Just received this unit today and haven't had a chance to try it on the dogs yet, but will update this review after I use the unit for training.
This unit arrived very quickly, and works perfectly at a good distance according to the included and my own test lights. The quality of materials isn't quite the same as the 'name brand' unit I purchased last year for 3x the price, of course, but this one works. The high priced one didn't. And I got two decent quality collars.
The unit I purchased last year arrived defective, was replaced, and the replacement unit lasted about 2-3 weeks. Yes, it was constructed of better materials, but that didn't keep it from sitting on the shelf. I was finally told the (rechargeable) battery had gone bad. I didn't buy one.
I've read the other reviews here that battery life is short on these units, but for the price I would have paid to replace the battery in the more expensive unit I purchased an additional 20 batteries for this unit. More than enough for the training I'll be doing.
For basic training under normal conditions, this unit seems to be a very good deal for the price. If you're not a trainer and you'll only be using this to train your household pet(s), there's really no need to go with the much more expensive units. Packaging is great and the unit works, and for this price I could buy one a year and come out farther ahead than I did with the other systems. You don't always get what you pay for.
I'd have to recommend this unit for the casual trainer...
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Update:
I've been using these collars for about a month now, and have to say they're as good as I thought when I initially received them. Though the quality of construction isn't quite on par with the much more expensive units, I haven't had any trouble with them on two active outdoor dogs.
They continue to work well, and the 3 level shock range is very adequate. At first I was removing the collar batteries when not in use, till I realized there is an automatic shut-off feature if the collar remains motionless for more than two minutes. I don't understand other complaints about battery life. Though they're not rechargeable the collar batteries do last a good length of time, and they're inexpensive and easy to order.
Basically (and what matters most to me), is that I had nothing but problems with more expensive units but have not had one problem with this item. After a month of regular use I'd still have to recommend this product for the casual trainer...