A dog crate is an expensive item, so you want to buy the right one. There are lots of different styles and types of dog crates out there to choose from, so which do you pick?
Read this direct comparison of the Impact Dog Crate vs. the Gunner Kennel to learn which is best for your canine companion.
Impact Dog Crate Vs. Gunner Kennel
The Impact Dog Crate and Gunner Kennel are both heavy-duty, metal dog crates that are specifically designed with transporting sporting dogs in mind.
Both crates come in various sizes and are of excellent quality. However, the Gunner Kennel is crash tested, whereas the Impact crate is not.
Comparison Of The Impact Dog Crate Vs. The Gunner Kennel
Here’s an at-a-glance overview of the Impact Dog Crate vs. the Gunner Kennel:
Product Summary Table
Features
Features
Impact Dog Crate
Gunner Kennel
Code FIVEBARKS
for 15% off
Size
Size
Sizes available from extra-small to extra-large
Small, medium, intermediate, large sizes are available
Weight
Weight
28 pounds
Small weighs 27 pounds
Medium weighs 36 pounds
Intermediate weighs 48 pounds
Large is around 72 pounds
Airline Approved
Airline Approved
Yes
Yes
Cleanup
Cleanup
Easy
Easy
Portability
Portability
Lightweight, collapsible, has carry handles
Quite heavy and needs 2 people to lift it
Durability
Durability
Aluminum, corrosion-resistant material
Heavy-duty, plastic with metal grille and stainless steel floor
Ventilation
Ventilation
Excellent
Excellent
Divider Panel
Divider Panel
Not included
Not included
Security
Security
Latch door lock
Paddle latch door lock
Safety
Safety
A heavy-duty crate that’s virtually indestructible
A heavy-duty crate that’s crash-tested and bullet-proof
Price
Price
Around $859
From $500 to $800, depending on size
Impact Dog Crate Vs. Gunner Kennel – A Direct Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of these two excellent crates.
Construction
The most obvious difference between these two high-quality crates is in their construction.
The Impact crate is made from top-quality, US-made aluminum and finished in a smart, gray powder coating. That makes the crate durable, very lightweight, and easy to manhandle, which is a very important consideration for you if you plan on using the crate for transporting your dog. For added strength, the crate has composite corners and 3/8 Inch round bars welded with a crossbar to give the crate extra stability.
In contrast, the Gunner Kennel is built from double-thickness plastic and is considerably heavier than the Impact Dog Crate, having a rust-resistant stainless steel floor for durability.
Safety
Although the Impact Dog Crate is undoubtedly well-made and robustly constructed, we think the Gunner Kennel has the edge when it comes to transporting your cherished canine companion in safety.
The Gunner Kennel is one of the very few dog crates that’s actually five-star crash-tested so that you can be confident of your pet’s safety in the event of a crash. This crate is designed and constructed with hunting dogs in mind and is even bullet-proof in case a stray round hits the kennel while your dog is waiting inside. Also, the Gunner Kennel comes with tie-down straps to keep the crate stable and secure in the back of your truck, even when you’re driving over bumpy, off-road tracks.
Sizes
Both the Impact Dog Crate and the Gunner Kennel are available in a variety of sizes to suit small to large breeds.
Before ordering your crate, double-check with the manufacturer to make sure that you’ve picked the correct size for your furry friend.
Airline Travel
Many dog owners like to take their dogs with them when they travel. Both these crates are approved for airline travel. With the Impact crate, you need to add the IATA-compliant airline rails.
However, we advise you to check with your airline before check-in to be sure that your crate meets their requirements.
Security
Both these crates are virtually Houdini-proof, having slam-latch locking systems to keep your dog securely contained, which is essential during transport.
Ventilation
Good ventilation is essential in any dog crate. That’s especially true if you intend to use the crate to travel with your dog in warm weather. Hunting dogs often spend time sitting in their crate waiting for action between drives, so good airflow around the crate is essential to prevent overheating and keep the dog comfortable.
Both the Impact crate and the Gunner Kennel offer excellent ventilation for your pet via several air inlets on either side of the crate. Metal mesh doors provide another opportunity for airflow, as well as offer the dog a good panoramic view of his surroundings.
Comfort
Neither of these crates comes with a crate mat or pad included, so you need to purchase something suitable separately.
The Impact Dog Crate is perhaps not as cozy as the insulated Gunner Kennel. However, these are both functional, practical crates that are built for action in the field rather than for lounging around at home. Of course, you have the option to include a blanket or comfy bed in your chosen crate.
Cleaning And Hygiene
When it comes to keeping the crate clean, the Impact Dog Crate is made from aluminum, so it won’t develop that persistent doggy odor that some other crates do. Also, this crate has drain holes in the floor, which means that the crate dries very quickly once you’ve cleaned it.
Similarly, the Gunner G1 Kennel is extremely easy to clean. The crate features an interior plug in the floor that enables you to drain away water.
Both these crates are designed with the outdoorsman in mind. To clean both these crates, remove any bedding and wash it in your washing machine, then simply use warm soapy water to wash the inside of the crate and hose down the outside to remove mud and road dirt.
Portability
If you plan on using your dog crate for travel, you want a crate that’s easily portable and not too heavy to lift and manhandle in and out of your vehicle. That’s where the Impact Dog Crate has the edge.
The Impact crate is made from aluminum, making it very light. Also, some of the Impact crate models are collapsible for easy storage and portability. For convenience, you get detachable handles with this crate that are comfortable for the user and easy to use.
In comparison, the Gunner Kennel has a sturdy handle that you can use to lift it. That said, this is a heavy piece of kit that you might have trouble lugging around unless you have another pair of hands to help you.
Neither of these two crates comes with wheels or casters.
Differences And Similarities Between Impact Dog Crates Vs. Gunner Kennels – Round-Up
These two heavy-duty dog crates are extremely similar in many ways. However, we have noted a few differences between them that could sway your decision on which crate to invest in.
- Both crates are suitable for outdoor use.
- Both crates can be used to transport your dog in a flatbed truck or other vehicle.
- Both crates are easy to clean.
- Both crates come in a range of sizes to suit dog breeds, ranging from small to large.
- The Gunner Kennel is crash-tested, whereas the Impact Dog Crate is not.
- The Gunner Kennel is made from double-thickness, robust plastic and is certified as bullet-proof.
- The Impact Dog Crate is constructed from durable, corrosion-proof aluminum.
- The Impact Dog Crate is very lightweight in comparison to the heavier Gunner Kennel, making the former more easily portable.
- Neither of these crates comes with a divider panel.
- Neither of these crates has wheels or casters
- Both crates have a lifetime guarantee.
In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed our comparison of the Impact Dog Crate and the Gunner Kennel. Now, you can choose your canine companion’s new dog crate from an informed perspective.
Both these excellent quality dog crates are very similar in the features that they offer. However, the Gunner Kennel is heavier and not as easy to move around as the Impact Dog Crate, especially if you’re on your own. Also, the Gunner Kennel is five-star crash-tested and is built from bullet-proof, double thickness, robust plastic, providing your dog with the ultimate protection in the event of an impact and when driving down rough off-road tracks and trails.
Both crates are similar in price, although the Gunner Kennel is a little more expensive than the Impact Dog Crate. Of the two crates, for us, the Gunner Kennel just shades it, simply because we think it offers better protection for your pet while you’re out on the road and in the field.
What kind of heavy-duty dog crate did you choose to order for your canine companion?
Tell us in the comments box below, and don’t forget to share this article if you loved it!
