Review of the Dogtra EDGE

Well I finally have my Dogtra EDGE and first impressions are great. I opted for a 4 dog unit that will give me complete control of all 4 dogs whether in the field or just around the property. I have always liked Dogtra products and it is really the only e-collar I will use. Their products offer ease of use, are innovative and change with the times and are priced very affordably and the Dogtra EDGE is no different.

The Transmitter:

The transmitter is a completely redesigned one that is not like any other Dogtra units. It has a tubular style shape similar to other brands but not as bulky. What is nice is the fact that Dogtra took the extra step and given the odd shape of the transmitter, they still managed to get a solid metal belt clip on there so we don't need to have the holster to carry it. Along with the belt clip comes a standard lanyard.

With this system you can have complete control of up to 4 dogs and what is really nice is the fact that each dog is controlled by a separate button that is color coded to the color of strap. Unlike the other brands, I found that with those, I was frequently stimulating the wrong dog when working with 2 or more dogs. Additionally when controlling a specific strap color, the LCD screen on the transmitter changes to that color as a backlight to easily distinguish which one is in use. The LCD screen also shows you which mode you are in...L,P,C,N which represent Light, Pager, Continuous and Nick. Other indicators include the battery strength and also if you are using "selector knob" or "rheostat dial"

Looks like Dogtra is going "full steam ahead" with the use of Lithium Polymer batteries. I have used these in my current Dogtra 3502 model and absolutely love them. They hold a charge longer and are lightweight. The batteries in the transmitter are now in a separate compartment to help prevent damage to other electronic components while replacing batteries. Button placement is great and allows quick access to all 4 dogs instantly without the need to toggle switches or dials.

Something new to the Dogtra EDGE is the fact that they incorporated interchangeable Rheostat intensity dial or Selector "Step" dial stimulation, just swap it out and you are set!

The Receiver(s)

The receivers of the Dogtra EDGE appear to be good build quality. I like the fact that the straps are a higher than expected quality. The recievers have a built in LED locater light which you can change between 4 colors to match the corresponding strap. I love the locator lights especially with selectable colors. Whether I'm running the dogs in low light conditions, or just taking them for a walk at night, it gives me an added piece of security. Looks like Dogtra has gone away from the magnetic contacts to turn on/off the receiver and replaced with a rubber button on the receiver. I was quite used to the magnetic contacts but we will see how the button holds up.

Also on the recievers is the separate battery compartment. This I was told was designed to help prevent damage to other components inside the receiver when replacing batteries. Something else I noticed was that the vibrate (paging) mode delivers a much stronger vibration than previous models. I have always loved the vibrate capability and the fact that it is stronger makes me happier. I rarely have to stimulate a dog that is already collar conditioned. I find the vibrate to be very useful in getting the dogs attention and allowing them to be bold and confident at the same time. Contact points are the usual 5/8" and can be adjusted to 3/4" using expansion pieces provided.

PROS:

• Excellent build quality
• Ease of use
• Ease of charging (no cradles required)
• 1 mile range
• Solid belt clip on an unusual style transmitter
• Now equipped with 5/8" and 3/4" contacts points
• Locator light(s) built in
• user expandable
• Well thought out system

CONS:

• No short 1/2" contacts or longer 1" (can be ordered)
• No magnetic contacts to turn on/off receiver
• Collar a bit larger than previous 3500 Super X
• Takes a little "getting used to"

Overall:

A great system. Looks like Dogtra went "all in" with the Dogtra EDGE system. A very well thought out and laid out system. All at a very reasonable price point.

We will be doing a video review on this and many other systems soon so stay tuned.