Replacing my Dog Tracking/Training Equipment

[Chris Pope]

I’m about to purchase a new dog training/tracking collar to replace my Garmin Astro 430 and 2 collars plus my Dogtra training collars. Most of the equipment is 10 years old. After searching and reviewing Rick Roemer’s Aug ’23, Phil C’s June ’23, Kentucky Bird Hunter Aug ‘21 and Mills June ‘19 threads here in the discussion forum, and having reviewed several YouTube videos I am leaning heavily towards the Garmin 300i and 2 Alpha TT25 collars. I also have for several years carried an InReach mini because I hunt by myself a fair amount and typically outside of cell range. The Garmin 300i will perform all three functions albeit not as well perhaps as the individual equipment.
Here are my questions:
• Does anyone have additional information on reliability, functionality, etc of the Garmin 300i since Roemer’s Aug 2023 thread?
• Anyone aware whether or not a newer version is about to be released?
• What vendor to buy them from (direct from Garmin, Gundog Supply etc)?
I value the advice here from hard core bird hunters so welcome your input. It’s a lot of dough to shell out. But I guess I consider it more of an insurance policy. Thanks.

[Wilmurt]

I have had a Garmin 200i for 3 years and it does everything, EVERYTHING, as each of the individual equipment you mentioned but in a nice single package.

[Steiner]

I have a good friend that trains dogs and runs cover trails and guides grouse hunters. When I asked him last fall about upgrading my Alfa 100 he suggested I skip the 200 and get the 300. He thought I should stay with my tt15 mini collars. I never did make the leap.

[Wilmurt]

The 300i was not available at the time I bought the 200i. Both are excellent units.

[OH Osthaus]

My old Astro 100 died a while back after a long life (the weak link was the charger port)

I have just replaced it with the 200i. (New charger structure), Very similar to the 300i. A bigger brighter screen than the old ones (I think the 300 is brighter yet but this one is fine). I don’t need the extended battery life, so I saved a few bucks

Looks like a great improvement on the old model

And as you say, the “I” models have satellite communications capability with text and SOS where cellular reception is not available. Could be important for those of us who might not be as young as we were and hunt alone. My family can sign into a website (password protected) and see my location if I am overdue

Can’t see how you can go wrong with the 300i model. I have always had good luck dealing with Lion Country Supply for collars

[Phil C]

I still have my 200i. I will keep using it until it no longer works and can not be updated. If I was going to replace it I would stay with Garmin and by the latest.
No different then if I was replacing my computer or cell phone.
You wont go wrong with the 200 or 300.
Just by a screen protector no mater which unit.
A hunting partner has the 300 and is happy with it.

[Chris Pope]

Excellent advice- thank you all.

[John Taddeo]

Pair the 200 or 300 with the Garmin instinct watch.. let's you easily keep a location on the dog by looking at your wrist and the GPS in your pocket..

[Chris Pope]

Thanks John. Yes I've used a Fenix 5 for for five+ years now and it paired well with my Astro 430. Fortunately, the Fenix 5 (now considered an antique in the elctronics world) will pair with the new equipment so as I hunt I will continue to look like I'm constantly checking the time!
And the screen protector tip was a great idea too.

[Kyle Ramage]

I am a low tech hombre! I just started researching the units and there are quite a few on the market. Of the units mentioned on this thread, which require software updates and if so, what is the process? Glad to see this topic. Thanks