I am interested in a garmin alpha to use with 2-3 dogs. What are yalls thoughts on these units and how easy is it to switch from dog to dog for corrections and just ease in use? Any input on these would be greatly appreciated! Merry Christmas and happy new year to all!!!

I found it to be a little irritating at times myself for one dog.
I switched to an Astro for tracking and a pro 550 for corrections. Much simpler for me personally.

I agree with iliketohunt

Well I guess I need to find a collar for my Astro 220 handheld. If any one knows where to find one it has one for sale let me know. Thanks for the replies. Any others will be greatly appreciated

Try Outdoor Dog Suppy (outdoordogsupply.com). Used equipment, but I bought from them and the equipment looks and works like new. Plus, they got rid of the old woven nylon collars which fray, get nasty and stink, and use a coated nylon strap. Easy to clean and looks better. Wish I could buy the upgraded straps for my other two DC30's I use with my Astro 220.

The track and train concept sounded good enough to me that I bought one. It is fine for training purposes but I very much prefer separated tracking and training collars for hunting. It is not too hard for things to get over complicated for me when the birds flush so my dog finding and correction equipment needs to be as simple as possible.

I have the Garmin Alpha and I really like it, no problems at all. I didn't want to carry to different handhelds though. I haven't figured it all out but I like it so far.

One of my hunting buddies has one, with several collars. Pairing is difficult, setup and navigation seems more complicated than it should be, and he clearly does not like it, but has too much invested to get away.

The prongs are removed from all his collars. If he wants to be able to correct a dog, he adds a correction only collar to the dog...that makes a pretty strong statement about the Alpha.

Love mine.
Running 2 collars since October.
I actually started out with my tt exp last weekend then switched back to the Garmin...I was cautious in the beginning, prior to purchase as well.

I had the 320 and Trashbreaker Ultra and fought changing over for all the reasons above. Last year, Warner Smith with Tritronics told me that it was time to upgrade and I did. I am hunting 5-6 dogs and all are equipped with the TT-15 collars. I am still learning about all of the functions that are available but am becoming a huge fan as he told me I would.
Adios,
Gary

I have had one since it first came out. It has taken some time to get used to all the controls and settings. I had to carry the manual around with me at first. The 1:24,000 map addition and onxmap was a must as I also use it as my personal gps on hunting trips even if I don't have a dog with me. Adding leather case and belt loop with D ring to clip it on for easy carry and access was also a must for me. I love mine and have no problems other than some operator error early on.

Where did you get the leather case, d ring?
Thx
Brad

Wingworks

http://wingworks.biz/category/order-holsters-for-garmin-astros-and-alpha/

The bird dog stamp and grouse stamp not visible in the picture I added from leather tools I recently inherited. The Snaps made from Indian head pennies I got from someone off etsy and changed out myself. The leather belt loops with D ring are WWII era repro German off ebay. Not pictured I added a concho made from a Victory Nickel to mine from the same etsy seller for the fun of it. I can also clip it to a D ring on my pack and game vest as well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/e1d-WWII-GERMAN-...R-/262092882726

I know it is a bit over the top, but when spending that kind of money on a collar setup, I wanted something really nice to carry it with.

Thank. I appreciate the advice