Garmin ALPHA 300i Handheld Only w/ inReach Technology

yes (TOPOActive)

yes (Wi-Fi^®, BLE and ANT+^®)

• Ability to add maps: yes (Outdoor Maps+)

9.9 oz (280 g) with standard antenna and battery

up to 55 hours

Let’s start by saying the Alpha 300 really started by addressing the complaints and problems in the Alpha 200/200i handhelds. Before the 200 was ever launched, we had worried people weren’t going to be happy with the colorless screen when not in sunlight. It was also evident the Micro-USB wasn’t the best choice with the rugged use of these handhelds. Also, battery life struggled at best. That being said, the 200 was a game changer with the ability to save groups of dogs, groups of hunters, a quick button design for training and scrolling dogs, and a bigger screen that you could see great in sunlight. 

The Alpha 300 keeps aloof these features but greatly improves the others. It also adds many new features not seen in any of Garmin’s previous handhelds. 

Let’s start with the improvements:

Battery Saver Mode

Battery life is now up to 55 hours. With heavy use, I myself was getting 2 days with life left. I set my screen light on 2 minutes and turned on my Battery Saver Mode. This kept my screen off while I wasn’t using the handheld, but simply tap the screen twice and the screen then stays on and bright for as long as you’re using it. The screen will automatically go black after 2 minutes of no use. 

Next is the C-Charger. This is becoming the standard charger for all products. What’s great is the availability as well as it’s a durable, well proven charger. I can personally say I had less problems with the C-Charger in the Alpha 300 vs. the Micro-USB in the Alpha 200. 

Let’s move on to the screen. I’m not going to be fully happy until it looks like my cell phone, but I can say it’s definitely better than the Alpha 200 screen. When you’re in your vehicle or in the woods out of direct sunlight, there is a very noticeable difference of color back in your screen. This helps identify dog track collars as well as woods and fields when using Birdseye. 

Another big improvement is the ability to set your 300 so when you’re trying to correct multiple dogs you no longer have to go back after each correction. Greatly expediting the ability to correct multiple dogs very fast. This can be a true lifesaver when a big pack of dogs get near dangerous roads or properties.

Now let’s hit on some great new features:

Menu Styles

 First I will start with set up. The Alpha 300 now gives 3 Menu Styles: List, Grid, and Small Grid. For all you guys and gals that still have wonderful eyesight, the Small Grid is awesome. It practically puts all icons on one screen. For the rest of us I really like the List view, but can still live with the standard Grid that we have all gotten used to on the 200. 

Favorites Bar

Not only can we put our Menu Style in the Alpha 300, but we can also pick our Favorites Bar which stays on the bottom of all screens for quick access. I personally set mine with Maps, Dog List and Compass. I use the Compass to make sure all dogs are connected and tracking before starting, the Dog List to turn on and off which collars or groups I’m using, and the Map to find my Dogs.

Share Groups

While we have Dog List on our mind, how about the new Shared Groups feature. between Alpha 300 handhelds. One dog in a group or 20, send them all at once! A huge saver of time when you’re trying to get started in the morning but have to give others your dogs to track.

Channel View

Another new feature you can definitely use at a new club is Channel View. What Channel View does is scan the 100 Alpha Channels to see which are being used. This will help you change any collars that are sharing a channel with other collars. Anybody who hunts with a lot of other dog hunters will tell you interference can be a real problem, trying to maintain connection with your own collars, so staying on a different channel will certainly help.