GARMIN's reputation is well established. Thanks to its GPS collars for dogs and other hunting accessories, the brand has positioned itself as a leading equipment manufacturer. Garmin has maintained its top position for several decades due to the high quality of its premium equipment for dog training and hunting. Let's explore what the brand offers today, at the cutting edge of GPS-VHF technology, and compare its best devices, while reviewing the company's history, and covering the main retailers, the second-hand market, and the applicable regulations.
The Origins of the Garmin Brand
In October 1989, two American engineers, Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao, partnered to design GPS navigation assistants for the military and aviation. Initially, their company was registered under the name ProNav, but they faced a lawsuit from another American company named NavPro. As a result, they decided to change their name. The combination of their first names, "Gar" and "Min," resulted in Garmin, a name that has remained ever since.
From there, the brand expanded into the European market and then internationally with GPS devices. At the same time, it diversified its offerings, moving from aviation equipment to more general accessories (GPS watches, navigation systems for cars and motorcycles, smartphones, GPS collars, etc.).
Dominating the high-end market, Garmin established itself as one of the best brands for GPS equipment, particularly in hunting gear. If Garmin has become the go-to brand for hunters when it comes to equipping hunting dogs, it is thanks to the quality of its equipment and technologies. Regarding remote controls, key features include:
- A high-sensitivity GPS;
- A long-range GPS antenna;
- A high number of stimulation levels;
- Long battery life (between 20 and 54 hours);
- An anti-glare screen with color display and zoom functionality;
- Multiple topographic maps.
The Best Garmin GPS Collars and Handheld Devices
Garmin's GPS collars and handheld devices are industry benchmarks, ranking among the best in their category. Some models have become iconic due to their outstanding performance.
Garmin Alpha 300 + TT25 GPS Kit
The Garmin Alpha 300 + TT25 stands out as a top-tier option among VHF GPS collars for hunting dogs, combining performance, durability, and user-friendly design. Priced at 800 USD for the handheld and 350 USD for the TT25 collar, it targets the high-end market, meeting the expectations of the most demanding hunters.
Its strength lies in its ultra-precise tracking system. Thanks to its high-sensitivity GPS/Galileo receiver, the TT25 enables real-time tracking within a 9-mile [14.5 km] range, without requiring a subscription. The 2.5-second update rate ensures instant location accuracy, even in difficult terrain or areas with no mobile network.
This kit also simplifies dog training with 18 levels of static stimulation, as well as adjustable tone and vibration alerts. The intuitive controls provide optimal responsiveness, which is crucial during active hunting phases.
The Alpha 300 outshines its predecessors (Alpha 100 and 200) with a 3.5-inch touchscreen, larger and brighter for perfect readability in direct sunlight. Its six physical buttons allow smooth navigation even when wearing gloves, a valuable asset in extreme conditions. With a 55-hour battery life, it guarantees prolonged use without power concerns.
Although the initial setup requires a short learning curve, its intuitive interface makes it accessible to both beginners and experts. Numerous automation features (dynamic tracking, group management, detailed maps) make it a highly practical and efficient tool.
The TT25 collar, compact and rugged, fits dogs of all sizes. Its waterproof and durable design allows it to withstand the harshest environments. Its multicolored LED lights enhance visibility in low-light conditions, a significant advantage for night hunting. With a battery life of up to 68 hours (up to 136 hours with an extended-life battery), it surpasses the TT15 in endurance.
While expensive, this kit compensates with its precision, battery life, and reliability, making it an essential choice for hunters seeking a high-performance and durable GPS solution.
Garmin Alpha® 200i
Compatible with TT15, TT15 mini, and T5 dog GPS collars, the Alpha® 200i is highly equipped (Quad Helix GPS Galileo antenna, external VHF connector, barometric altimeter, 3D compass). This allows it to track up to twenty dogs simultaneously over a range of 9 miles [14.4 km]. The handheld device includes 18 levels of stimulation.
The 3.5-inch screen enhances the readability of Garmin maps, including City Navigator, Raster Maps, and integrated Birdseye satellite imagery. For optimal performance, additional Garmin SD maps, such as the Pro Topo A200, are also available in specialized stores to complement the preloaded maps and provide updated trails in hunting or hiking areas. You can save all your settings on the 16 GB internal memory. Additionally, it meets the IPX7 standard, making it fully waterproof, and its Li-Ion battery has a battery life of 15 to 20 hours.
Compared to the Alpha® 100, this handheld device offers improved efficiency and a significantly better user experience. However, the satellite map is less detailed, and the price may not be affordable for everyone. If you have technical questions about this device, you can check out the Alpha 200i user manual.
Garmin Alpha® 100
The Garmin Alpha® 100 is a professional-grade GPS tracking kit. Compatible with Garmin’s TT15 dog collars, the handheld device can track up to twenty dogs simultaneously. It includes over 100,000 topographic maps, covering the whole country at a 1:25,000 scale, and detects connected collars within a range of 9 miles [14.5 km], significantly expanding the usable area. It provides access to various details about each dog, such as:
- Speed statistics;
- Distance statistics;
- Deep direction tracking statistics.
This tracking kit includes several features that make it ideal for dog training, such as ambient controls, a selection of audible sounds, and 18 levels of electric stimulation.
However, the device's design and interface could use a modernization, as their outdated appearance does not do justice to the advanced technology within this tracking kit. Additionally, when the handheld device is turned off, it must be reprogrammed because settings are not saved across all modes.
Garmin T and TT Series Dog GPS Collars
Garmin’s T and TT series dog GPS collars are among the brand’s top models. They are designed to pair seamlessly with various tracking and training remotes from the Alpha® and Astro® series. They are equipped with a highly durable steel VHF antenna, offering a range of approximately 9 miles [14.5 km]. Their lithium-ion battery provides a 40-hour battery life, and they are water-resistant up to 33 feet [10 meters].
The main models, TT15 and T5, are available in mini versions (TT15 mini and T5 mini). They come in multiple colors and sizes to fit your dog's measurements. The mini versions have a range of 3.7 miles [6 km] with the remote control, both for tracking and training. You can also customize them with an engraving of your dog’s name and your phone number.
Garmin Astro®
Compatible with T5 dog GPS collars, the Garmin Astro® remote control can be used for tracking 10 to 20 dogs simultaneously over a range of 9 miles [14.5 km] thanks to its high-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS transmitter. It operates with a BirdsEye satellite-compatible mapping system and includes topographic maps. The Astro® series consists of several models, including:
- Garmin Astro® 220
- Garmin Astro® 320
- Garmin Astro® 430
- Garmin Astro® 900
Used Hunting GPS Equipment
A thriving second-hand market has developed around Garmin hunting equipment. Today, you can find most remote controls and collars second-hand at affordable prices. Some accessories are available at a 50% discount. This makes it an excellent alternative for equipping yourself with training and tracking collars at a lower cost.
This second-hand market is thriving because the items sold are still of excellent quality, even after multiple uses. This is proof of the quality and durability of Garmin equipment.
The Best Places to Buy Collars
Most hunting equipment (remote controls and GPS collars) is available on Garmin's official website. These are reference products at several stores and specialized sites that sell training and hunting equipment, such as:
- PeelaGreen
- Gun Dog Supply
- Ugly Dog Hunting
- Huntsmart
- Sporting Dog Pro
If you're looking for great deals on a used Garmin GPS collar, PeelaGreen is a great reference, but you can also check sites like GFS Colliers, Rakuten, Naturabuy, or JM Artemis.
Whichever option you choose (new or used collars), it is important to be aware of the regulations in force regarding their use for hunting.
Legislation Regarding the Use of GPS Collars
If you are a fan of woodcock hunting with a pointing dog, you are allowed to use a GPS collar for dogs, but under certain conditions. During the hunt, you are only permitted to use the tracking function, which involves indicating a direction with the possibility of estimating the distance or using the sound beep.
However, it is prohibited to use the location function, specifically the GPS mapping, during the hunt. Therefore, it is important to choose a GPS collar model equipped with the option to disable the location function.
Note: The use of GARMIN ALPHA®, T collars, and TT™ collars requires prior authorization for frequency use. Therefore, it is advised to contact local hunting federations, associations, and societies before using them in some countries. Please note that purchasing and using foreign GARMIN ALPHA®, T collars, and TT™ collars (non-local models) is illegal and can result in criminal penalties. [For more information, visit: www.garmin.com/tracking-legal]
Garmin GPS Collars: Combining Performance and Durability for Hunting
If you value reliability and quality in devices, the high-end GPS collars from Garmin are a must-have, definitely worth checking out before equipping yourself for the hunting season. Available from most retailers between 700 and 1150 USD per "handheld + GPS collar" kit, the equipment offered by the leading brand in GPS collars for hunting dogs is designed for enthusiasts and the most demanding users; however, the durability of these devices allows them to have a second life in the second-hand market, helping to amortize your investment for those with more modest budgets.
