On land, sea, and in the air, GPS has become an essential tool for knowing an exact position and navigating effectively. For road trips, marine navigation, and air transport, everything is equipped with GPS to facilitate navigation. Similarly, for hunting, dogs are equipped with this tool so they can be found if they lose their way. To receive a signal over long distances, you need to equip yourself with a GPS antenna to maintain good reception. If you have a Garmin handheld, you can opt for one of the best GPS antennas from the RoG® brand for its various advantages. Let's focus on these extraordinary antennas that delight their users.
Why Use a New GPS Antenna on a Garmin Handheld?
The Garmin brand is well known for its high-quality equipment designed for navigators and dog owners to locate themselves or track their pets. When it comes to locating animals, it makes a strong impression by offering various models of handhelds to assist owners or professionals who train dogs. These devices can be enhanced with the use of a better GPS antenna that amplifies the signal.
What Are the Main Models of Garmin GPS?
A Garmin handheld is a type of VHF receiver, professional-grade remote control, with a dual function: tracking and training your pet, specifically your hunting dog. It serves as part of the GPS tracking kit that works with the GPS collar transmitters worn by the animals. This type of tracking device can simultaneously follow a pack of up to 20 dogs. Thus, on its screen, the Garmin handheld provides all the essential information about the pack, including distance covered, the speed of the dogs, their direction, and other statistics. All this data is available on the screen of the handheld, allowing you to track your hunting dogs.
Among the main models of Garmin GPS designed for pets, we have:
- Garmin Alpha 100;
- Garmin Alpha 200;
- Garmin Alpha 10;
- Garmin Astro 320;
- Garmin Drive Track;
- Garmin TT15X collar;
- Garmin T5X collar;
- Garmin DC50 collar.
These different Garmin VHF GPS receivers and transmitters, offering good autonomy, are sold by major retailers like PeelaGreen® through its online store peelagreen.fr, Decathlon, Naturabuy, Ducatillon, and others. These specialists offer collections of GPS collars for hunting dogs to the delight of canine training professionals and hunters.
Why Choose a Better GPS Antenna?
For the GPS collars signal to be properly received by the Garmin handhelds, you can equip them with a new GPS antenna. In fact, for tracking dogs and canine training, the GPS collars worn by the dogs and the Garmin handheld that receives the signal may face challenges in the field. The signal reception on the screen may weaken if the dog moves too far away, if the weather conditions are extreme, or if the terrain is difficult, with obstacles disrupting the signal in dense forests or mountainous areas, for example.
The original Garmin GPS antennas attached to the GPS collars and handhelds may become unreliable in these situations. It then becomes essential to choose a more efficient GPS antenna. For comparison, the standard Garmin antenna (3.15 inches [8 cm]) on a Garmin Alpha 100 handheld will limit the device's range to 1.2 to 2.5 miles [2-4 km] depending on the environment, whereas the same handheld can track the GPS collars up to 9.3 miles [15 km] and beyond if connected to a good roof-mounted antenna! A new GPS antenna that increases the range of your Garmin handheld is therefore the solution to fix performance issues related to signal reception from the collars worn by the dogs in a pack.
By choosing a better GPS antenna for your Garmin handheld, with good autonomy, you ensure that you know the exact position of your pack of dogs in real-time. Whether for training or in a hunting situation, this is a practical and reliable solution to keep a constant eye on each of your hunting dogs displayed on the handheld screen. Thus, the twenty dogs that the Garmin handheld can track are more secure with the new GPS antenna compared to the standard antenna. We have selected the best GPS antennas to improve the performance of your Garmin devices. Here’s our Top 10!
Top 10 Best RoG® GPS Antennas for Garmin GPS
For better reception of the signal transmitted by Garmin GPS collars, you can opt for RoG® brand GPS antennas that are compatible with Garmin Alpha and Astro handhelds. You will surely find the model that best suits your needs in this selection.
RoG® Iron 51-inch Roof Antenna
A top choice for your Garmin handheld, the RoG® Iron 51-inch roof antenna is designed to help you significantly extend the GPS signal reception range. No matter the environment where your dog is located, it’s easy to track them on the screen of your Garmin handheld. Whether in the mountains, forests, or open areas, this stainless steel GPS antenna ensures strong signal reception. This is one of the main advantages of this equipment, which boosts the performance of your Garmin handheld. The standard antenna has a range of 1.2 to 1.9 miles [2-3 km] in open areas, while this model provides coverage up to 9.3 miles [15 km] on the map. This roof antenna, compatible with Garmin Alpha and Astro handhelds, is used with the RoG® 4x4 mount for 51-inch Garmin roof antenna. The mount provides a solid base with clamp arms and a 11.5-foot [3.5-meter] cable. The roof antenna and the mount are both priced at 29.99 USD.
RoG® Black Edition Long-Range 49-inch Roof Antenna
Another GPS antenna model that serves as a great alternative to the standard antennas that come with Garmin handhelds is the RoG® Black Edition long-range 49-inch roof antenna. Priced at 29.99 USD, this car roof antenna has a range of 9.3 miles [15 km] on maps and can even exceed that depending on the hunting area. In mountainous or forested areas, it’s a valuable asset for correctly receiving the signal from the GPS collars on the screen of the Garmin Alpha 100, Alpha 200, or Astro handheld. The RoG® Black Edition 4x4 mount allows proper use of the antenna to take full advantage of its multiple benefits in rugged terrain. Of course, in open areas such as plains, this antenna's performance is remarkable.
RoG® Black Edition Flexible 31-inch Roof Antenna
Priced at 29.99 USD, this RoG® Black Edition flexible 31-inch roof antenna is designed to enhance the capabilities of GPS handhelds like the Garmin Alpha or Astro. Once installed with the RoG® Black Edition 4.7-inch magnetic base, the roof antenna reveals its full potential. Its mount is made of stainless steel and features a reinforced PVC base with a rubber coating to prevent damage to the car’s roof or hood. The roof antenna is very practical for receiving the GPS signal between 6.2 and 9.3 miles [10-15 km]. You’ll be able to monitor your pack in real-time on your Garmin handheld screen. This antenna is highly effective regardless of the environment. It is very reliable in open areas as well as in wooded regions. In forests, it’s particularly useful as its shorter length reduces the risk of snagging on branches compared to longer antennas. You’ll have no trouble tracking your pack in any situation.
RoG® Ibiza V1 Telescopic Antenna
If you test the RoG® Ibiza V1 telescopic antenna, you'll find it to be one of the most powerful telescopic antennas on the market. When connected to your handheld, the GPS signal range can extend beyond 7.5 miles [12 km]. Priced at 32.99 USD, this long-range GPS antenna is ideal for hunting trips. This excellent product allows you to maintain constant contact with your dogs through your Garmin handheld screen. This 49-inch [125 cm] antenna features a foldable base, allowing you to adjust its direction and easily store the antenna-handheld combo. Outstanding in every aspect, the Ibiza V1 GPS antenna is suitable for use in open spaces like plains, as well as in forested or mountainous areas. It will meet all your expectations for enhancing GPS signal reception range.
RoG® Ibiza V3 Flexible Antenna
Among the most reasonable choices when looking for an alternative to the standard antennas for tracking your hunting dogs, there’s the RoG® Ibiza V3 flexible antenna for Garmin GPS. This model also ensures good signal reception from the collars worn by the pack of dogs over a long distance. Depending on the area, it covers a range of 5.6 to 7.5 miles [9-12 km]. So, in addition to excellent coverage in plains, you’ll have no trouble with signal reception in mountains or forests. This is a foldable GPS antenna, which is practical to avoid breaking. The price for this product is 29.99 USD.
RoG® Omega Flexible Antenna
When you connect your Garmin handheld to the RoG® Omega flexible antenna, the difference from the standard antenna is striking. This small GPS antenna, measuring 4.9 inches [12.5 cm], has a range between 3.7 and 5 miles [6-8 km], depending on the environment. This best-seller, priced at 27.99 USD, offers excellent value for money. This flexible antenna is very practical due to its compact size, significantly enhancing the GPS signal of the Garmin Astro or Alpha handheld over a considerable distance. You will receive a clear signal on your app, allowing you to locate your hunting dogs on the map. Whether in open fields or challenging areas such as mountains or forests, the GPS signal range is greatly increased, often tripling the standard range.
RoG® Ibiza V4 Flexible Telescopic Antenna
This is a hybrid antenna that can perfectly meet your needs in the field. In fact, the RoG® Ibiza V4 flexible telescopic antenna is one of the most effective satellite geolocation accessories available. This telescopic antenna has a flexible base that absorbs shocks in the hunting field. This GPS antenna compatible with Garmin Astro and Alpha is priced at 31.99 USD and has a range between 4.3 and 5.6 miles [7-9 km], depending on the environment where it’s used. This GPS antenna stands up well to others, with remarkable precision for receiving a clear GPS signal on your handheld in both mountains and forests.
RoG® 14-inch Flexible Antenna
In our antenna comparison, there’s also the RoG® 14-inch flexible antenna, which may interest you. It’s a great compromise for covering a reasonable distance of 2.5 to 3.7 miles [4-6 km]. Its price is also one of its advantages, as it’s sold for 18.99 USD. It’s one of the GPS accessories used with VHF equipment that performs its functions well. Don't be fooled by its small size of 14 inches [36 cm], as it’s still quite efficient. Even in difficult-to-access areas like forests, the RoG 14-inch flexible antenna for Garmin Alpha and Astro GPS remains a solid choice, although it starts to struggle a bit in mountainous areas.
RoG® Standard Mini Flexible Antenna
The RoG® standard mini flexible antenna has a range of 1.2 to 2.5 miles [2-4 km] and is priced at 16.99 USD. It has a small size of 3.1 inches [8 cm], which is practical for outdoor activities in short-range areas. Despite its size, it’s twice as effective as the standard antenna that comes with Garmin handhelds, with which it’s compatible for both Astro and Alpha versions. As a result, even outside open areas like plains, if you find yourself in a challenging environment such as mountains or forests, this GPS antenna will make your job easier compared to the Garmin standard antenna.
RoG® 20.8-inch GPS Collar Antenna
Unlike the other models featured in this GPS antenna comparison, which are handheld antennas, this model is designed for GPS collars worn by dogs. In fact, the RoG® 20.8-inch GPS collar antenna significantly boosts the signal strength emitted by the VHF GPS collars it’s compatible with, such as the Garmin DC30, DC40, DC50, TT15(X), T5(X), and Mini models. This VHF replacement antenna is made of braided steel covered with a plastic sheath. For satellite geolocation of hunting dogs, it dramatically increases the GPS signal range. Even if your dog strays into mountainous or forested areas, you won’t need to worry, as the antenna’s performance ensures clear signal transmission. This Garmin GPS collar antenna, priced at a reasonable 16.99 USD, is an excellent piece of equipment that you can confidently purchase.
What You Need to Know About Garmin
Founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao, American engineers, Garmin is a company specialized in the manufacture and marketing of GPS navigation assistance systems. Its products, initially intended for military use, have become widely used in maritime navigation, aviation, automotive, sports, and many other activities.
By launching a GPS navigator around the year 2000 for hikers, in a model that can be worn on the wrist like a watch, Garmin made a significant step towards designing equipment intended for the general public. These devices are useful in everyday life, especially since wrist-worn models track sports activities for the health of users and their pets.
With this in mind, a whole range of GPS devices for hunting dogs has been created, which are very practical for tracking dogs in the wild. The Garmin brand is renowned for its high-end VHF equipment that meets the needs of many users. This is particularly true for tracking or locating devices for hunting dogs.
The RoG® Brand, Manufacturer of Accessories for Garmin GPS
The RoG® brand has been developing its own GPS antennas and accessories for Garmin GPS for several years. After 12 years of experience, its products are recognized by users as a brand of excellence in the field of GPS geolocation for hunting.
In summary, when you have a Garmin handheld, it is essential to equip it with a better GPS antenna. This is the simplest and most effective way to greatly enhance the signal and improve the functionality of the dog tracking equipment for a pack. When hunting in challenging environments like forests or mountains, the range for receiving the GPS signal will be significantly improved. Indeed, by upgrading from a standard Garmin antenna to a 51-inch roof antenna, you can increase your GPS range by 8 times! If performance is your goal, acquiring a new GPS antenna is essential to fully exploit the potential of your Garmin GPS.
