Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

Just wondering if any of you are using the Pro 550 Plus when running your Hounds & what you think of it ?
I have always thought that Garmin Tracking Systems had too much junk on them and this 550 Pro caught my eye. I don't needs Maps, I don't need to see roads, I dont need to Track my Buddy's dog.........I just need to see what direction my dog is & how far, that's it. I like it to be simple.
I watched several videos & most said the range is right there with the Alpha.
From what I can tell it's a reliable system & very simple.
Any feedback would be very appreciated.

I do have an Email to one of the Suppliers out West & hopefully I will hear back.
Thanks
Tim

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Registered: Aug 2011
Location: Emporia, Kansas
Posts: 382

I have had mine a bit over 2 years I like it a lot.not as complicated as the Astros for an old guy to understand!!!
It will show you the direction and distance without all the clutter that the Astro has. it has a good electric stimulation along with a TONE... when you condition the dog to the tone before stimulation most of the problems will be cured with the tone.

for some folks they would not be happy with the number of collars it handles-- 3-- but when I am hunting alone or any other time that is enough to handle.

BE AWARE OF THIS--- I have had several times I got back to the pickup and tries to find where a certain dog was .. got funny readings.. stepped away from it and got pinpoint location!

I traded my old Astro with Collars to Lion Country Supply. for mine
the Dogtra pathfinder is not as expensive BUT there is way too much of a learning curve for me.

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Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

quote:

---

Originally posted by Driftwoodblue
I have had mine a bit over 2 years I like it a lot.not as complicated as the Astros for an old guy to understand!!!
It will show you the direction and distance without all the clutter that the Astro has. it has a good electric stimulation along with a TONE... when you condition the dog to the tone before stimulation most of the problems will be cured with the tone.

for some folks they would not be happy with the number of collars it handles-- 3-- but when I am hunting alone or any other time that is enough to handle.

BE AWARE OF THIS--- I have had several times I got back to the pickup and tries to find where a certain dog was .. got funny readings.. stepped away from it and got pinpoint location!

I traded my old Astro with Collars to Lion Country Supply. for mine
the Dogtra pathfinder is not as expensive BUT there is way too much of a learning curve for me.

---

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Registered: Jul 2017
Location: Midwest
Posts: 41

I use one on my English pointer for quail and pheasant hunting. I like the simplicity compared to the Alpha that I used before.

Last edited by Granular on 11-30-2022 at 02:09 AM

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Registered: Jun 2014
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 3466

This sounds like a nice gadget, but I like maps so I'll know where roads and rivers are.

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Donald Bergeron

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Registered: Feb 2015
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 1185

quote:

---

Originally posted by shadinc
This sounds like a nice gadget, but I like maps so I'll know where roads and rivers are.

---

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Tom Wood

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Registered: Jul 2017
Location: Midwest
Posts: 41

Agreed lack of maps would be the main limitation using it on hounds hunting in unfamiliar territory.

I do all my quail/pheasant hunting on land I own so not an issue.

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Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

quote:

---

Originally posted by shadinc
This sounds like a nice gadget, but I like maps so I'll know where roads and rivers are.

---

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Registered: Aug 2014
Location: WI
Posts: 437

not comparable Gun supply states 2+ miles on the 550 . Most tracking collars are at least double that

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Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

quote:

---

Originally posted by Black Ash Bawl
not comparable Gun supply states 2+ miles on the 550 . Most tracking collars are at least double that

---

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Registered: Aug 2010
Location: ohio
Posts: 153

It's pretty nice to be able to mark the truck location with the Astro.
I get turned around, especially on unfamiliar ground. I'd miss that for sure.

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joe robinson

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Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

quote:

---

Originally posted by joseph robinson
It's pretty nice to be able to mark the truck location with the Astro.
I get turned around, especially on unfamiliar ground. I'd miss that for sure.

---

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Registered: Aug 2008
Location:
Posts: 872

I bought one but haven’t used it yet. I got it for the same reasons. The bonus is that Garmin has an app for my phone and I can pair up by Bluetooth and still have maps and location and all that stuff. I never had nothing but a quick track. Looking at dogs on a screen seemed like it would take away from the hunt and my skills

Last edited by heckler on 12-02-2022 at 12:12 AM

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Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

quote:

---

Originally posted by heckler
I bought one but haven’t used it yet. I got it for the same reasons. The bonus is that Garmin has an app for my phone and I can pair up by Bluetooth and still have maps and location and all that stuff. I never had nothing but a quick track. Looking at dogs on a screen seemed like it would take away from the hunt and my skills

---

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Last edited by Triple K Kennel on 01-12-2025 at 09:37 PM

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Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

Still considering this System....!!!

Tim

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Registered: Dec 2003
Location: Sheridan, WY
Posts: 1166

quote:

---

Originally posted by Triple K Kennel
Yep.....I agree that people seem to want to be glued the their Garmin Screen.
I am considering this System or the Garmin Alpha 10.....leaning more towards the 550+ because of the Simplicity of it, I can have the Garmin Explorer App on my phone should I need a Map & I have a Bushnell Back Track to Mark the Trucks location & get me back to it.
Thanks
Tim

---

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Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

quote:

---

Originally posted by houndsound
That Back Track sounds interesting to me! To be honest I've used Astro system a bit years ago... I used Dogtra Pathfinder alot.... I found it fun, a good accessory for enjoying the dog- but the most valuable thing for me was helping me get back to the truck.... I'm pretty horrible about getting turned around at night, lol.

---

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Registered: Nov 2011
Location: north ala.
Posts: 937

Reading a compass is not to hard to learn.

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Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

quote:

---

Originally posted by 2ol2hunt
Reading a compass is not to hard to learn.

---

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Registered: Nov 2011
Location: north ala.
Posts: 937

Any good tracking system and a compass is hard to beat if you're looking for simplicity.

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Registered: Nov 2008
Location: sunflower, ms.
Posts: 341

I use ONX to mark my truck, locations, my tracks, etc. For $30 a year I get land boundaries and current property owners.App on my phone.

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Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

quote:

---

Originally posted by delta slough
I use ONX to mark my truck, locations, my tracks, etc. For $30 a year I get land boundaries and current property owners.App on my phone.

---

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Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

Seriously thinking of trying this System to see how well it performs.
I tried the Alpha 100 and absolutely Hated it.
Thought about the Pathfinder 2 as well but I think there is too much junk on it for me.

We will see what I do.

Tim

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Registered: Jul 2003
Location: ohio
Posts: 606

I have the 550 plus. I like it but it does have some hitchs. At times I loose signal. I have always got it back in a few minutes when I walk a little. I do find it frustrating. I think the instruction book is lacking. I have tried to find videos on line to learn how to use shock and vibrate modes. Very fortunate the female I am hunting has not required vibrate or shock. I am technically challenged. I hunt 2 dogs most nites. Broke dog with pup. Flipping one dog to other is simple and instant. I hunt ocassionally with my grandson in Michigan. I have a third collar and leave it at truck. 1-10 I would give it an 8.. I can definitely see where maps could come in handy but I really have no interest. Perry

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Registered: Feb 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4548

quote:

---

Originally posted by perry
I have the 550 plus. I like it but it does have some hitchs. At times I loose signal. I have always got it back in a few minutes when I walk a little. I do find it frustrating. I think the instruction book is lacking. I have tried to find videos on line to learn how to use shock and vibrate modes. Very fortunate the female I am hunting has not required vibrate or shock. I am technically challenged. I hunt 2 dogs most nites. Broke dog with pup. Flipping one dog to other is simple and instant. I hunt ocassionally with my grandson in Michigan. I have a third collar and leave it at truck. 1-10 I would give it an 8.. I can definitely see where maps could come in handy but I really have no interest. Perry

---

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Last edited by Triple K Kennel on 01-13-2025 at 10:59 AM

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