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.