GPS advice

[backwoods_boy]

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/Outdoors/iFINDER-Hunt-C/
anyone got this one?
your thoughts about it?

[Crunchy]

Does it have the walkie-talkie feature?  I know I mentioned the Rino series to you earlier.  If you hunt with others, which I think you do the walkie-talkie and texting ablility is sure nice.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Although I cannot comment about this unit, I also have the Rhino and don't like how the radio eats batteries. I usually turn it off. If going to the back country I use Cobra GMRS radios instead of the GPS/radio. If I've got cell signal like most areas around Colville and Winthrop and such, I just text or call my boys.

I think for anyone looking at a GPS you need to determine what your list of uses will be. If you only want to mark camp/truck and where that Deer or Bear is down, then any GPS unit will work. Save your money. The other features of Topo maps and such are bonus if you're going into areas you've never been before. Also keep in mind that many are coming out with rechargable battery cells. While they may last longer, if you're in the back country, you may not have means to recharge them during an extended stay. I prefer batteries that I can replace.

The unit you list only takes two AA batteries. -Nice.  And looking at the features, it's better than my older Rhino since it's in color. I don't know how the controls are configured though. I think that 2gb memory (which is max on this one), is the minimum. I don't see much use for the memory card unless you can store more detailed maps on it. Could give a rip about being able to play MP3 files from it.

-Steve

[backwoods_boy]

thanks
yeah i wasnt able to buy one last year but im saving my money for a really nice one.
so thanks so much for the input and honest advice.
 
Garmin's RINO-120, and 110-???
http://www.gpsinformation.net/rino/rinorev.htm

[Crunchy]

If you buy a Rino I would go with the 530hcx or 520hcx.  The range on the 120s isnt much and worse on the 110s.  I bought mine for 350 from buydig.com.  Of course you need to butter up your hunting buddies to get them as well.  I elk hunt with a group of about 8 guys so it sure is nice.

[backwoods_boy]

cool thanks
will do>

[gasman]

I have no opion on the Lowrance, for i have never used one and know no one that has one. I am BIG supporter of the Garmin GPSMAP60 CSX. I love mine and have friends that now have them and love them.

If i were going to get a Rino, I would stay away from the lower versions (120 ro 110)  and go with the 520or 530. IF I am going to spen the money, i mide as well get the best. The clor screen is A#1, and will never g back toa grey screen.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Although I haven't used the later models of the Rhinos yet, the 520hcx is what I would upgrade to- given the reviews I've read. The 110/120 is a great starter GPS per price point that has more features than other brands/models of the same price.  Don't get me wrong, I do like the locating feature when using GMRS signals. So, I do like the radio of the 110, I just wish it didn't take so much power and had more range. When you've got radio signal, it's a sinch to find your partner, (or him find you), if you've got Garmin's. Otherwise, I had a friend with a Magelin cell/text me his coordinates and I found him that way with my Garmin once.

What I would really like to see in the Garmin is an emergency power save mode with avalanch/emergency beacon feature. That would be sweet! Something that when activated, would turn on, broadcast, turn off for an interval, then on, broadcast, until my guns were recovered for my boys.
 

-Steve

[Crunchy]

I bought a second lithium battery pack for mine for about 35 bucks I think.  One battery charge will last two days of hunting.

[Pat/Rick]

My map, compass, and altimiter don't need batteries. These things are not single purpose items. F.R.E.D.'s are. (F______ Rediculous Electronic Devices)

[smdave]

If you look at rhinos walmart has good prices on them.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/submapPricingPopup.do?product_id=6015178