Garmin® introduces the PRO 550 Plus
OLATHE, Kan.– Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), announces the PRO 550 Plus, an all-in-one premium dog training and tracking system that combines a proven tube-style training remote with a simplified GPS tracking system. Hunters who keep track of their dogs from their vehicles will also benefit from the new Garmin DriveTrack™ 71, a lightweight 6.95-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen dashboard navigator that can track up to 20 dogs when paired with compatible handhelds. The new DriveTrack 71 is upgraded with free live services and built-in Wi-Fi for easy downloading of map and software updates.
“The PRO-style dog training remote has been around for decades – because it’s preferred by serious dog trainers and hunters who want an ergonomic, instantaneous, no-look way to help train their dogs,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “The new PRO 550 Plus builds upon that design and adds a GPS receiver and a display that gives users the essential, simplified, and precise direction and distance to their dog, bringing training opportunities to a new level. And when paired with the new DriveTrack 71, it’s easier than ever before to track dogs from inside a vehicle.”
The PRO 550 Plus incorporates the robust training features of the PRO 550 series, providing 18 levels of momentary or continuous stimulation, tone, and vibration – as well as the ability to operate beacon lights on the dog device for low-light hunting situations. The PRO 550 Plus handheld is compatible and easily paired with any existing TT™ 15 or TT 15 Mini dog devices.
Integrating the proven training capabilities of the PRO 550 series, the PRO 550 Plus enhances communication between dog and owner through a built-in LCD display near the base of the handheld. This display provides an easy-to-read directional pointer and numerical yardage readout. The system provides location updates every 2.5 seconds for up to three dogs, so whether a dog is working in heavy cover or at a distance, a quick glance to the handheld gives individuals the ability to help pinpoint their dog’s location in near real time. Range for training and tracking is over two miles (depending on terrain) and battery life is approximately 24 hours for the PRO 550 Plus handheld, which is water-rated to IPX71.
The DriveTrack 71 includes preloaded TOPO maps of the U.S. and portions of Canada, a one-year subscription to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery and detailed, turn-by-turn road maps of North America – making the device fully capable for both town and country. Whether traveling with hunting dogs or family, every excursion will benefit from the new preloaded TripAdvisor® ratings for hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
When paired with the free Garmin Smartphone Link app2, the new DriveTrack 71 can access free live services, including live traffic, basic weather, speed cameras and red light cameras3, and live parking lot availability. The app also gives users the ability to receive smart notifications from their phone, including text messages, calendar reminders, address sharing, and app alerts. The LiveTrack feature lets users share their location with friends or hunting buddies, so they can efficiently coordinate rendezvous points and dog pickup locations. In addition, hunters can see their dogs’ whereabouts at-a-glance by pairing their PRO 550 Plus to any fenix® 3, fe?nix 5, tactix® Bravo, or tactix Charlie series smartwatches.
The PRO 550 Plus comes bundled with a TT 15 dog device, and will be available in September for a suggested retail price of $649.99. For those who already have compatible TT 15 or T 5 series collars, the PRO 550 Plus handheld can be purchased separately for $399.99 MSRP. The DriveTrack 71 is also available now for $399.99 MSRP.
The PRO 550 Plus is the latest solution from Garmin’s expanding outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ outdoor experiences. Whether hiking, hunting, trail running, mountain biking, golfing, diving or training dogs, Garmin outdoor devices are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. For more information about Garmin’s other outdoor products and services, visit www.garmin.com/outdoors.
For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin.
1 See Garmin.com/waterrating for more details.
2 When paired with compatible smartphone. See Garmin.com/ble for more details.
3 Always defer to all posted road signs and road conditions. Helmet law warnings available in the U.S. only. Red light and speed camera warnings are not available in all regions.
About Garmin International Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and fenix are registered trademarks, and DriveTrack is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
