Garmin Rhino

[Wingin it]

I am considering adding these to the arsenal. My father and some of the others in our camp are aging. They still like to get out and do their own thing and stretch their legs. Do these units actually work? How far will they track each other in relatively steep country? How well do the radios work compared to Motorola 5-20 mile range? Is there a better option I should be aware of? Spot? Thanks for any input provided.

[Bob33]

Across canyons straight line, 10+ miles. In thick timber maybe a mile. They work just as well (or as poorly) as other quality GMRS radios like the Motorola. I'm not aware of any other GPS / two-way radio; they're the best in that category.

[ghosthunter]

I have been running them for 6-7 years now.

I own 2-110, 2 - 120 and a 650.

Honestly I like the 120s the best. Because I really don't use the maps that much.
I have the map chip for the 650.

If you get a 650 plan on buying extra rechargble battery pack and a AA pack too.
Unless you run a generator every night to keep it charged.

The 110 and 120 just run AA which I like better.

When I hunt alone I leave a Rhino on in my truck. Every once in awhile I key my mic.
The Rhino in truck keeps track of me. If I don't show up the family knows to check the truck radio.
I have had little trouble with them over the years. Sent one back to Garmin for service once.

Besides myself I have six other guys running them in our camp.

I never leave home without them.

I also own a Spot.

You can track everyone in your camp with the Rhino. Good when hunting with older folks or youth.

[RadSav]

Good when hunting with older folks or youth.

And wives that don't listen to directions!

We have been running the 530 for about six years.  Only issue we have had is the antenna pulling loose.  Some good fletching glue and that fixed that.  I ran Motorola for 15 year prior.  The Garmin gives us just as good of radio and allows me to keep tabs on the wife...and/or hunting partners.  We are getting one 650 for the late season.  Figure we will give a single radio a test first before jumping into the big purchase with both feet.  Though it is tempting when Cabela's has them on sale right now for almost $200 off!!

I agree on the AA battery pack.  Our packs always have an extra battery in a ziplock baggy.  Stock rechargeable as primary and the AA as backup.

[ELKBURGER]

The newer Rinos will only run with 2W output on the radios when using AA batteries. Using the rechargeable pack and it will run with 5W.

[Wingin it]

Thanks for the input guys. It certainly looks like it is worth the investment.

[HntnFsh]

The newer Rinos will only run with 2W output on the radios when using AA batteries. Using the rechargeable pack and it will run with 5W.

The old ones were the same way.

[ELKBURGER]

The newer Rinos will only run with 2W output on the radios when using AA batteries. Using the rechargeable pack and it will run with 5W.

The old ones were the same way.

Thanks Rick!

[kentrek]

While I don't leave it on at all times, with short usage everyday I can get the 650 to last a week or so in nice weather...just getting in touch or a reminder of where I need to go

[Wacenturion]

Have a couple 520's and a 530.  No complaints and really don't see a need to upgrade.

[JohnVH]

weve been using 120's for years, my brother and I just got 650's, they are awesome, the batteries last twice as long as the AA's in the little rinos, you can get better range with them too.  The satellite map overlay is really cool, and I have the fancy landowner map in mine.  Id buy another 650 over a lesser one in a heartbeat.

[whacker1]

Good when hunting with older folks or youth.

And wives that don't listen to directions!

We have been running the 530 for about six years.  Only issue we have had is the antenna pulling loose.  Some good fletching glue and that fixed that.  I ran Motorola for 15 year prior.  The Garmin gives us just as good of radio and allows me to keep tabs on the wife...and/or hunting partners.  We are getting one 650 for the late season.  Figure we will give a single radio a test first before jumping into the big purchase with both feet.  Though it is tempting when Cabela's has them on sale right now for almost $200 off!!

I agree on the AA battery pack.  Our packs always have an extra battery in a ziplock baggy.  Stock rechargeable as primary and the AA as backup.

I am expecting a 700 series or new line to come out in the near future.  They did the same thing a few years ago on the 530's, discounted them to under $350 and then down to $299, and then a few months later the 600 line came out.  So, I have been watching the 650 prices to see if we won't see a new model come out......I figure if it isn't 2016, it will be 2017 for sure.  Not sure what additional features will become available, but it will pin the 650 prices lower.

[ghosthunter]

Well for me I would like them to come out with a model that the recharging can be done with out the unit. So you could be charging while out using the unit.

[whacker1]

Well for me I would like them to come out with a model that the recharging can be done with out the unit. So you could be charging while out using the unit.

good call.  I hadn't thought about that one directly.