New GPS...Which is the best now days? FIRST REVIEW

[jrebel]

Well due to unfortunate circumstances, I think I am in the market for a new GPS.  My last GPS was a Garmin 62sc.  I learned to really like it, it would find satalites quick and was very fast and accurate.  The one downside was the screen is small.  Now that 3-4 years has passed and I am in need of a new one, what new units are out there?  What is the best unit for year round (hot / cold weather) use.  Is garmin still the leader?  I suppose the garmin 64 would be the most similar to my last, is this as good or even a better unit? 

Thanks in advance. 

Jrebel

[JKEEN33]

Same situation for me, but my old one was around 10 years old. I just ordered the Oregon 600 this morning from Cabelas. They are on sale for 249.99 which seems to be a pretty good price compared to other stores. Not sure how I will like it, but the reviews were pretty good. I have several friends with the 450 and they really liked them.

[pianoman9701]

Get a Rino and get your hunting buddies to get them, too. We love having contact with each other, especially now with medical limitations and concerns.

[Copperwood]

I have the new 64 and I really like it. I do not have any experience with the old one so I cant say if it is better. I am not a fan of touchscreen on the GPS, which is why I chose that one. I'm very happy with it.

[buglebrush]

Honestly if you have a smartphone I wouldn't bother with a GPS.  I have the latest MOTO G and it is excellent!  Just get an app that allows you to download maps to use without service and you are set. 

The only exception I would say is if your buddies have Rhinos.  Can't beat that. 

[Nmesub]

I did tons of research and reading last year searching for a gps. I had a pretty large budget to purchase one and eventually settled on the 64s maps. A relatively inexpensive unit compared to others i was considering. I picked that one because of the reliability in the field. It has definitely held up to expectations. Ive been deep in backcountry under thick canopy in heavy rain and been able to still reach a satellite reliably.

[jrebel]

Why is the 64 models cheaper than the older 62 model?  I have considered replacing it with the same unit but they are 80-100 dollars more expensive.  Am I missing something?

[Bob33]

If you had a 62 series model and liked it, I would suggest getting an equivalent 64 series model.

[mikeybuck]

I have no idea on anything GPS... does the 64 have a good map?

[jrebel]

I have no idea on anything GPS... does the 64 have a good map?

All will have the same maps...I download my own and also buy the on x maps. 

I did like my 62 sc but it looks like the 64 is the same exact unit with a few upgrades.....yet significantly cheaper???  I have narrowed it down between the 62 / 64 series and a touch screen Oregon 650.  Any insight on the touch screen?

[grundy53]

I like the touch screen on my Oregon 450. The down side is it has a hard time initially finding a satellite. Once it has one it's fine. I don't know if the newer ones are better.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

[pianoman9701]

I like the touch screen on my Oregon 450. The down side is it has a hard time initially finding a satellite. Once it has one it's fine. I don't know if the newer ones are better.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

I had problems locking up with my old Earthmate GPS, especially in bad weather or under a thick canopy. The 655T locks almost instantly in any weather and any cover.

[jrebel]

Well....after a days worth of research I decided to give the Oregon 650 a try.  After the sale and rebates...it was $296.99. 

[grimace]

Jrebel, if you could do a brief review of the 650 it would be appreciated. I think I'm ready to replace my 400T.

G

[jrebel]

Jrebel, if you could do a brief review of the 650 it would be appreciated. I think I'm ready to replace my 400T.

G

I will have it in a few days and would gladly post a review.   

[Magnum_Willys]

Like my Oregon but only use Rhino and phone nowadays. Oregon sits in camp as backup. 

[grimace]

I have thought about going with a Rino, but I would be buying 2, one for me and one for my son. Kinda expencive...

[Antlershed]

I have thought about going with a Rino, but I would be buying 2, one for me and one for my son. Kinda expencive...

Keep an eye on Cabelas. They go on big sales fairly often.

[Crunchy]

Rinos are the way to go!  Been using them for more than 10 years and couldn't imagine not having them.  Started with the 110 and now still use the 530HCX.  Might upgrade to the newer units, but holding out for a new model will come out soon.

[buglebrush]

I have thought about going with a Rino, but I would be buying 2, one for me and one for my son. Kinda expencive...

Buy one new one, and one used one for your son.   Or did two 530hcx used.  Nothing beats having a hunting partner that also has a rhino.

[pianoman9701]

I have thought about going with a Rino, but I would be buying 2, one for me and one for my son. Kinda expencive...

Nothing like it if you get into trouble or get an animal down. You partner can go back to the truck or camp for supplies and come back on the quickest route right to you. We have texting on the 655Ts, too. That's handy.

[T-Dozzer]

I have thought about going with a Rino, but I would be buying 2, one for me and one for my son. Kinda expencive...

Nothing like it if you get into trouble or get an animal down. You partner can go back to the truck or camp for supplies and come back on the quickest route right to you. We have texting on the 655Ts, too. That's handy.

Is that the only rhino with texting? Does the T stand for text or topi?

[pianoman9701]

I believe all of the 600 series - 610, 650, and 655.

[pianoman9701]

...and the "T" stands for "Terribly Expensive".

[Bob33]

I have thought about going with a Rino, but I would be buying 2, one for me and one for my son. Kinda expencive...

Nothing like it if you get into trouble or get an animal down. You partner can go back to the truck or camp for supplies and come back on the quickest route right to you. We have texting on the 655Ts, too. That's handy.

Is that the only rhino with texting? Does the T stand for text or topi?

"T" models have more extensive Topographical maps included.

[T-Dozzer]

 

[jrebel]

With the free map downloads on the web.....would never buy the "t" model.  The maps that come with most of these units are not very good.  Themap scale is usually horrible.  Save the money and buy the non "t" model.  Just my two sense.  Mine should be here in a couple days.   

[jrebel]

OK....here is the first review.  I will do more as I have time to use it more and really put it through the test. 

I just recieved the unit last night and have played with it for about an hour.  First impression is very positive.  The screen is very crisp and maps are very clear.  The touch screen is very reactive.  Overall it is super intuitive and hands down the easiest GPS I have ever owned.  It found sataline while sitting in my house very quickly. 

The negative....if there is any....it is heavy compared to my other units, or at least it feels heavy. 

The other negative, unrelated to the actual unit.  I bought another huntinggps map chip for washington and it is the current version.  I tried to update the chip like it tells you to to for your one free upgrade and it states it is the most current version.  Well it is at least 18 months out of date.  I know this because it does not have my sisters house / lot updated and some other property we are interested in buying is not updated.  I would think they would be updating these at least annually if not every 3-6 months.  I have a real hard time buying these chips knowing they are so far out of date......and knowing they will charge me 30 dollars in a few months to upgrade again for data that is again out of date.  I will think long and hard about buying these chips in the future.