, 2017, 11:20:35 AM: I guess I'm like most of the guys. I use a Tri-tronics Pro 100(no longer made) for my dog, and Dogtra for my launchers. I've been real happy with my TT, however there is a bit of a learning curve with the pro transmitter. It's kind of large, and with all the buttons you have to sort of play it like a musical instrument.

I bought Dogtra by mistake. I wanted something that would match up with what another person I was training with had. Turns out they had DT, but it turned out to be a good mistake because the Dogtra is a more versatile unit. The only draw back I have found with the Dogtra Is with the charging. There is nothing to indicate when the batteries are fully charged, so I tend to leave it plugged in a lot. I don't know if that's good for the batteries though. :dunno:
Title: Re: Zinger winger release
Post by: Colin on March 07, 2017, 01:15:37 PM: Quote from: Old Dog on March 07, 2017, 11:20:35 AM
I guess I'm like most of the guys. I use a Tri-tronics Pro 100(no longer made) for my dog, and Dogtra for my launchers. I've been real happy with my TT, however there is a bit of a learning curve with the pro transmitter. It's kind of large, and with all the buttons you have to sort of play it like a musical instrument.

I bought Dogtra by mistake. I wanted something that would match up with what another person I was training with had. Turns out they had DT, but it turned out to be a good mistake because the Dogtra is a more versatile unit. The only draw back I have found with the Dogtra Is with the charging. There is nothing to indicate when the batteries are fully charged, so I tend to leave it plugged in a lot. I don't know if that's good for the batteries though. :dunno:
Good point about the charging. The light just turns red to indicate that it's charging. Doesn't tell you when it's full. Kind of a pain.

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Title: Re: Zinger winger release
Post by: Happy Gilmore on March 08, 2017, 06:48:25 PM: I was told they have the same circuit as cell phones which shuts off the charge. Otherwise, they'd overheat and burn.
Title: Re: Zinger winger release
Post by: Old Dog on March 08, 2017, 08:53:16 PM: Nice to know. Thanks. :tup:
Title: Re: Zinger winger release
Post by: Copperwood on March 09, 2017, 11:04:25 PM: I use a Tritronics/Garmin collar system but I prefer the dogtra releases. I use to have the tri tronics release but I had nothing but issues. The dogtras have been great. I had an issue with two of them but sent them to dogtra and they got them fixed up pretty quick. They are not waterproof which sucks for western wa sometimes but I'm sticking with them. I would recommend buying the external speaker for each release to make the sound travel further. Especially if you're training by yourself with no one in the gunner stations.