LOOKING TO BUY NEW GPS ANY RECOMMENDATIONS???

[elkoholic1]

looking at buying new GPS would love any ideas thoughts recommendations anyone has and are willing to share!!!   thanks

[brocka]

I would highly recommend the Garmin Oregon 450. Very user friendly and a great GPS in my opinion. I have it, paired with the topo chip for Washington, Oregon & Idaho and it is easily one of my favorite pieces of equipment. There is 2 models, the 450 & the 450T. The 450T means it has built in topo. But its not as good of quality topo you will get with the extra chip. The extra chip will show what GMU you are in, boundary lines for private property, wilderness boundary & more. I believe it was cheaper to buy the 450 + topo chip then it was to buy the 450T. It goes on sale often. I paid $289 through Cabelas but I did see Sportsman's Warehouse is having a sale on them soon for $269. Battery life with lithium ion batteries was very impressive & it picks up a signal almost instantly.

[Fl0und3rz]

Get something with a larger external antenna like this

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=garmin+gpsmap&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=12445162836197707450&sa=X&ei=1bHgT5r1OMSD8AHcssXvCA&ved=0CJoBEPMCMAI

rather than an internal antenna like this

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=garmin+hcx&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=3995184301919596425&sa=X&ei=pLHgT9jWO8KL8AGNq-3vCA&ved=0CJMBEPICMAU

Side by side, the external antenna version gets better satellite reception and much quicker position fixes in dense forests.

I also link the feature of Garmin's Rhino radio and GPS combos for hunting with a partner, where you can see the other's position on your GPS.

[JCKILLSHOT]

I have the Garmin Oregon 550t and love it but I don't really use the camera that much. I  just thought it would be a cool thing to have at the time of purchase.

[elkoholic1]

brocka i see cabelas new flyer is out and they got the 550t for $349 and the 450 for $229 do you know much about the 550t???  thanks for the info i really appreciate it...

[NWWABOWHNTR]

Garmin Rhino with out a doubt... its nice to be able to see where your hunting partners are in case of injury or they get an animal down and need help. 

[hillbillyhunting]

Get something with a larger external antenna like this

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=garmin+gpsmap&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=12445162836197707450&sa=X&ei=1bHgT5r1OMSD8AHcssXvCA&ved=0CJoBEPMCMAI

rather than an internal antenna like this

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=garmin+hcx&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=3995184301919596425&sa=X&ei=pLHgT9jWO8KL8AGNq-3vCA&ved=0CJMBEPICMAU

Side by side, the external antenna version gets better satellite reception and much quicker position fixes in dense forests.

I also link the feature of Garmin's Rhino radio and GPS combos for hunting with a partner, where you can see the other's position on your GPS.

It is funny you mention this because I was doing some research yesterday about these exact handheld GPS units.  After talking with a really helpful "nerd" from garmin I actually ended up purchasing three of the etrex 20 models.  The guy from garmin explained to me that the etrex with an internal antenna is just as accurate as the 62 series with an external antenna.  Additionally, the etrex units utilize the russian satelites where the 62 series does not.  Therefore, the etrex units with the internal antenna actually acquire a fix faster than the 62 series with the external antenna. 

After I decided on the etrex models the only question was the 20 or 30.  I found that the extra $100 for the 30 only buys you an altimeter (and i was told that the altimeter only holds accuracy for minutes after calibration) and a compass.  Additionally, the 20 will tell you elevation based on satelite information and will tell you which direction you are traveling when you are moving.  Needless to say we bought the 20 model on sale for $179 from cabelas. 

SIDE NOTE!!!!!
Cabelas was charging $370 for the etrex 30... THEY ARE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF.  Garmin told me that MSRP on these is $300 and you can actually buy them from garmin directly for $300.  But, at $179 the 20 is a deal.

[brianmtsinc]

Garmin Rhino 520 has been the absolute best unit I have owned.       Great connectivity, great communication, and awesome GPS features.  And of course, always being able to know where your hunting partners are is great!!!

[brocka]

brocka i see cabelas new flyer is out and they got the 550t for $349 and the 450 for $229 do you know much about the 550t???  thanks for the info i really appreciate it...

From what I understand, the 550T just has the built in camera. My "Owners Manual" for the 450 is the is same owners manual for the 550t. Personally I cant imagine the camera being "high quality" so i opted for the camera-less version and just continue to carry my digital camera.

I am sure there are a few other differences between the two but from what I know thats it.

[brocka]

Get something with a larger external antenna like this

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=garmin+gpsmap&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=12445162836197707450&sa=X&ei=1bHgT5r1OMSD8AHcssXvCA&ved=0CJoBEPMCMAI

rather than an internal antenna like this

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=garmin+hcx&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=3995184301919596425&sa=X&ei=pLHgT9jWO8KL8AGNq-3vCA&ved=0CJMBEPICMAU

Side by side, the external antenna version gets better satellite reception and much quicker position fixes in dense forests.

I also link the feature of Garmin's Rhino radio and GPS combos for hunting with a partner, where you can see the other's position on your GPS.

In response to your quote about the external antenna getting better satellite reception and quicker position in dense forest, I would be interested to test this in the field. The 450 had acquired my signal and was very accurate in thick trees last Saturday. I wonder how much better the external antenna really is. Selling point maybe?

I believe you can still see each other without the radio combo. There is a feature "Share Wireless" that links with your partners GPS. I haven't used it yet but I imagine that's what it does.

The downside I found to the Rhino series when researching was that the quality of radio was low. I was explained to by a GPS "guru" that the GPS unit is SWEET but its paired with a cheap radio...however I have no experience with them, that is just second hand info.

[pianoman9701]

I have the Rino 655T and the 550T is on the new Cabela's flyer, as stated before. Mine locks up instantly in any conditions. Has the camera and radio, touch screen. These are awesome GPSs.

[brocka]

I have the Rino 655T and the 550T is on the new Cabela's flyer, as stated before. Mine locks up instantly in any conditions. Has the camera and radio, touch screen. These are awesome GPSs.

How does your Rhino do on batteries?

[pianoman9701]

I have the Rino 655T and the 550T is on the new Cabela's flyer, as stated before. Mine locks up instantly in any conditions. Has the camera and radio, touch screen. These are awesome GPSs.

How does your Rhino do on batteries?

I don't leave mine on, so it lasts for days. In addition, I got the optional alkaline pack for AAs so I don't have to worry about charging in elk camp.

[Fl0und3rz]

In response to your quote about the external antenna getting better satellite reception and quicker position in dense forest, I would be interested to test this in the field. The 450 had acquired my signal and was very accurate in thick trees last Saturday. I wonder how much better the external antenna really is. Selling point maybe?

I have the internal antenna model above (older generation), and a partner has a GPSmap version (maybe a prior version than the one linked).  I get fast fixes when in the clear; not so much in heavy trees, or it loses satellites more easily in heavily forested areas.  Right alongside me, the partner's maintained satellite fix more robustly.  It's anecdotal, but my next unit, if mine ever dies (6-8 years old?), will be one of the Rhino models.

[JBR]

Here's some practical advice that you may (or may not find useful in your search).  Buy a quality NO FRILLS GPS, such as the Garmin etrex GPS (with high sensitivity receiver) for under $80, such as this:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-eTrex-Waterproof-Hiking-GPS/dp/B00003WGP5

The use the extra money to buy a high quality baseplate compass that can navigate during darkness such as this:

http://www.backcountry.com/brunton-54lu-baseplate-compass

...then buy a high quality topo mapping software that uses UTM grid scaling on the edges for ease of use, in creating your own seemless topo maps in various scales, such as this:

MapTech's Terrain Navigator ($99 per state)

and finally and most importantly, take a quality course in Backcountry Navigation to learn how to navigate in the backcountry with confidence. 

Skills covered should be things like creating/using topo maps, understanding how to read topo maps and their features, how to create routes, use map and compass to navigate (day or night - with the proper compass), integrating GPS into navigation with the map and compass, declination, the 3 norths, grid coordinate systems such as UTM vs Lat/Long.  UTM is by far easier to use for land nav in most situations, understanding how and why to take a bearing, triangulation/resectioning etc.

With the proper tools and skills, backcountry navigation will allow you to enter the backcoutry with confidence, scout, hunt, or do whatever and get out safely.

For these purposes, a quality GPS with high sensitivity receiver such as the Garmin etrex, used to VERIFY what you will already believe (based on your map and compass skills) is all you will need.   You do not need COLOR screens, cameras, touch screens, aerial images, alarms, e-compasses, etc ON YOUR GPS.  Most of us carry seperate cameras, compasses, a watch with Altimeter/Barometer etc and we can print out aerial images of our area ahead of time.  Use your topo map and compass to navigative.  Use you GPS sparingly to verify your information.  That's it.

For a GREAT series of instructional articles on what I'm talking about, check out the following link to Dick Blust's series on Backcountry Navigation, for free.

There are four inter-related articles.  Print them out and spend the time to sit down and read them, if you don't have time to take a backcountry nav course, you will likely learn a ton of great info from these essays.  For many people, this will be very eye-opening and like me, you will learn how much you never knew.  I used to carry a compass, but didn't really know how to use it.  I use to carry a GPS and just leave it on so I could follow the trail back out.  I had a map with me, but never REALLY understood how to use if effectively in conjunction with my map and GPS.  Once I did learn these skills, it opened up a whole new world to me.  Just my .2 cents.  Good luck on your adventures!

Dick Blusts Backcountry Navigation link:

http://kifaru.net/essays.html

[brocka]

In response to your quote about the external antenna getting better satellite reception and quicker position in dense forest, I would be interested to test this in the field. The 450 had acquired my signal and was very accurate in thick trees last Saturday. I wonder how much better the external antenna really is. Selling point maybe?

I have the internal antenna model above (older generation), and a partner has a GPSmap version (maybe a prior version than the one linked).  I get fast fixes when in the clear; not so much in heavy trees, or it loses satellites more easily in heavily forested areas.  Right alongside me, the partner's maintained satellite fix more robustly.  It's anecdotal, but my next unit, if mine ever dies (6-8 years old?), will be one of the Rhino models.

That's interesting, Thanks for the feedback! There is soooo many choices out there these days that the best advice for someone, I think, is to find something that is appealing to you and if it works then stick with it.

[elkoholic1]

thanks to everyone for there opinions and feedback i appreciate all of it i agree the best info is word of mouth from people who actually have hands on experience with a product!!

[brocka]

thanks to everyone for there opinions and feedback i appreciate all of it i agree the best info is word of mouth from people who actually have hands on experience with a product!!

Let us know what you end up with!

[elkoholic1]

will do !   

[Cascade_fisher]

I use a Rino 530 HCX which is great. Nearly all of the people I hunt with use Rinos as well and with the hands-free mics it makes it very usable even for bird hunting and bs'ing.  I fully agree with not leaving it on all the time and having the AAA battery pack (everything I carry uses AAA so if need be I could power any one device from another's batteries). You need to learn how to turn the radio and/or the GPS off to conserve battery power. It last for a couple days but I don't like it to go dead so I tend to power down systems or altogether.
I also have a regular compass (Silva Ranger) that I am good at using so it is not my only means to navigate - besides the mirror on the compass is my signal mirror and get crap out of my eye assistant.

[carpsniperg2]

Rhino's are sweet!

[pianoman9701]

Rhino's are sweet!

One of the coolest thing about Rinos is that when there's someone else with one, whether they're hunting with you or not, they show up on your map every time they key the mic.

[Miles]

Rhino's are sweet!

One of the coolest thing about Rinos is that when there's someone else with one, whether they're hunting with you or not, they show up on your map every time they key the mic.

One of the reasons why I don't like them.   I really don't want advertise my location to every joe blow out there on the mountain.

[NWWABOWHNTR]

provided they are on the same channel, then you get that.  Go off to your own channel and you are fine.  Or you can turn off your GPS broadcast with the radio also....

[Miles]

Good to know...


The other reason I don't like them is because my friend has one and it just EATS up the batteries.   I carry around a small GPS and can go a whole season on one set of batteries.  He's always complaining that his is low on batteries, or he can't use it because it's going to die soon.   

[CAMPMEAT]

Shop online before you spend too much money at the store. I have a Garmin 60csx. That's what the DNR uses from what my friend says that works for them. Must be good...

[halflife65]

following...

[Arrowhead]

60CSX.  Nothing more to say.

[Skillet]

60CSX.  Nothing more to say.

+1.  Love mine.  Light and easy on batt's.  The Garmin Topo maps are pretty darn good for the money, too.  The only thing I don't really care for as much is the hassle of manually entering lat/long waypoints.  But, that's only a one-time deal.  Mine goes with me anytime I'm fishing or hunting, hiking, etc.

[dscubame]

Rhino's are sweet!

One of the coolest thing about Rinos is that when there's someone else with one, whether they're hunting with you or not, they show up on your map every time they key the mic.

One of the reasons why I don't like them.   I really don't want advertise my location to every joe blow out there on the mountain.

You can turn the locator function off which mine is off religiously.  On the flip side I scan a great deal if I know there are other hunters in the area as usually they do not have the locator turned off and I like to know were others are for more than a few reasons.

[nontypical176]

IMO the gps units with 1 central toggle button for all functions are not as user friendly as the ones with multiple buttons (gets old toggling through multiple pages to reach the one you want).  My Rhino has a central toggle and my buddy has the 60csx with multiple buttons which is much faster getting to the function you desire.  The 60csx picked up satelites better than my Rhino standing side by side in the brush and my rhino was 5 years newer and more expensive.  My 2 way radio built into the Rhino doesn't get out as good as my regular 2 way hand held radios.  I own the Rhino and it works, but I would buy something different next time.  Also on my Rhino every time you turn it on you have to go to the radio function and shut it off which helps concerve battery life and it is anoying if you power up and are trying to be quiet but all the sudden you here the radio I keep it turned all the way down for this reason.  The altimeter on my Rhino is accurate and I also purchased the Terrain Navigator program.  It tracks in real time on the maps when hooked to your PC, tracks can be easily sent to other programs or people and it even synchronizes with google earth which you can send tracks and such to.  Makes it lots funner to own a gps when paired with a program like Terrain Navigator.
Lastly, I have the rechargeable battery pack for my Rhino (slightly more bulky), but have been happy with the battery life.

[pianoman9701]

IMO the gps units with 1 central toggle button for all functions are not as user friendly as the ones with multiple buttons (gets old toggling through multiple pages to reach the one you want).  My Rhino has a central toggle and my buddy has the 60csx with multiple buttons which is much faster getting to the function you desire.  The 60csx picked up satelites better than my Rhino standing side by side in the brush and my rhino was 5 years newer and more expensive.  My 2 way radio built into the Rhino doesn't get out as good as my regular 2 way hand held radios.  I own the Rhino and it works, but I would buy something different next time.  Also on my Rhino every time you turn it on you have to go to the radio function and shut it off which helps concerve battery life and it is anoying if you power up and are trying to be quiet but all the sudden you here the radio I keep it turned all the way down for this reason.  The altimeter on my Rhino is accurate and I also purchased the Terrain Navigator program.  It tracks in real time on the maps when hooked to your PC, tracks can be easily sent to other programs or people and it even synchronizes with google earth which you can send tracks and such to.  Makes it lots funner to own a gps when paired with a program like Terrain Navigator.
Lastly, I have the rechargeable battery pack for my Rhino (slightly more bulky), but have been happy with the battery life.

My 655T has a touch screen, even with gloves on.

[nontypical176]

That might be cool, haven't tried one like that.  I do know my toggle on my Rhino is easily bumped or pushed to the side and I either here it if the volumes on or look down to find out I've panned all the way over to another state.

[MDGrand]

Im in the market as well.. few questions for those Garmin owners out there...

The Rhino series.. better reception due to the external antenna?

For the ones with cameras and radios.. are they good quality or are they fair?

Thinking about the Oregon Series, Rhino 650, 650T, etc..

Thoughts, feed back?

[BuckHunter23]

Garmin Rhino with out a doubt... its nice to be able to see where your hunting partners are in case of injury or they get an animal down and need help.

  Our party uses Rhinos, the 530's.  This feature is great.  I was able to locate my buddy after he called for help getting his animal out in MT.  I didn't know the area well, so I just told it to take me to his location and it worked perfectly.  In fact, if you look at some of his photos you can see me coming in from a distance.  It was pretty funny.

[Cascade_fisher]

I attach the rino to my chest harness and we all use the hands free earbud/mic. It works well to remain quiet, in contact (although i leave mine dangle around and not in my ear) and eliminates the button bumping 
I have learned the shortcuts (hold center down) help a lot.
Maybe at Rasbo's next bbq (which i hope to get to) we could have a gps off?  Got dark timber?

Double tap center mass.

[Johnb317]

The Oregon 450t is on sale for 3 bills again at cabelas.   Anyone use this one?
All too expensive, been suggested the etrx 30, but maybe the lower version is good enough? 

[buckhorn2]

Had an experence yesterday that made me a garmin beleiver. Went out 43 miles to fish tuna and ran to a spot where they were catching fish it took us right to the spot. Then the motor freezes up and we try to get in with a 9 horse outboard at 4 knots. After 6 hours we had traveled 26 miles and could finally get in touch with the coast guard and we gave them our readings in pea soup fog they came right to us we would;nt have reached the dock until 1 in the morning at our speed and our flashlight batterys were out so no lights after it got doark. I am looking to get one now for sure.

[Mudman]

The 650 rino on sale at cabelas for 379$  Great deal, I just bought 655 last month and wish I waited for this one!  Great gps and awesome price.