Handheld GPS

[matt345]

What GPS unit do you use? I have been looking at Garmin's primarily. Comparing features, weight, battery life, etc!

[h20hunter]

I think mine is the 60cs....csx...something like that. A nice standard unit, works well.

[CoachNemo]

I bought a Dakota 20 from Gander Mountain because I had a coupon code, it was marked down and had a rebate.  A $300 unit out the door for $125.  I love the Garmins though, so I am a bit biased.

[wrongway]

we use the Garmin Rino 530

[RB]

we use the Garmin Rino 530

Just picked one up last year so far really like it trying to get my hunting partner to get one

[PAW66]

All three in my hunting group use the Garmin Rino 530, great for communication and tracking each others location

[pianoman9701]

Rino 655T. It's awesome.

[et1702]

Not trying to thread jack, but does any have experience or like the Delorme PN60w? 

I'm considering getting one, as I have an Oregon archery elk drop camp planned and the PN60w has the capability to send messages via satellite.  This would preclude the outfitters requirement for us to rent a Sat Phone for emergencies and to pick up and pack out our downed ELK!

[TommyH]

looking to get one, need to follow this and see what others have or like/dislike about their gps devices.


I had units there but didnt like the looks of that

[pianoman9701]

Not trying to thread jack, but does any have experience or like the Delorme PN60w? 

I'm considering getting one, as I have an Oregon archery elk drop camp planned and the PN60w has the capability to send messages via satellite.  This would preclude the outfitters requirement for us to rent a Sat Phone for emergencies and to pick up and pack out our downed ELK!

I have the PN20 and hated it. Took forever to lock up and wouldn't in thick cover.

[uplandhunter870]

i have a garmin etrex vista c, pretty good little device. normally the position accuracy runs between 15 and 20 feet although i have seen it as low as single digits. i loaded some 100k topo base maps on to it and it can hold between 15 and 20 and the resolution is pretty good on them. runs off AA batteries which i like cause if one set die while im in the field i can just pop a new set in.  its pretty stout too, ive dropped it down hills out of my truck onto asphalt once it flew off my dash out the passenger window and hit a tree and still works perfectly. the only downside to this unit is there is no option for expandable memory (sd card slot) but for what i use it for its perfect.

couple years ago for xmas i got my dad a garmin dakota 20, about the same size as my etrex and a little smaller than the oregon series. it has a touch screen (which im not fond of) it has all the same functions of the etrex maybe a couple more, but what i really like about it is that its internal memory is huge and it has an sd card slot. i loaded a bunch of 100k topo's on it for him and i was able to put every section of washington east of the pacific crest and it only used about half of the internal memory. the  position accuracy is the same as my etrex but with a recreation grade device (common consumer handheld devices) 15 foot accuracy is about the norm, although it can vary depending on where you are and how the satellites are aligned.

with both units i can download info off them and overlay it onto google earth

[ghosthunter]

We have used Garmin Rhino 110 for years 6-7 around camp. Rhinos are good units and the peer to peer positioning is the cats meow.
Garmin has excellent customer service.

Now if i were buying a car navigator I would by Magellen.

[6x6in6]

Rino 655T. It's awesome.

Ditto!

[Bob33]

I have owned multiple 60x series models and also own two Rino 650s.  All those are excellent units.  If you don't need radio communication or don't plan to hunt with someone else who has a Rino, then I would go for a 60x series due to lower price.  A single Rino is good for radio communication with other FRS and GMRS radios, but it would not transmit location data.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Ah, but with the Rino/radio gmrs on channel 9 with offsett 11, (911 for those slow upriver folk), you can tell the helo pilot where to drop the hook on the winch cable  to pick you and your Elk up within about 30 feet.  That could be usefull. 

I really like my old Garmin Rino.

-Steve

[yajsab]

Depends on your budget and need.  Back when I was looking for one, I went with the 60csx.  I'm pretty happy with the purchase, especially the signal reception.

[cougkilr]

I would suggest the Garmin 60CSX, I am a forester and we use them at work and I have my own personal one.  I got it off of Amazon last year for $199.00 plus free shipping.  Battery life is very good and the accuracy is pretty damn good for being a hand held unit.  Like I said we use them at work and my agency has done many accuracy studies comparying them to the Big Trimble backpack GPS units and there wasnt enough difference between the two to keep us from using them for traversing.  I just checked Amazon and the price is $449.95 now  , not sure why the jump in the price. 

[matt345]

Thanks for the recommendations!

[SkookumHntr]

Ive had good luck with my Oregon 450t! I take it everywhere with me!

[bobcat]

I love my 60csx. I've had it about 5 years and never had a problem. I think when I'm ready to replace it I'll go with a rino because I can see where it would be a great advantage to look on the screen and see where all your hunting partners are.

[Bob33]

.. it would be a great advantage to look on the screen and see where all your hunting partners are.

...all your partners with Rinos.

I have one; I just need some new hunting partners now.

[pianoman9701]

.. it would be a great advantage to look on the screen and see where all your hunting partners are.

...all your partners with Rinos.

I have one; I just need some new hunting partners now.

Any time, Bob. You'd be welcome in our camp anytime.

A couple of things I like about the Rino 655T. The touch screen rocks, even with gloves on. Instant lock in any conditions or tree cover. Having your partner on your screen, especially with us older guys, is piece of mind and confidence. Uploading sat pictures of your hunting areas gives you a real time visual. It's got 4G internal and you can add 8GB mini SD card. The compass is on 3 gyros, so you don't have to be moving for it to point true. The lithium battery pack lasts 14 hours and you can buy an alkaline pack for $20, so you don't need to recharge in camp. I could seriously sell these things! I love mine.

[polyanskiyalex]

I have and Garmind Etrex Legend HCX... unless your in deep cover it works perfecty. $160 ebay

[matt345]

Has anyone used the Garmin 650 T, the screen size and the preloaded topos are attractive, the price is not that attractive  599.00

[madmack76]

rhinos are the way to go awesome gps the 530 should be coming down in price now with the new one out.

[pianoman9701]

Has anyone used the Garmin 650 T, the screen size and the preloaded topos are attractive, the price is not that attractive  599.00

Read up. I have the 655T, found it on EBay for 500.00 delivered. The large touch screen is cool. The pre-loaded topos are 100K, so you really need to subscribe to get the 24K USGS

[Bob33]

Get the 650 (non T) version for around $440.  You can get free topo maps if you dig around a bit.  If you don't want to do that, you can buy topo software from Garmin and still come out ahead.