Which Garmin Setup?

[ianpadron]

I'm going to upgrade my GPS collar setup this off-season from the Pathfinder Mini I've been using. I want a standalone unit I can have on my vest at all times, and also has watch compatibility. Sick of digging out my phone constantly when I get a point notification, draining the phone battery on day long hunts, and the general glitch-iness of the Pathfinder app.

Collar will be used almost exclusively for hunting, although I'd like the ability to train the next pup with the same unit if possible and run multiple dogs on the same controller. Main focus is reliable point notifications and compass, and simple operation.

Ready to make the switch to Garmin, and the last post on this is a few years old.

What are you guys using going into 2026, and how do you like it?

 

[birdhunter]

Im using the alpha and have it connected to my fenix5 but if I had to do it over I would go wiyh 550 plus.Its more than enough if u have a close working dog.I think they are on sale right now at Gun Dog Supply.My 2cents.

 

[Hoghead]

I use a alpha 200I for hog hunting. it works with my Garmin watch and works a long ways out. I have thought about upgrading to the 300 but don't see enough difference to justify the cost.