Garmin Rino 600 Series

[kerrdog]

My buddy has the older 530 hcx (or whatever it is) with the buttons instead of the touch screen.  For some reason his maps are better resolution.  I've tried to adjust settings on my 655 to make the maps look as clear as his, but no luck. Maybe the preloaded maps are not as good?

So I bought the chip last year. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it seems to only show land ownership (go figure  ) Even though we pretty much hunt the same spots, it's nice to know 'for sure' where you are; it could solve a lot of problems before they begin.  And could solve a dispute.

[pianoman9701]

Both units come with the 100K topo as standard. You can find the 655T and the 650 cheaper with a Google search. I got my 655T two years ago for $499. I'm getting the GPSmaps chip this year for it.

only the 655T has preloaded topo maps, the 650 in my opinion is the better option. you can put better maps on them for as much or less than what the difference between the 655T and the 650

I didn't know the 650 didn't come pre-loaded. Sorry for the misinformation, but the 100K topos are all but worthless anyway. The 24K USGS topo subscription through Garmin is around $20 for a year for WA, but it doesn't come with the landowner details that GPSmaps comes with.

[HighCountryHunter88]

the only down side to the GPS maps that i see it if you hunt multiple states, it adds up. if just regular 24k topo is good enough for you, you can get multi state regional maps from gps maps as well as garmin. garmin also has dvds with larger regions that allow you to make your own cards.

[KFhunter]

My buddy has the older 530 hcx (or whatever it is) with the buttons instead of the touch screen.  For some reason his maps are better resolution.  I've tried to adjust settings on my 655 to make the maps look as clear as his, but no luck. Maybe the preloaded maps are not as good?

So I bought the chip last year. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it seems to only show land ownership (go figure  ) Even though we pretty much hunt the same spots, it's nice to know 'for sure' where you are; it could solve a lot of problems before they begin.  And could solve a dispute.

love my 530hcx

If I ever find a reason to upgrade I'll pass it on to a kid,  otherwise I might just pick up some 120's

but I need to make sure the 120's have automatic polling so I can toss it in his snowmobile and track him weather he hits the button or not.   It's so easy to get seperated I'm anal about keeping a constant eye on him and not riding for myself

good discussion on amazon reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Rino-650-US-GPS/product-reviews/B004XJEQTA

[CementFinisher]

Love my 655t, and hate my big fingers, the touch screen can be very difficult to use when your extremely cold and wet and have compromised dexterity.

[KFhunter]

well I don't have to take my gloves off to use the 530 rino,  but I still need dexterity

[rittem1]

Well, thanks to the great feedback from this site and a little research I have decided the 650 is definitely the handheld for me. I am definitely going to get earbuds with PTT and a AA battery back up pack. Down the road I will add the huntinggps app. The best price I have found so far is Amazon for anyone else looking to add one to their pack. ($408, includes shipping).

Thanks guys, very much appreciated!
Eric

[Mudman]

Cabelas puts them on sale for around 359$ occasionally.  Cousin got his this way last year in July I think. The huntwa map is a must!  Budget it in!

[HighCountryHunter88]

Well, thanks to the great feedback from this site and a little research I have decided the 650 is definitely the handheld for me. I am definitely going to get earbuds with PTT and a AA battery back up pack. Down the road I will add the huntinggps app. The best price I have found so far is Amazon for anyone else looking to add one to their pack. ($408, includes shipping).

Thanks guys, very much appreciated!
Eric

ive done the AA battery packs, they are handy if all you have at the time are AAs but the pack it self is more bulky than the lithium pack. i just carry an extra lithium pack now

[pianoman9701]

I've got a AA pack and haven't had to use it yet. $20 is a small investment for it.

[kerrdog]

My buddy has the older 530 hcx (or whatever it is) with the buttons instead of the touch screen.  For some reason his maps are better resolution.  I've tried to adjust settings on my 655 to make the maps look as clear as his, but no luck. Maybe the preloaded maps are not as good?

So I bought the chip last year. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it seems to only show land ownership (go figure  ) Even though we pretty much hunt the same spots, it's nice to know 'for sure' where you are; it could solve a lot of problems before they begin.  And could solve a dispute.

love my 530hcx

If I ever find a reason to upgrade I'll pass it on to a kid,  otherwise I might just pick up some 120's

but I need to make sure the 120's have automatic polling so I can toss it in his snowmobile and track him weather he hits the button or not.   It's so easy to get seperated I'm anal about keeping a constant eye on him and not riding for myself

good discussion on amazon reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Rino-650-US-GPS/product-reviews/B004XJEQTA

I tried to buy a 120 and returned it.  It didn't have a chip, and the only way to get data into it was with some way-outdated cord with a plug that no computer has anymore.  If you buy one, make sure they've at least upgraded the cable to USB, because mine was unusable.

[Mudman]

Battery life is good with 650s.  Mine last few days.  Manage it, turn off radio and weather if you dont need em. AA pack good emerg. insurance, I need to get one. Other rinos like 120 and even the 610 dont have the power/range radio as 650s and 530s!

[Bob33]

If you're going Rino the 650 with the Xmaps GPS chip is the way to go. Buy one for every state you hunt. You will not regret it.

The AA battery pack is handy but you can't transmit at full power with it.