What's your opinion of the new Garmin Alpha

[Rick Conley Jr.]

I currently have a Garmin Astro 320, was wondering from some of you guys that have upgraded if its worth the upgrade, or knowing what you know now would you still upgrade. I also use tri tronic collars with my Garmin, thanks for your input

[bucks better beagles]

The biggest flaw with these collars is that they cannot be married up with the Astro 320. It would have been nice if they could so trackers could be shared.

[DIXIEDOG]

If there is a downside I haven't found it yet. I like the touch screen for ease of use, the collars don't lose signal like my DC30's did...the gps handheld and collars lock on much faster, the handheld comes with a battery pack so no more carrying extra AA batteries, the perimeter alarm is awesome. There isn't anything that my Astro 220/DC 30 combo did that I miss in my Alpha. I finally got a chance to use it in below zero temps and the touch screen still worked great. They did a great job with this system.

[MAINESNOWSHOEHUNTER]

I havent had my alpha to long. I got it in the middle of november and had it out a half dozen times so far. I am very happy with it no complaints so far. The last day i ran it was 8 degrees when we started and i didnt have any problems with the touch screen. I really like the buddy tracking it works great and is real helpful to know were everyone is when u cant see them. Im still getting used to operating it, the controls are a lot different than my 220. But over all it works great.

[Mo. Beagler 5000]

How long does it take to shock say, 4 dogs.. With sport dog or tt stand alones I can literally pop them all with in 5 seconds... Do you have to toggle every dog and then shock or how does that all work out...

[DIXIEDOG]

How long does it take to shock say, 4 dogs.. With sport dog or tt stand alones I can literally pop them all with in 5 seconds... Do you have to toggle every dog and then shock or how does that all work out...

It will be in the same time range....you have 3 buttons across the top....each button can be set up to shock a different dog then you touch below to get the fourth dog and press the button....it will take seconds to do.

It's also amazing how much nicer the 2.5 second updates are, a fast 15" beagle can cover a lot of ground in that time. I didn't see the point before but it does give you a whole new level of accuracy.

[Cooz's Beagles]

Love it! It's a little different from the 220 i had but only took me a few minutes to figure out! I am very satisified with it. The only complaint i have is they should have made the collars smaller! They are still a little loose on my 13" females BUT with the long contact points it works great! (Last i heard they are working on that problem) it is nice for the dogs and me now they dont have to wear two bulky collars and i dont have to handle two remotes!

Cooz's Beagles
Cooz's Just Snoopin Around

Lone Pine Cooz's Nicci
Lone Pine Cooz's Swampin Sammi