GPS Hunting

[bighoss]

I have been looking around for a good quality GPS unit. What kinds have you used and what do you like or dislike about them?

[dreamunelk]

Try the search function.  This has been discussed many times.

It really depends on what you want to do with it and how knowledgeable you are about them or how interested you are to use the functions.   Also how much you are willing to spend.  I am an advocate of the Garmin GPS 60csx as a good all around work horse.

[h20hunter]

That is the unit I carry..solid, easy to use...workhorse.

[Bigluke1981]

I got the garmin 450 last year and really like it, I was not sure if i would like a touch screen model but it is actually really easy to use. I would recommend it to anyone that is a first time gps owner, I was and think it is really easy to use!!!

[Alan K]

They just came out with a new Rino 655t that I'm looking to buy.  They've finally put the extras that were in the Oregon and Montanas (satellite photo capabilities and camera) and added it to the more practical hunting GPS in the Rino.

Do some research and get the one that fits your needs the best.

[bighoss]

 

Try the search function.  This has been discussed many times.

It really depends on what you want to do with it and how knowledgeable you are about them or how interested you are to use the functions.   Also how much you are willing to spend.  I am an advocate of the Garmin GPS 60csx as a good all around work horse.

I am looking to spend around $250. I would be content with uploading some Topo's and maybe some of my overlays from Google Earth.  My biggest thing is just having one of my own. I have always used my buddies.  I have kind of liked the looks of the Garmin eTrex 20.  I have heard good things about the HotFix Garmin provides.

[bobcat]

The Garmin 60csx is a good one if you don't mind an older model. I don't believe it is made anymore, they replaced it with the 62. I have the 60csx and it's been great. Back when I got it, it was selling for close to $500. I see Amazon has it for $250:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-GPSMAP-60CSx-Handheld-Navigator/dp/B000CSOXTO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324924163&sr=8-1

[Bob33]

You can't go wrong with a 60CSx or a 60Cx.  The "S" model has a barometric altimeter and magnetic compass.  I don't care for them personally, but some do.

I have both the older 60 series models and also a newer 62 model which is intended to replace the 60 series models.  I think the 60 series is better in many ways.  They are discontinued now but I think you can still find them.

[gotshot]

I just got a Garmin Legend Hcx. It was on sale at sportsmans warehouse. Not sure if I am going to like it or not. The base map that comes on it is not that good but I have sd cards to install to add maps. Sportsmans warehouse in Puyallup is having 2 free seminars on GPS in Feb. First one basics and second one for more advanced operations.

[uplandhunter870]

theres a bunch of info on this just search GPS.

anyhow, i have a garmin etrex vista that works perfectly for what i use it for and it is capable of downloading maps on it but memory is kinda small. i hate the little selector toggle switch its a pain to use but thats my only gripe.

 last year i got my dad a garmin oregon model, its the touch screen and has a ton of memory along with a micro SD card slot for more memory, we dowloaded 100k topos onto it an it has every quad from the PCT to the idaho border and canada to oregon and it still has memory left over and thats just the internal memory. its really a pretty slick unit although i havent played with it enough to find anything i dont like, but i havent heard dad make any unsatisfactory remarks about it

[bobcat]

You can't go wrong with a 60CSx or a 60Cx.  The "S" model has a barometric altimeter and magnetic compass.  I don't care for them personally, but some do.

I haven't needed the barometric altimeter but definitely wouldn't want to be without the electronic compass. It sure comes in handy, without it you have to be moving for the GPS compass to work. I always carry a magnetic compass in addition to the GPS, but anymore I rarely need to pull it out.

[Helix]

The barometric altimeter in the 60 CSX is actually very useful, as long as you calibrate it at a known altitude.  You typically use it when you can't get a good sat fix or if you are picking up sats bouncing off a rock face which can put you miles off target.  If you are on a feature like a ridge or a trail you can find your exact position without any sat fix with the altimeter.  It's one thing that makes the 60 CSX worth the coin.  I would like it a lot if smart phones had a barometric altimeter or if Garmin would come out with a new generation of GPS units that had it as well as the external helical antana and faster processing than the 60 CSX.  The only things I don't like about that one is the speed seems a bit slow and no touch screen.  but it is tough and full of features. 

WIth GPS compasses I always use my old school compass in tandem.  there is usually enough lag time with the GPS compass it can be pretty hard to keep it oriented correctly.   

[bighoss]

Well it looks like we have narrowed that down well enough. Thanks to all of you. Great information as soon as I am state side I will put my hands the 62. I like to see the product in person before I drop money on it. Thanks again all. May even get a 60.

[follow maggie]

I still use my Garmin 12 and love it. I don't want the too map feature most come with now. I use it find bearings to where I want to go, mark interesting places found when scouting, etc. I prefer to use a lensatic compass for the actual navigating and prefer to look at a map to see the lay of the land. Some of these new nits are sure nice, though. I've always used Garmin.