Introduction
SportDOG is a leading brand in remote dog training products like e-collars and bark control. They offer a wide selection of highly rated remote trainers that allow dog owners to reinforce commands and modify behavior from a distance. One of their most popular remotes is the SportDOG Brand WetlandHunter 1825.
This remote boasts an extended range for hunting dogs and a camo design. But one of the main selling points is its advertised waterproof construction for outdoor use. With dogs often playing and working near water, a waterproof remote is a must.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at whether the SportDOG remote truly lives up to its waterproof claims based on hands-on testing and real customer experiences. Our goal is to evaluate if it can withstand submersion and exposure to the elements.
SportDOG Remote Overview
The SportDOG remote is designed specifically to be used with SportDOG brand electronic collars. It’s a compact handheld remote that allows the owner to deliver stimulation and audible tones to the dog for the purposes of training and correction.
The remote is about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide, designed to fit nicely in the palm of your hand. It has buttons for delivering different levels of stimulation, a tone button, and a toggle switch for choosing which collar the signals are sent to. The buttons have a rubberized coating for grip when wet.
The remote connects via radio frequency to SportDOG collars at a range of up to 500 yards. It uses plastic housing that is designed to withstand bumps and drops. The remote requires two lithium ion batteries.
Key features and specs:
- Compact size: 6″ x 2″ x 1.25″
- LCD screen shows collar levels and battery life
- Operates at a 500 yard range
- Waterproof and submersible
- Uses two lithium ion batteries
- Rheostat dial allows gradual increases in stimulation
- Tone button for audible cues
- Comes with belt clip and lanyard
SportDOG Waterproof Claims
On the SportDOG website and in their product manuals, they make several claims about the waterproof rating of their remote trainers. The SportDOG TEK Series 1.0 and 2.0 remotes are rated IPx7 waterproof, while the SportDOG 425, 425S, and 825 remotes are rated IPx8 waterproof.
The IPx7 rating means the remote can be immersed in water up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) for up to 30 minutes. The IPx8 rating is even more durable, and means the remote can be immersed beyond 1 meter and for longer periods of time without leaking.
These IP ratings are based on the international standard IEC 60529, which classifies different levels of protection against water provided by electrical enclosures. The “x” indicates the device is not rated for particle ingress, while the number indicates the specific waterproof rating.
So in theory, both the IPx7 and IPx8 rated SportDOG remotes can withstand immersion in water for at least some period of time. However, it is worth looking into real-world experiences to see if these claims hold up consistently.
Anecdotal Evidence
Scouring customer reviews of the SportDOG remote reveals plenty of anecdotal evidence regarding its waterproof capabilities. Many owners praise the remote for surviving dunks and downpours, though a few report issues with water damage over time.
On the positive side, one reviewer said, “I’ve dropped this thing in streams, lakes, and oceans many times over 7+ years of ownership and it still works flawlessly.” Similar sentiments echo across reviews from hunters and sportsmen who routinely expose the remote to the elements.
However, some reviews mention moisture collecting inside the battery compartment or buttons failing after water exposure. As one user reported, “Worked great until it fell into a creek. Thought it was 100% waterproof but apparently not.” And another said, “It did work after dropping it in the water but eventually the buttons started to stick.”
While many owners praise the waterproofing, there are enough negative experiences to raise questions. Proper maintenance and prompt drying after water exposure seems to help minimize issues.
YouTube Water Tests
There are several YouTube videos that show amateur waterproof tests being performed on the SportDOG remote transmitter. These real-world experiments provide helpful insight into how waterproof the remote truly is under various conditions.
In one test, the remote is submerged in a freshwater lake down to about 5 feet for 10 minutes. The buttons are pressed underwater and all functions still work properly after being dried off. The remote survived this freshwater dunk without issue.
Another YouTuber submerges the remote in saltwater off the coast of Florida. It is taken down about 3 feet deep for 15 minutes. After rinsing in freshwater and drying, the remote continues working normally. The saltwater did not damage the internal components.
While not extensive scientific testing, these real-world YouTube water tests suggest the SportDOG remote can withstand submersion of at least a few minutes in fresh and saltwater down to around 5 feet. Longer or deeper submersion may be risky, but the remote appears adept at handling quick accidental water exposure.
Expert Evaluations
The SportDOG remote collar has been thoroughly tested by experts in the outdoor gear industry. Overall, their evaluations confirm SportDOG’s claims that the remote is waterproof.
Backpacker Magazine included the SportDOG remote in their annual roundup of the best dog collars for hiking and camping. Their testers subjected it to extended rain exposure and full submersion with no issues reported. They concluded it is “fully weatherproof” and ideal for wet environments.
GearJunkie, a leading outdoor gear review website, also assessed the SportDOG remote’s waterproofing. They utilized an industry-standard IPX7 water immersion test, which involves submerging devices 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes. The SportDOG remote passed with no water penetration. GearJunkie granted it their “Waterproof” badge, reserved only for gear that excels in wet conditions.
The prominent hunting blog Outdoor Life performed multiple tests on the SportDOG remote. Their staff writer took it duck hunting in heavy rainfall and also left it sitting in a bucket of water overnight. It continued to function normally afterwards, earning Outdoor Life’s recommendation for waterfowl hunters.
Overall, hands-on testing by professionals demonstrates the SportDOG remote delivers on its waterproofing claims. Rigorous standards like IPX7 certification, full submersion, and heavy rain exposure confirm it is a durable, water-tight accessory for outdoor sports.
Possible Failure Points
There are a few areas on the SportDOG remote where waterproofing could potentially fail over time:
Battery Compartment – The rubber gasket around the battery door needs to create a tight seal to prevent water getting in. If the gasket gets damaged or compressed over time, water could seep into the battery compartment.
Buttons – The buttons on the remote are rubber with a silicone cover to make them waterproof. However, after prolonged use the silicone can wear down, allowing water to get under the buttons.
Casing Seals – The SportDOG remote is held together by a series of screws. If these are loosened over time, gaps can appear in the casing allowing water to get inside. The places where two casing parts meet need to remain properly sealed.
In general, any part of the remote that opens or has joints/seams could allow water in if the seals degrade over time and use. The gaskets and rubber buttons will also gradually wear down. So while the SportDOG remote is waterproof when new, owners need to monitor it and perform maintenance to ensure ongoing water protection.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your SportDOG remote control waterproof, it’s important to properly maintain the seals and follow manufacturer guidelines.
After getting the remote wet, be sure to rinse it off with freshwater to remove any dirt, sand, or other debris that could compromise the seals. Gently wipe the remote dry with a soft cloth.
Inspect the rubber gaskets around the battery cover and antenna to ensure they are free of damage or deterioration. Replace worn gaskets to prevent leaks.
When opening the battery compartment, do so carefully to avoid dislodging or pinching the gasket. The seal should close tightly when replacing the cover.
Only use new batteries of the type recommended by SportDOG. Do not mix old and new batteries. Insert batteries in the proper orientation as indicated in the battery compartment.
When not in use for extended periods, consider removing the batteries to prevent leaks that could damage the remote’s electronics.
Store the remote in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoid exposing it to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
With proper care and maintenance, your SportDOG remote can deliver years of reliable performance.
Verdict
Based on the anecdotal evidence, YouTube water tests, and expert evaluations, the general conclusion is that the SportDOG remote is waterproof enough for most practical purposes, but may not be 100% waterproof under extreme conditions.
The remote can withstand rain, splashes, and quick accidental submersions just fine. However, it should not be intentionally submerged in deep water for extended periods of time, as this may allow water to enter through the speaker or battery compartments.
For normal day-to-day use, the SportDOG remote has sufficient water resistance for training dogs near ponds, lakes, oceans etc. But handlers should take care to avoid dropping the remote in deep water if possible. The remote is advertised as waterproof, but not designed for underwater use.
In summary, the SportDOG remote can be considered waterproof for surface-level exposure, but not for prolonged submersion. Handlers should take reasonable care to avoid submerging it.
Conclusion
In summary, based on the available information, the SportDOG remote does appear to offer a decent level of water resistance. The company makes specific claims about the remote being waterproof, and anecdotal customer experiences also back this up. The YouTube water tests showed the remote functioning even after being submerged, though they were not extensive scientific tests.
While no product is 100% waterproof forever, the SportDOG remote seems able to withstand regular water exposure during normal training use. As with any electronic device, it’s still best to avoid submerging it when possible or exposing it to high-pressure streams. Periodic maintenance like replacing batteries and O-rings can help maintain water protection. Customers should contact the manufacturer if water damage does occur.
Overall, within reasonable limits, pet owners can feel reassured about the SportDOG remote’s waterproof rating. As always, exercising proper care remains the best way to maximize the remote’s lifespan.