GPS Recommendation

Robhood23 · March 27, 2008, 09:01:00 AM

I agree with Bear. I got the 60cs a few years ago becouse of the digital compass feature. I do like the color as well.

Rico · March 27, 2008, 09:21:00 AM

Why all the garmins over magellan what does garmin add that magellans don't have? I checked out the the garmins only briefly I did not see any advantage over magellans and at the time magellans had far better reception. Magellan had come out with a new gps I think it is called Trinadad the name of Magellans flag ship this new gps allows you to use National Geo maps at least that is the way I understand it, if true those would be far better maps than either garmins Map Source or magellans software Map Send Topo.
Whatever one you choose make sure to check out the free shareware www.jdmcox.com usaphotomap program this is a must have program IMO with either gps

David Mitchell · March 27, 2008, 02:37:00 PM

Rick, I love my recently purchased Garmin eTrex Legend HCx. I bought it on line through Amazon.com and got it for just a bit under $200. It has the improved antenna and high sensitivity receiver and works well in cover--even in the laundry room in my concrete block basement with no windows! The only difference between it and the Vista HCx is the Vista has the electronic compass and electronic altimeter. I always carry a compass anyway so didn't want that. I bought the Scan Disk micro disc card from Cabela's for the Mid Atlantic region where I do all my hunting and just inserted it and got topos right on my little handheld that suit me. Some guys don't care as much for them but they give me all I need. I find the Legend very user friendly and intuitive to operate and I'm not especially technologically gifted! I really do like it..........Dave

Gary Logsdon · March 27, 2008, 03:00:00 PM

Garmin 60CSx hands down! I used Garmin Etrex Legend for several years and its not bad, but there is NO comparison to the 60CSx. I put a 2 gig card in it so I could download a detailed topo of my hunt area in Colorado. Much more detail than Mapsource. The Garmin 60CSx has very good reception under tree canopy, heavy rain, and even down into canyons. Worth the cost.

Rick Wiltshire · March 27, 2008, 08:37:00 PM

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to respond to my request. I have decided to go with a Garmin eTrex Venture HC offered up by a fellow Trad Ganger.

Now I just need to figure out how to use the darn thing.

Rick

Rico · March 28, 2008, 06:04:00 AM

QuoteI put a 2 gig card in it so I could download a detailed topo of my hunt area in Colorado. Much more detail than Mapsource.

What map are you able to use with this gps other than Mapsource. Thanks Rick

TonyW · March 28, 2008, 10:04:00 AM

Ditto to all who remind you to be proficient with a map and compass. The satellites are great until you enter "dark territory" and then it is time to switch to a paper map and a magnetic needle. Try putting the GPS in your pack and navigating the old way to build your confidence - it is both traditional and fun.

(Also the tired old eyes of us geezers can find a lot more detail by referring to a real map when using the micro-sized screen of the Etrex.)

Rico · March 28, 2008, 03:11:00 PM

Here were I hunt you are in generaly wooded terrain with out many distinct land features a map and compass doesn't work as well as a gps. Not only does it give your exact present location but is also usefull for marking treestands, rubs, scrapes etc you can even turn on the trail icon follow a deer trail and then display it onto your computer when you get back to camp.

Gary Logsdon · March 28, 2008, 03:12:00 PM

A Colorado company offers a more detailed topo on disk of the the mountain/west portion of their state. The scale matches USGS maps as far as detail, contour/elevation lines, etc. I'll try to find their website address to post.

Rico · March 28, 2008, 07:32:00 PM

I would be interested in that website address if you do find it Thanks Rick

beachbowhunter · March 28, 2008, 08:05:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Mike Orton:
Rick,

The Garmin Rino 530 is a nice high end unit that has the weather channel, is a two way radio, and has a feature that will broadcast your position to a friend or hunt buddy via the two way radio. As with anything electronic if it does everything it's more complicated to master than a unit that does little in the way of function features.

I personally like th Garmin Rino 530, your mileage may vary...

\\

The Ursus · March 28, 2008, 08:18:00 PM

Another vote for Garmin! I just ordered my third one today. (for the boat though)

Widowbender · March 29, 2008, 12:02:00 AM

I have Two. A garmin etrex vista and a Thales that i use at work. The new garmin HCX models are awesome!! been thinkin about upgrading. Garmin also stays on top of firmware and software updates to keep your unit running smoothly, just something to keep in mind if your gps ever starts acting up or not picking up satellites like it usually does. A satellite may get moved or replaced and your gps won't know where to look for it in the sky.

David

Deer Slayer · March 29, 2008, 02:04:00 AM

Who has the best prices on the Garmen HCX's??

DeerSpotter · March 29, 2008, 11:29:00 PM

I have a Garmin GPS V (5) if I want a listed for sale, where would I listed on here. It's about two years old, and I have only used it about 5 times, and the car adapter, the bracket, it tells ya when to turn and everything I would sell for about $125.00, can I list it someplace on here ?

GPS V

it has
Basemap:

Americas Autoroute
Automotive dash mount
PC interface cable
Vehicle power cable
Wrist strap
Owner's manual
Quick start guide

Pastor Carl

Gary Logsdon · March 29, 2008, 11:55:00 PM

Detailed topo maps for Garmin: http://www.abovethetimber.com/ColoGPS.htm

Ray_G · March 30, 2008, 01:48:00 AM

Thanks for the info Gary.

I re-read this thread and it is evident that we all have different needs and likes. I noticed that I posted my preference for the Garmin GPSMap76

Man, I must have had the brain in neutral. I meant the 60CS or CSX as they work excellent in the conditions I described. In the Snake River Canyon there are places where my etrex Legend will not receive a signal and the 60's will due to the improved antenna and receiver.

Thanks to the guys who posted their experience with the etrexHCx units and the improved performance. They are smaller than the 60's and Garmin does appear to listen to it's customers desires.

Ray

DeerSpotter · March 30, 2008, 05:10:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Deer Slayer:
Who has the best prices on the Garmen HCX's??

I am picking one up for $210.00

It's a vista HCX, I wasn't going to get one, but for that price I think I will, can't get it until the 13th of April promo. It's a special just to employees.

Carl