Posted 2008-01-31 2:44 PM (#75737) Subject: GPS Units
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?
Posted 2008-01-31 4:18 PM (#75752 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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.
Posted 2008-01-31 4:31 PM (#75754 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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!!!
Posted 2008-01-31 6:38 PM (#75767 - in reply to #75752) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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.
Posted 2008-02-01 11:55 AM (#75826 - in reply to #75767) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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.
Posted 2008-02-01 5:23 PM (#75844 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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
Posted 2008-02-01 5:49 PM (#75846 - in reply to #75844) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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!
Posted 2008-02-03 10:53 PM (#75998 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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.
Posted 2008-02-06 10:47 AM (#76197 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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).
Posted 2008-02-07 9:14 AM (#76308 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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.
Posted 2008-02-07 3:32 PM (#76338 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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!!
Posted 2008-02-08 8:20 AM (#76383 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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!
Posted 2008-02-09 9:15 PM (#76504 - in reply to #76383) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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 $40, I think.
If you return one for repairs be sure to remove your micro SD Card first.
Posted 2008-02-11 7:52 AM (#76598 - in reply to #76504) Subject: RE: GPS Units
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Columbia, TN
Garmin is the easiest to use. I've had I think it was a XL 12 for about 8 years and it was great and have updated to the 60CSx just getting to know it. Have had 3 magellans given to me because the people couldn't figure them out. I also prefer the Garmin in Vehicles also. Have used Garmin and Tom Tom. Just my opinion.
Posted 2008-02-11 8:17 AM (#76601 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: Gallatin, TN
Thanks to everyone for your input, I bought a Garmin GPSMap 76CSx. While this appears to be more than we need for trail riding, my husband hunts and fishes so I think this will be a good all around unit. I really like the fact that it floats as we do a lot of creek riding. Now all I have to do is figure out how the heck to use it!
Posted 2008-02-18 8:56 AM (#77143 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
Veteran
Posts: 105 Location: parker, co.
I use the Garmin Forerunner 205 and 305. Wrist mounted and very easy to use. I have a lot of information on all the Garmin models. Please feel free to email me direct. riding4adventure@msn.com
Posted 2008-03-02 8:13 AM (#78463 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Hey, how about charging the Forerunner 205 when not near an outlet? The car charger they sell for it is a little pricey. I have read that there is a 4$ 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
Posted 2008-03-26 7:50 PM (#80401 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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.
Posted 2008-04-12 10:41 AM (#81739 - in reply to #75737) Subject: RE: GPS Units
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?
GPS Units
and am wondering what brand of handheld GPS seems to be the most reliable. What does everyone suggest?
