|
|
 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326
 
Location: Gallatin, TN | I have always trail ridden either where I knew the trails or with someone who did. Now I am venturing out into "new worlds"  and am wondering what brand of handheld GPS seems to be the most reliable. What does everyone suggest? Thanks and Happy Trails! JacciB |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 39
Location: Haslet Tx | I use a Garman Foretrex 201. Its small so you can wear it like a watch. Had it for 3 years now with no problems. I like it. Use it mainly as a training aid though. Seems to have most of the features as a bigger unit. I just didnt want to dig it out of my pocket or saddle bag to look at it. Collin |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1205
Location: Arkansas | Garmin 76 CS.... color screen, can upload detailed topo maps, and download saved tracks and waypoints to computer, plan trails keep up with mileage, mph averages, etc.... GREAT GREAT GREAT!!! |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434
Location: Brooksville, Fl | Collin,
How well does the Foretrex 201 work in heavily treed areas or in rolling terrain?
Also, has anyone used an eTrex Venture HC? I was considering one of these. I have a Garmin 12 which is quite old. It has great features but did not work when we went to the BSF.
Great thread! |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 39
Location: Haslet Tx | I haven't had any problems. I always wear in when I do end. rides and condition. Have been in some tight thick woods and cant recall ever loosing the signal. |
|
| |
|
Regular
Posts: 69
Location: Tennessee | Both the Garmin 60CSX and the 76CSX are the cream of the crop. I have used the 60CSX for the last year, several others prior to that one. Go to Garmin's website and look for mapping GPS units. When the leaves are out I velcro a external antenna to my helmet, makes alot of difference. Also try to buy a GPS that has a tutorial DVD, makes learning much faster |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434
Location: Brooksville, Fl | Thanks, Soundhorse, for the info. I have acutally been to the Garmin site and looked at what was offered there. The two you mentioned look lovely but are a touch out of my price range. I was looking for something more in the <$200 range. I will look for the tutorial though, that would certainly make learning it a bit easier! |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 39
Location: Springfield, MO | We have and use a Garmin, Etrex, a very basic model, seems to work pretty well. Costs right around $100.00. I could actually figure out how to use the darn thing with out a great deal of trouble. It has helped us find our way back home, even when we have ventured off the familiar trails and into the boondocks. Of course the husband's horse is like a blood hound....he ALWAYS seems to know where that trailer is, no matter how far away we are from it. So that helps too. Hope this gives you some more ideas on what to get. |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326
Location: Gallatin, TN | Thanks to everyone for the information. It sounds like Garmin has something suitable for everyone's needs. Happy Trails! Jacci |
|
| |
|
 Veteran
Posts: 207
Location: Illinois | Hey Jacci We have the Garmin 60CSX and it works great, even in heavy cover like Southern Illinois. Last summer, it fell off my husbands horse and was run over by a truck! Only cracked the led screen, it's in the Garmin hospital right now being fixed (about 75.00 for that). Good luck, you normally get what you pay for |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
Location: md | I have the garmin etrex. It does not work one durn bit in realy wooded areas. Thats where you need it most. |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 309
Location: MO | I've had Garmins for several years. I started with the basic e-trex, it is a good unit unless you're in deep woods. It loses signal there. The e-trex Vista is better. It finds a signal where the basic e-trex doesn't. Currently, I have an e-trex Vista HcX. It has a color screen and mapping capabilities. You can find it at Amazon or e-bay for about $225. I have never lost the signal in deep woods with the Vista HCX.
Edited by Cloud9 2008-02-07 8:01 PM
|
|
| |
|
 Veteran
Posts: 209
Location: pensacola, fl | Ditto on the Garman Foretrex 201, I think I paid $130 for mine at a local sporting goods store. I Love that thing, It has saved me a lot of worry. Getting off the beaten path is my kind of riding.
Have Fun!! |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 207
Location: Illinois | **UPDATE** Our GPS went in for repairs on January 30th. (via UPS to Garmin). It was BACK yesterday! It was also a new unit! They told my husband to call for new unlock codes for all his maps. He spent the evening doing that. I was very impressed with their excellent customer service, that's worth something too! Yep, LOVE Garmin! |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 309
Location: MO | Originally written by appy4me on 2008-02-08 8:20 AM
**UPDATE** Our GPS went in for repairs on January 30th. (via UPS to Garmin). It was BACK yesterday! It was also a new unit! They told my husband to call for new unlock codes for all his maps. He spent the evening doing that. I was very impressed with their excellent customer service, that's worth something too! Yep, LOVE Garmin!
Yep. I had the same experience when I fell on my Garmin and cracked the screen. Sent it back for repairs and they sent me a new unit back. Cost $40, I think.
If you return one for repairs be sure to remove your micro SD Card first.
|
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379
Location: Columbia, TN | Garmin is the easiest to use. I've had I think it was a XL 12 for about 8 years and it was great and have updated to the 60CSx just getting to know it. Have had 3 magellans given to me because the people couldn't figure them out. I also prefer the Garmin in Vehicles also. Have used Garmin and Tom Tom. Just my opinion. |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326
Location: Gallatin, TN | Thanks to everyone for your input, I bought a Garmin GPSMap 76CSx. While this appears to be more than we need for trail riding, my husband hunts and fishes so I think this will be a good all around unit. I really like the fact that it floats as we do a lot of creek riding. Now all I have to do is figure out how the heck to use it!  Thanks again to everyone and happy trails. Jacci |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 207
Location: Illinois | Congrats on the purchase!!! We love ours, it's a godsend. Can't help much on the use, my husband is the Engineer, I'm just along for the ride!!! |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 29
Location: Elizabethtown, Kentucky | Does anyone use the Garmin Colorado 400t???? |
|
| |
|
 Veteran
Posts: 105
Location: parker, co. | I use the Garmin Forerunner 205 and 305. Wrist mounted and very easy to use. I have a lot of information on all the Garmin models. Please feel free to email me direct. riding4adventure@msn.com Lindsay |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Ann Arbor, MI | Hey, how about charging the Forerunner 205 when not near an outlet? The car charger they sell for it is a little pricey. I have read that there is a 4$ adapter that can go between the regular charger and your truck's cigarette lighter, yes? Also, about "battery boxes" to charge the Forerunner with batteries. I don't want to fry my gizmo--it is really nice.
Thanks |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 105
Location: parker, co. | I do not know of a car charger for the Forerunner and would be a little hesitant to use an adapter. I think it would be a great accessory to have tho. |
|
| |
|
 Regular
Posts: 91
Location: South Carolina | It really depends on what you want out of a new GPS? With all of the choices out there, options & price range will probably dictate what you decide on getting. Earlier this year I got a new Garmin Rino 530. It is waterproof unit that contains a GPS, radio, NOAA weather radio, altimeter, compass & other built-in functions. Using my MapSource software, I can download are maps including streets & topographical features directly into the unit. It has a color screen. It has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery & you can also get a battery pack that will use AA batteries - then you can use rechargeable ones to save money & extend the usage time without having to stop & recharge the main battery. It will save up to 500 waypoints. Another new feature is that you can transmit your exact location to other people that have Rino series units that have the position Reporting feature. Since I am in the out doors not only on horseback, but hiking, hunting & fishing, the additional features of the Rino will be nice for me. If you have a couple of people that you ride with, using the Rino you could keep in voice & GPS position reporting contact even if you are not in Line-of-Sight of the other person. I have used it some already & the Rino 530 picks up the satellite signals very well. It has even locked into my position from indoors, which my older GPS units would not do for me. Here is a link to the Garmin web site for this unit: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=283 |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 198
Location: Iowa | I have read several reviews from different people (all over the internet, at different geocaching sites, cnet, etc.) where they compare the Garmin Vista HCx with the Garmin 60CSx and actually prefer the Vista HCx over the 60CSx...even though the 60CSx is much more expensive. Several of the reviewers actually referred to the 60CSx as "an expensive downgrade from the Vista HCx."
Anyone else have experience with both of these units and can compare?
Edited by Flooper 2008-04-12 10:45 AM
|
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 105
Location: parker, co. | The 60MAPCSx is more of a Marine unit. |
|
| |
|
Location: KY | Ok we just received the Garmin GPSMap 76CSx along with the topo maps of the US on dvd. And I freely admit to being a techno idiot and I cannot figure out how to unlock the maps, barely can turn on the gps and simply cannot figure the thing out. Someone pls help! |
|
| |
|
Regular
Posts: 69
Location: Tennessee | Look at BassPro or online and order the DVD that shows you how to use the 76. It is well worth it. |
|
| |
|
Location: KY | soundhorse, Thank you, will do |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 105
Location: parker, co. | Have you tried the Garmin site? They are really helpful. I am not too familiar with that model but if you pm me I might be able to answer some specific questions. Lindsay |
|
| |
|
Location: KY | Lindsay Thanks for the offer. I ordered the instructional dvd that soundhorse recommended. Maybe after I view that I can actually ask an intlligent question (but probably not, ha) Really appreciate the help, thanks to you both! |
|
| |
|
Regular
Posts: 74
Location: IN | After reading all these posts, I'm thinking of getting the 76csx to replace my Vista C (My husband wants it). I liked my Vista C but would lose signals in the forests of Shawnee. Will the 76 be more sensitive? Is the 76 much more complicated than the Vista C? Thanks again for the info! |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326
Location: Gallatin, TN | I hate to say we haven't used ours yet. Since fuel has gotten so high  we've been riding close to home on trails we know very well. I guess that would be the best place to test it out and make sure I know how to use it. JacciB |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 18
Location: Pacific northwest, BC | Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to the forum but just wanted to pitch in my 2 cents worth. I've had a 76 for over a year now and found it hard to figure out but I'm a major technodummie. Like most techie things you really need to use them lots otherwise its like relearning each time. I didn't know there was an instructional DVD out there so thanks for that info, I'll be looking into that for sure. I have figured out the basic stuff but there are sooooo many options, etc on it that unless its used on a regular basis, at least for me, it probably won't be used to its full potential. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 792
Location: East Tennessee, USA, Planet Earth | I have the Garmin 60CSx...love it!! I have never lost the signal....even under heavy tree coverage. It's a great little unit. I also have the Topo maps software. I just use the last 3 weekends to map some new trails at a WI county park. That was fun. I use my GPS to track my miles and hours. I also use it to make maps of where I have ridden. It's very cool! |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1205
Location: Arkansas | I have found the 76 to be great to use, it does have a lot of capabilities, but not too complicated to just do what most of us do at first.... keep up with where you are, and how to get back...! It keeps signal 98% of the time in the woods, so I am happy. I carry it in a pommel bag hanging vertically, in a neoprene case that has a snap for extra security. I have ridden in zero temps, rain, taken it to CO elk hunting (riding) and it has been great for all. I was GPS experienced before I got this model, so that may have helped with my impression of its ease of use......... |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 18
Location: Pacific northwest, BC | I have the topo maps too (for Canada of course cus that's where I live) but find they are very outdated. The 76 unit has a feature called 'sight and go" not sure if other units have this but can't wait to try it. With this feature, you can be on one mountain and point the GPS to an area on another mountain (not sure how far away this works) and then you can 'track' your way there. This will be great (if I can figure it out of course) for when we're in really bushy areas, which we usually are being in the far north, and you won't get lost trying to negociate your way through the thick valley bottom. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 792
Location: East Tennessee, USA, Planet Earth | >>have the topo maps too (for Canada of course cus that's where I live) but find they are very outdated.
Have you updated the Topo software? They may be an update on the Garmin.com site that may help ya. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 18
Location: Pacific northwest, BC | I contacted Garmin a while back but should try again. I know the hard topo maps available from private industry, ie, gas and oil exploration, forestry, etc are much more up to date. They are only available hard copy so not much use to us and very expensive. Garmin seems to come out with lots of new products but probably not a lot of money in updating the already sold stuff. I'm sure that the market here north of the 49th is much smaller too. |
|
| |
|
.jpg) Expert
Posts: 2828
Location: Southern New Mexico | Just get a mare like my daughters and you'll never be lost again. No matter where you go she ALWAYS knows how to get back to the trailer. Of course if you are on a 15 mile circle and are only a 1/2 mile from the trailer (and it's out of sight) she will take you all the way back around the trail. BUT she knows how to track herself and find the way to get home. If we ride around here you never have to wonder which way the house is. Just come to a stop and she will turn to face home. And in the 5 years we've had her she has NEVER been wrong. That is why my daughter is on her. If anything ever happens to me on the trail I've taught my girls to hold on to their horses and not dismount, I know the mare will get my daughters back home. Now getting help back to me....... Well, I hope whoever answers the 911 call knows how to track a horse because my girls are hopeless at giving directions. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 18
Location: Pacific northwest, BC | Wondering if anyone has heard of a new device out now called a Spot? I think it is used so that other people can track your whereabouts. It is set up to work with a computer and works with GPS technology but has no screen so the batteries last quite a long time. When we go on our pack trips to northern BC, we usually pack in for a few weeks and take a Satellite phone with us for safety but they're very expensive to rent. I think the Spot gizmo runs around $100 or so and there's a $50 per year fee to sign up so I'm thinking about tryng one. Just one more gizmo to have attached to me along with a GPS, 2-way radio, bear spray, knife, flashlight, etc, etc, etc..... It'll take a motorized lift to get me on my mule - good thing she's draftyX!! |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 792
Location: East Tennessee, USA, Planet Earth | >>thinking of getting the 76csx to replace my Vista C (My husband wants it). I liked my Vista C but would lose signals in the forests of Shawnee. Will the 76 be more sensitive?
The best GPS for heavy tree coverage is the Garmin 60CS or 60CSx. For the best deal contact Darrel at TVNAV.com
Please tell Darrel I sent you his way. Darrel provides AWESOME customer service. I got my 60CSx 2 years ago, and I can still call Darrel up for help and he will take the time to assist me. He also has a Yahoo Groups list for answering GPS related questions. |
|
| |
GPS Units
