SportHunter 800/ 400

[woodsman]

I am looking at buying the Sportdog 800 or 400 (cant decide just yet) have anyone used these models recently and if so how would you rate them singularly and how would you rate them against other collar brands. I know they are not TriTronics, but like everyone I am on a budget. Would this collar be a good investment or would I be replacing it in a year?? I am looking at this collar being a replacement for Innotek Command Series 16000 collars I have now. My Innotek transmitter is acting up and no one will replace or repair it so I am kind of forced into the dark.
I look forward to hearing your responses.

thanks.

[ultracarry]

How old is the dog you want it for.?

If you could wait and save $10.00 a week you could upgrade to tri tronics or dogtra and not have to worry about it.

[woodsman]

Timber just turned two and has only been training for about 8 or 9 months.

[Ryman Gun Dog]

Woodsman,
Ultra Carry gave you sage advise, save your money and purchase an older Dogtra or even a new DT H20 T&B collar.
Check out Collar Clinic for a 2000 or older rebuilt T&B collar, you can usually pick up a single for decent money.
When looking at training collars always purchase a high quality collar, you need it on the dog not in the repair shop.
RGD/Dave

[ben33127]

People have their preferences there is no doubt.However, I purchased my first pointer in college and could not afford an expensive collar, therefore I opted for the sd 400. I no longer use the collar for my gun dogs, but still use it on my fiances mix. That was 4 years ago, and the collar still holds charges, and performs just as it did the first day. Having that experience I have always stuck with SD brand, I agree Tri-tronics is top of the line, but I have always had positive experience with SD.

[woodsman]

Woodsman,
Ultra Carry gave you sage advise, save your money and purchase an older Dogtra or even a new DT H20 T&B collar.
Check out Collar Clinic for a 2000 or older rebuilt T&B collar, you can usually pick up a single for decent money.
When looking at training collars always purchase a high quality collar, you need it on the dog not in the repair shop.
RGD/Dave

Ryman,
What is it about the DT H2O that makes you endorse it? Have you personally used this model? For that matter, has anyone used this model and what was your thought?

[brad27]

I have the 800. Very inconsistent E collar. Bought a TT pro 100 in December and never looked back. I'd give you my 800 for free but I wouldn't want to burden you (or anyone) with it. Save your money and buy a quality collar. They're worth the money.

[Jrclmn18]

Get the longest range you can afford. Sportdog collars will work fine for the average hunter/trainer. Nevertheless, they seem to be easily affected by structure between you and the dog. The range you are reading on the box is the very farthest in an open parking lot. There will be very few occasions where you will find yourself hunting an open parking lot and can therefore expect to see great changes in the "real" distance at which your collar can work reliably. If you plan to work a dog at heal and follow them closely wherever they may go, the 400 will be fine. I would personally bump up to the 800 and if you can the 1225 or 1825. I personally use the 1825 and have used the 800 in the past. Much difference in reliable distance between the two and I am sure that would also apply to the 400 vs the 800.

[ll_irishsetters]

I own two 400's and I've never had a problem with either. I've owned them both for probably 4 years. My dogs are fairly close hunters so range isn't an issue.

[woodsman]

After a few comments and some additional research I am leaning towards the DT h2o, cant decide between the plus or not. I like the idea of having a vibrate obtion (dont really know why, I just do) but dont really see the need for a beeper collar. While I am young (32) I am an old soul and to me, I hate nothing more than hearing a collar beep when afield. Sounds like a dump truck backing up to me. I run bells on my dog and love hearing the sound and having to pay attention to where he is and if I hear the bell or not. I would love to hear from some DT users as to their opinion of the system.... Ryman, where are you sir. I am all ears!