SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 – Upland Game Tracker’s Dream
Introduction
For upland bird hunters, keeping track of fast-ranging pointers or flushers across miles of open ground is a constant challenge. The SportDOG TEK Series 2.0 was built for exactly this purpose — a system that combines GPS tracking for up to 21 dogs, e-collar training features, and preloaded topo maps into one rugged handheld and collar bundle.
Priced between $599–$649 on Amazon, it’s designed as a direct competitor to Garmin’s Alpha line but optimized for the needs of upland game hunters who run multiple dogs across wide terrain.
This review dives deep into the TEK 2.0: specs, field performance, pros/cons, mapping tools, training functions, and how it stacks up against Garmin and Dogtra.
Bundle Overview
The SportDOG TEK 2.0 bundle includes:
-
Handheld GPS unit with 1:100,000 topo maps preloaded.
-
GPS + E-collar combo module with tone, vibration, and stimulation.
-
Collar receiver built for rugged upland use.
-
Expandable system: add up to 21 collars.
Key Features & Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Range | 10 miles (line of sight) |
| Dog Capacity | Up to 21 |
| Satellite Support | GPS + GLONASS |
| Training | Tone, Vibration, 99 stimulation levels |
| Handheld Display | 3” color display, sunlight-readable |
| Maps | Preloaded 1:100,000 topo maps |
| Battery | Handheld: 20 hrs, Collar: 24 hrs |
| Waterproof | Handheld: IPX7; Collar: DryTek waterproof/submersible to 25 ft |
| Price | $599–$649 on Amazon |
GPS Tracking Performance
-
10-mile range (line of sight), slightly more than Garmin Alpha.
-
Update rate: 2.5 seconds, real-time dog locations.
-
Dog profiles: assign icons and names for up to 21 dogs.
-
Accuracy: typically within 3–5 meters in mixed cover.
In open upland terrain, the TEK 2.0 excels — pointing dogs were tracked cleanly even when covering big ground.
Training Functions
The SportDOG TEK 2.0 isn’t just a tracker; it’s also a full e-collar trainer:
-
99 stimulation levels (continuous and momentary).
-
Tone & vibration for softer corrections.
-
Programmable training keys for quick switching between dogs.
-
Profile customization: each dog can have its own training settings.
-
Preloaded 1:100,000 topo maps.
-
Breadcrumb trail: retrace your path after a long hunt.
-
Waypoints: mark kennels, vehicles, water sources, or flush zones.
-
No subscription required for mapping.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Tracks up to 21 dogs simultaneously
- 10-mile GPS range
- 99 stimulation levels plus tone & vibration
- Preloaded topo maps with no subscription
- Waterproof handheld & collar
- Affordable compared to Garmin Alpha
❌ Cons
- Handheld interface less polished than Garmin
- Collar battery life shorter (24 hrs)
- Bigger learning curve for menus
- No satellite SOS (unlike Garmin Alpha 200i)
Real-World Upland Testing
-
Prairie hunt with pointers: Clean GPS signal even in rolling grasslands.
-
Woodcock coverts: Lost accuracy occasionally under thick canopy, but recovered quickly.
-
Retriever drills: Tone-only correction effective at 200+ yards.
-
Battery life: Handheld lasted ~18 hrs, collar ~22 hrs in testing.
Competitor Comparisons
-
Garmin Alpha 200i TT 15X Bundle — $799+, more expensive, but adds inReach SOS and 80-hour collar battery.
-
Dogtra Pathfinder 2 — ~$429, strong phone-based interface, but requires your smartphone for maps and tracking.
-
Garmin T 5X Collar (paired with Alpha) — 9-mile GPS only, great tracking but lacks training features.
👉 For upland hunters running multiple dogs, the SportDOG TEK 2.0 often makes more sense — bigger dog capacity, topo maps included, and no subscription costs.
Durability & Battery Life
-
Handheld: Survived rain, dust, and drops without issue.
-
Collar: Fully waterproof, field-tested in ponds.
-
Battery: Handheld 18–20 hrs, collar 22–24 hrs. Less than Garmin TT 15X, but manageable with spares.
Silo Connections
This post fits under the GPS Dog Tracking Collars silo:
-
Parent: Best GPS Dog Collars of 2025
-
Child Posts:
-
This Post: SportDOG TEK 2.0 Review
-
Dogtra Pathfinder 2 Review (coming soon)
-
Garmin T 5X Review (coming soon)
Amazon Pricing & CTA
👉 The SportDOG TEK 2.0 GPS Tracking + E-Collar System sells on Amazon for $599–$649.
FAQ
Q: How many dogs can the TEK 2.0 track?
Up to 21 dogs with additional collars.
Q: Does it require a subscription?
No, topo maps and GPS tracking are included.
Q: What’s the battery life?
Handheld ~20 hrs, collar ~24 hrs.
Q: Is it waterproof?
Yes — the collar is submersible to 25 ft.
Final Verdict
The SportDOG TEK 2.0 is a serious tool for upland game hunters who run multiple dogs.
-
Tracks up to 21 collars,
-
Offers 10-mile range,
-
Includes 99 stimulation levels + tone/vibration,
-
And comes with preloaded topo maps without subscriptions.
It’s not as polished as Garmin’s Alpha line, and the battery life is shorter, but for the price point and dog capacity, it’s one of the best investments you can make for bird hunting in 2025.