Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: emac on April 03, 2014, 12:54:09 PM

Title: hunting gps
Post by: emac on April 03, 2014, 12:54:09 PM: So I told myself this year if i get a good tax return i am going to buy myself a hand held gps for hunting. So I wanted to get the thoughts from people that have them which one is the best and user friendly. I will be looking to spend $500-$700. I mainly hunt in washington but am planning some out of state hunts the next couple years
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Jonathan_S on April 03, 2014, 01:13:16 PM: You don't have to spend anywhere near $700 to get a great GPS.

-Garmin OREGON is a great little GPS
-Garmin Rhino series are a popular and effective piece
-The MONTANA is expensive but is sweet and has a huge screen

:tup:

I recommend checking them out in person to see which style you like better.

Have fun
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: rittem1 on April 03, 2014, 01:34:33 PM: there's an informative thread below titled Garmin Rino 600 Series that may give you some insight. If you're wanting to hunt with your friends and family you may want to consider the Garmin Rino series with 2-way radio. I just ordered, finally, the 650 with PTT earbuds and a AA back up. Good luck!
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: emac on April 03, 2014, 01:51:22 PM: Quote from: Jonathan_S on April 03, 2014, 01:13:16 PM
You don't have to spend anywhere near $700 to get a great GPS.

-Garmin OREGON is a great little GPS
-Garmin Rhino series are a popular and effective piece
-The MONTANA is expensive but is sweet and has a huge screen

:tup:

I recommend checking them out in person to see which style you like better.

Have fun

These are the 3 that I have been looking at. I just am trying to figure out the major diffences between them I guess to see which one would be most beneficial
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Jonathan_S on April 03, 2014, 03:59:02 PM: The Montana is humongous. That is about the biggest difference :chuckle:

I think the Rhino is designed for a little more "expeditionary" activities.

There is such a huge difference compared to several years ago though, tough to go wrong with a new GPS. Especially from Garmin.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Bob33 on April 03, 2014, 04:01:29 PM: The 62 series is being replaced by the 64 series, with relatively minor improvements. I've seen some very good prices on the 62s: in the low to mid $200s. That's what I would be looking for.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: northwesthunter84 on April 03, 2014, 04:26:21 PM: I really like my Oregon 550 that I got last summer. With the Hunt GPS card it was amazing this past season. When they came out with the 600 series the price dropped a little. I liked having a point and shoot camera and touchscreen all in one.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Buzz2401 on April 03, 2014, 06:07:41 PM: I got the Oregon 550 to its a great unit.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Bob33 on April 06, 2014, 05:57:44 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on April 03, 2014, 04:01:29 PM
The 62 series is being replaced by the 64 series, with relatively minor improvements. I've seen some very good prices on the 62s: in the low to mid $200s. That's what I would be looking for.
http://www.costco.com/Garmin%C2%AE-GPSMAP%C2%AE-62S-Handheld-GPS.product.100101550.html (http://www.costco.com/Garmin%C2%AE-GPSMAP%C2%AE-62S-Handheld-GPS.product.100101550.html)
$200 at Costco. That's a great deal.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: buckfvr on April 06, 2014, 06:02:18 PM: Ive got the 62st and have tried to play with a Rhino recently and found it frustrating compared to the 62st...........
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: CAMPMEAT on April 06, 2014, 06:20:33 PM: I have an etrex 30. I got rid of my 62cxs (something like that). Mine is much, much easier to use and to figure it out. I think I paid $250 for it .
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Bmcox86 on April 06, 2014, 06:22:54 PM: Garmin 62st. Awesome unit
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Bob33 on April 06, 2014, 07:16:48 PM: The 62st is the 62s with built in topographic maps. You can download free topo maps from several sites. If you have or are planning to get the Hunting GPS/onXmap chip, they also have topographical data built in.

You could probably almost buy an onXmap chip for what you would save buying the 62s over the 62st.

Both are very solid units.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: emac on April 29, 2014, 10:48:09 PM: So no gps for me this year. My pickup broke down and had to use the money to fix it. I guess it will give me time to do some more research. I am debating between a rhino and Oregon

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: ghosthunter on April 29, 2014, 11:03:28 PM: I have several Rhinos 110 to 650. Six of my buddies have them too. We can all see each other and no issues.

I also have etrex. The Rhinos are the best.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Whitpirate on May 03, 2014, 05:27:16 AM: Quote from: Bob33 on April 03, 2014, 04:01:29 PM
The 62 series is being replaced by the 64 series, with relatively minor improvements. I've seen some very good prices on the 62s: in the low to mid $200s. That's what I would be looking for.

That's what I have and I love it.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: xXLojackXx on May 03, 2014, 09:50:30 AM: I have and use the Garmin Montana 650. I love it for the fact that there aren't any buttons to press in order to operate it. Completely touch screen, extremely quick and easy to operate and navigate with it. On of my favorite features is the trip planner. Literally just have to touch different points on the screen to create a desired route and it tells you the overall distance traveled plus the elevation gains and drops. Put the HuntWA card in it and you're ready to go.

I wouldn't spend the extra money on one for the camera. It's not that good. Go with the Montana 600.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Rider on May 05, 2014, 07:47:58 AM: I have the Garmin 62s and love it. It replaces a 76csx. I prefer having the buttons over the touch screen. I don't need to take my gloves off (and risk exposing my scent) or buy special gloves to operate the touch screen. The Colorado and Montana are good units.

Look at what you want from a GPS and buy accordingly. The things with GPS units is that the biggest, baddest, best, or top-of-the-line doesn't mean much if the owner only uses the basic features.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: rover758 on May 11, 2014, 11:51:44 AM: I have a Garmin with color display I really like. Wish I could tell you what model it is but it's out with my hunting gear and am too lazy to dig it out. I do remember that after I bought it I spent an extra $100 and ordered (on line) a color topo chip for the NW which made a big difference. So ... look for one that already has topo charts installed or at least one you can add topo charts to. The only advice I may offer is get one that says WAAS enabled or WAAS capable. WAAS = Wide Area Augmentation System. WAAS is a set of ground stations around the U.S. that refines and "augments" the GPS signal. A very simplistic comparison is an unrefined GPS signal using 3 to 5 satellites will put you within 30 feet of your target while GPS/WAAS will put you within 3 feet.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Orion88 on May 12, 2014, 07:58:35 PM: FYI, REI's anniversary sale for members starting May 16th has the Garmin 62stc for $249.99.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: 762Armo on May 13, 2014, 09:59:10 AM: Quote from: Orion88 on May 12, 2014, 07:58:35 PM
FYI, REI's anniversary sale for members starting May 16th has the Garmin 62stc for $249.99.

That would be a great deal. Thank You.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: scottcrb on May 13, 2014, 10:08:41 AM: Quote from: Bob33 on April 06, 2014, 07:16:48 PM
The 62st is the 62s with built in topographic maps. You can download free topo maps from several sites. If you have or are planning to get the Hunting GPS/onXmap chip, they also have topographical data built in.

You could probably almost buy an onXmap chip for what you would save buying the 62s over the 62st.

Both are very solid units.
:yeah: i have the 62st and with the on x map you dont need the "t" just get the 62s at costco for $200 is amazing deal. plus its costco so you can return it anytime i think.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: CavemantheHunter on May 13, 2014, 10:20:26 AM: I have the Garmin Rino 655T and I highly recommend it.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: pd on May 17, 2014, 08:16:51 PM: Rider, Lojack, Bob33, and anybody else out there with knowledge, please give me some advice. I know REI now has the 62 version on sale (about $250). Here is what I want:

A radio (which is compatible with everybody else in camp, mostly standard Motorola),
A GPS, which shows the waypoints where I have been, but also programmable in advance,
A chip function, so I can upload topo maps from vendors like onX,
The function where my location is visible to my partners who have a similar unit.
I would really like a color screen.

I do NOT need the camera function (my iPhone does that just fine).

Which one of the Rino series would be the best?
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: ghosthunter on May 17, 2014, 08:53:15 PM: 650

The only complaint I have with the 650 is the need to re-calibrate after changing the batteries or battery pack.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: pd on May 17, 2014, 09:34:29 PM: Quote from: ghosthunter on May 17, 2014, 08:53:15 PM
650. The only complaint I have with the 650 is the need to re-calibrate after changing the batteries or battery pack.

Did you compare the 650 with the 610? Any advice?
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Rider on May 17, 2014, 09:37:40 PM: Quote from: pd on May 17, 2014, 08:16:51 PM
Rider, Lojack, Bob33, and anybody else out there with knowledge, please give me some advice. I know REI now has the 62 version on sale (about $250). Here is what I want:

A radio (which is compatible with everybody else in camp, mostly standard Motorola),
A GPS, which shows the waypoints where I have been, but also programmable in advance,
A chip function, so I can upload topo maps from vendors like onX,
The function where my location is visible to my partners who have a similar unit.
I would really like a color screen.

I do NOT need the camera function (my iPhone does that just fine).

Which one of the Rino series would be the best?

imho pd, if you want a radio get a radio. If you want a GPS get a GPS.

My preference is a Motorola radio with the security headset.
My preference for a GPS is the Garmin GPSMAP 62S. It will fulfill most of your requirements for a GPS unit. I prefer the tactile buttons because they work well without special gloves.
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: pd on May 17, 2014, 10:03:09 PM: Quote from: Rider on May 17, 2014, 09:37:40 PM
imho pd, if you want a radio get a radio. If you want a GPS get a GPS.

My preference is a Motorola radio with the security headset.
My preference for a GPS is the Garmin GPSMAP 62S. It will fulfill most of your requirements for a GPS unit. I prefer the tactile buttons because they work well without special gloves.

Thanks, Rider. Here is my dilemma.

The Garmin GPSMAP 62stc is currently on sale at REI for $249.93.
http://www.rei.com/product/825494/garmin-gpsmap-62stc-gps (http://www.rei.com/product/825494/garmin-gpsmap-62stc-gps)

The Garmin Rino 610 can be purchased at many websites for about $300. For example:
http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?affid=808&item=4346AA&gclid=CP2Y15TYtL4CFZNhfgodu6MAXQ (http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?affid=808&item=4346AA&gclid=CP2Y15TYtL4CFZNhfgodu6MAXQ)

I currently use my iPhone for GPS---it ain't bad, but it ain't great, either. I also carry a radio---and I just can't seem to find good ones.

It doesn't make any sense to me to spend more than $100 for a radio, when I could spend $300 for a GPS plus a radio. This would allow me to ditch the cheap Motorola radio, and rely on a purpose-built GPS.

Your thoughts? (I have read several reviews, and it seems the GPSMAP 62stc and the Rino 610 are internally the same, the major difference being the radio feature. I would happily spend $50 for that upgrade.)
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: Bob33 on May 18, 2014, 11:47:17 AM: Quote from: pd on May 17, 2014, 10:03:09 PM
Quote from: Rider on May 17, 2014, 09:37:40 PM
imho pd, if you want a radio get a radio. If you want a GPS get a GPS.

My preference is a Motorola radio with the security headset.
My preference for a GPS is the Garmin GPSMAP 62S. It will fulfill most of your requirements for a GPS unit. I prefer the tactile buttons because they work well without special gloves.

Thanks, Rider. Here is my dilemma.

The Garmin GPSMAP 62stc is currently on sale at REI for $249.93.
http://www.rei.com/product/825494/garmin-gpsmap-62stc-gps (http://www.rei.com/product/825494/garmin-gpsmap-62stc-gps)

The Garmin Rino 610 can be purchased at many websites for about $300. For example:
http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?affid=808&item=4346AA&gclid=CP2Y15TYtL4CFZNhfgodu6MAXQ (http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?affid=808&item=4346AA&gclid=CP2Y15TYtL4CFZNhfgodu6MAXQ)

I currently use my iPhone for GPS---it ain't bad, but it ain't great, either. I also carry a radio---and I just can't seem to find good ones.

It doesn't make any sense to me to spend more than $100 for a radio, when I could spend $300 for a GPS plus a radio. This would allow me to ditch the cheap Motorola radio, and rely on a purpose-built GPS.

Your thoughts? (I have read several reviews, and it seems the GPSMAP 62stc and the Rino 610 are internally the same, the major difference being the radio feature. I would happily spend $50 for that upgrade.)
If you want a radio that talks as well as transmits location to others in your hunting party, you and your partners must all have Rinos. The 62 series does not have a radio.

One significant difference between the Rinos and the 62 series is the interface: the 62 uses buttons, while the Rinos are touchscreen. I have a Rino and a 62. I have a slight preference for buttons.

The Rino 610 will only transmit on 1 watt of power; the 650 and 655 can transmit on up to 5 watts. I'm not sure how much difference that makes in transmit range, but it probably makes some.

I've seen the 650s on sale for a bit less than $400 from time to time. If I were getting a Rino, that's the model I would get: more powerful than the 610, and not paying for topo maps on the 655 that I already have and are better.

If not, I would get a 62s for $200 on sale.

http://sites.garmin.com/rino/ (http://sites.garmin.com/rino/)
Title: Re: hunting gps
Post by: pd on May 19, 2014, 12:35:57 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on May 18, 2014, 11:47:17 AM
If you want a radio that talks as well as transmits location to others in your hunting party, you and your partners must all have Rinos. The 62 series does not have a radio.

One significant difference between the Rinos and the 62 series is the interface: the 62 uses buttons, while the Rinos are touchscreen. I have a Rino and a 62. I have a slight preference for buttons.

The Rino 610 will only transmit on 1 watt of power; the 650 and 655 can transmit on up to 5 watts. I'm not sure how much difference that makes in transmit range, but it probably makes some.

I've seen the 650s on sale for a bit less than $400 from time to time. If I were getting a Rino, that's the model I would get: more powerful than the 610, and not paying for topo maps on the 655 that I already have and are better.

If not, I would get a 62s for $200 on sale.

Thanks, Bob.