I know a lot of guys that use collars and put them to the test in the woods beating them up training trial dogs training. Tri-tronics always seems to hold up the best for me and I know many others like them as well. I believe they reach out the furthest in heavy cover also. Dogtra would be my second choice if I had to get another brand. They run a little cheaper but I feel the tri-tronics has proven to me to be the best over many years. I wouldn't buy any other collar than these 2 choices as I have seen nothing but problems with the other brands. Now if your just back yard training you might get away with a cheaper collar, but I wouldn't waste the money.