Garmin 520

[elkslayer069]

Hey guys ive been wanting a gps for while and we hunt and use our two radios alot. I've decided that i want a 2 in 1 radio and gps so that im not packing both. Is the 520 over kill or are the smaller radios just as good? Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks - Caleb

[MichaelD]

One of the reasons I have heard people like the 520/530 over the 120/130/etc is the electronic compas that reads direction while you are standing still, while the "lower" units need to have motion in order to calculate direction using gps.  Also, there is more wattage for the radio in the 520/530 than the lower units if I recall correctly.

Having a couple of kids, I will likely poney up the money for one nice 530, then put the rest into a couple of 120's or similar since the kids won't likely use all the extra options.

Just depends whether you want the extra bells and whistles...

[brianb231]

We just bought some 530's and I was looking at 120's at one point and something else to consider is the onboard memory cause the lower models have limited memory so if you are going to load 24k topo maps it takes more memory. The 520/530 have enough onboard memory.

They are awesome though. We cant wait to get out in the hunting woods. Our whole group is getting them.

[JH]

I love mine its great, check them out on amazon though I got it way cheaper there than anywhere else.

[whacker1]

radio power is why I bought the 530.  I wouldn't even consider the 120 unless you are using it on a lake, where everything is flat.

[croix]

if i remember right, the 120/520 do not have the stationary compass and have lower memory than the 130/530. the 520/530 are color where the 120/130 are not. i think the 520/530 also have a longer broadcast range but i'm not sure on that one. the absolute best thing about the 520/530 is the availability of the hcx antenna. they make a world of difference if you hunt in the thick timber or deep canyons. i would go for the 520/530 for the hcx alone.

[BuckHunter23]

I got the 530 and love it.  Most of the guys I hunt with have one too, and they are great for groups.  The electronic compass is nice, and the extra power on the radio is great.  If you look online, you can usually find some great deals on them, much lower than in the stores.

[elkslayer069]

Thanks for the input guys i i think im gonna get one off of amazon.
Thanks- Caleb

[kirkl]

I also vote for the 530. just bought one a month ago and also go the amazon route. cheapest i found. i dont think the 520 has the electronic compass when i was comparing the two so went with the 530.

[cld40]

i have two of the 530hcx
they are fantastic, i put the mini sd card in it, i have the topo maps  washington, utah, idaho, montana , wyoming, nevada, oregon, colorado, and still plenty of room for more if need be
i use them for hunting but mainly for snowmobiling, great unit to have any time in the outdoors.
you can use them to pull your buddies position, which comes in handy when hunting or sledding.
you can send notes to each other as well, we have used that feature before when hunting and radio silence is a must with the bulls in close, worked really well.
530hcx gets my vote