Looking at these 3:

SD 1825 - $290
Dogtra 3500 NCP Super X - $320
Garmin Pro 550 - $400

The SD 1825 is the cheapest of the three so obviously if it's good I'd like to get it. If the 550 is really worth $110 more then I'll get it.

First time using an e-collar and will only be training one dog.

I think range makes them cost more. You don't need range with a retriever.

Alot is preference of features. I will say that you have some drastically different collars listed there. Get on www.gundogsupply.com and look at the video reviews of each model and decide which features you like. For instance, the 550 is a tube style transmitter and the others are not. If you like the tube style I would add the Dogtra Edge RT to your list. I have both it and the 550 and IMO it beats the 550 hands down and costs $50 less. If you don't like the tube then look at the models that don't have it. Decide on range, expandability, etc. and then make your choice. For instance the 1825 and the 1225 in the SportDog line are the same with the exception of range and the ability to expand to 6 or 3 dogs but there is also a $50 difference. If you're not going to run six dogs off of one transmitter I would save the additional money. I only bring up these points due to the drastic differences in your choices.

Ok so I obviously do not have a clue when it comes to e-collars. I didn't realize there were so many different options and differences.

After reading some I think I'll be fine with a 1/2 mile or 3/4 mile range collar. I'm not sure what the difference is between the "tube" style and other style remotes.

I also do not need a 6 dog system.

Thoughts on these?

The SD 1225
The Garmin Delta XC

Or

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new trainer with one dog. I just want a quality and reliable collar.

I like tube style It is easier to get to in a hurry to make a correction. Timing is everything

Don't get the delta.

I bought the SD six years ago and it is still working like a charm. It has a posted 1-mile range but I doubt it would reach that far unless you had perfect conditions and a clear line of sight which is typically not the norm. All I have had to do is replace the batteries one time and Batteries + built me a set for the two collars and the transmitter for pennies compared to what the Collar Clinic was going to charge. I replaced them myself with no problems. The new batteries are alot better than the standard issue that comes with the collar. My collars have 16 different settings plus the tone and nick feature. It was cheap compared to Tri-Tronics, but it has served me very well considering. I have "buzzed' my dogs when I could barely see them at a quarter to half a mile and have turned them every time. My only suggestion is to do the battery maintenence and keep them charged year round.

2X
I would go with the Garmin Sport Pro over the Delta

I have the Garmin Delta SPORT XC and it has been fantastic so far. Does everything I want it to do. No issues here

I had the first delta and it was ineffective out past about 150 yards even on full blast.

All I've owned have been Dogtra.

I have a tube style transmitter (Tri-tronics Flyway Special) and really like it for training, but not for hunting. I would much prefer something smaller that hangs on a lanyard around my neck in hunting situations.

I'm on the fence about getting one because I've seen and heard of too many dogs that are smart enough to know when the collar isn't on they can blow off commands without there being punishment. I don't want to do the conditioning if my dog is smart enough to go that route.

They were trained wrong then.

I bought a SD 825 yesterday, it is a great, well built , EASY to use unit. I used it yesterday evening on Jessie (60# 9 month old Black Lab), only took the "1" setting to get her attention.

Happy with it so far but its brand new....

Unless you are at a trial or hunt test, (which by my recollection you stated you had no desire to do) there shouldn't be a time when your dog is working without the collar.

That's an easy fix. Put the collar on

dogtra or tri tronics. dont get sport dog.

I've had all three. Sold my two Pro 550's for Sportdog 2525's. I prefer the Sportdog brand over the others. The thing I like about the Sportdog is you have 9 levels of stimulation on the transmitter and you have 3 levels on the receiver. You don't get this with the others. You can fine tune your corrections more precisely with the Sportdog.

I've got a lab (that I haven't hunted with) but have been using an e-collar with for three years. I got a Sport Dog system that was around $200 at the time and is pretty basic. I don't remember the exact model, but I've loved it. Waterproof, rechargeable, a charge lasts for a long time, etc. for what I use it for, and see myself using it for in the future, it's great. I can add a dog in the future if I want, also.

Used my new 550 today and like it a lot.

SportDOG makes collars that really leave something to desire and their customer service is TERRIBLE. They won't replace a collar at all. Stay away from them if you have the chance.

Garmin bought out Tri-Tronics and is making all their products far more complicated than it has to be. Period. I want a knob to turn to the intensity and a button to push for that level of intensity. It's not hard, but they make it that hard. Much better quality than SportDOG, but still lacking.

Dogtra is where the market's going. They do simple to use collars in super, super high quality. I've never been upset with a Dogtra, never heard any body who was. You may spend more, but you'll be happier with it longer.

My Sport dog lasted just fine done everything it was supposed to. Why past tense cause dog found the receiver on a shelf one day and chewed the damn antenna off. not a model that has removable antennae. cant blame the company for that. Everyone has there ups and downs with various companies. When it comes down to it you have to decide will cheaper be actually "cheaper: or will buying exactly what you want to start with regardless of the extra cost save you grief money and sleep in the outcome!

I have 2 G2 Pro 100 transmitters, and 1 G3; 6 recievers, 0ne which is still in the package. They have all worked fine for the last 10 years. Hopefully they will last another 5-10.
They have 18 stimulation settings.

Robby

Same here!! The BEST!! When they go I've got Dogtra Edge Rt's in stock. That's one sweet collar..

Angie