Been using one for several months and just upgraded to a 5000. Never had an issue with it not finding my dogs. With that said I dont think my dogs are "long" range as some others. I keep mine strapped on the outside of my pack for easy access. And if I get in water(which is a lot!) I can just dump my pack and not worry about getting my system wet. My buddy Tye uses a tracker also and hunts with it in New Mexico doggin bear also. He is the one who turned me to it. It just boils down to what you are comfortable with and trust by hands on experience. I have several friends that use other systems and are more than satisfied with em. Just remember most tracker models now have the jack that you can plug a yaga antenna in case youre not picking them up. Havent had to use that accessory yet
