Anyone recommend a handheld GPS

S

scarysharp

Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
646
hi folk..first timer over here in the GG forum. Trying to get some input on the handheld GPS thingy.
Anybody use one? or have experience with more than one? I'm going on a hunt in Texas next year and would like to bring one along.

Garmin?
MAgellan?

thanks in advance everyone
 
I have a Garmin Venture CX, and it works well for me. I was a newbie when I bought mine, too, so i can't say it was the best choice for me, but it seems to do the job.

My biggest complaint is the cost of the mapping software, but i don't know if that's the case with all garmin or magellan products.

If I were to do it again, I'd just do what I did before: shop within your budget, pick one behind the counter of a reputable sporting goods store with knowledgeable people, pony up the cash, and dive in.
 
another vote for the garmin. They are the most user friendly IMO. I have had a few others in the past but garmin seem to be the top. Lowrance is okay to and some of the newer magellans are pretty good.
 
Thanks everyone. What confuses me is the topo maps part. Are they "built-in" or is that something thats extra? Normally I would take farmerboys advice and ask someone behind the counter, but I prefer to shop on-line and getting input from people who have actually USED them as opposed to someone trying SELL them.
 
I use a Garmin 60 Cx and really like it. The Topo maps were extra, comes with only a basic map installed.

Win
 
I have a Magellan,an explorist 300,it works good for what I use it for.It has a basic map built in but if you want topo maps and such you need to get the software and that does get expensive.If that's something important to you,make sure whatever you gethas the capability to download maps.
 
Another thumbs-up for Garmin. Check out the comparison charts at their website, the best reference for helping decide.

My experiences are with the eTrex and GPSMAP76 series. eTrex is better for packing because of light weight and small size; GPSMAP76 models have larger screens and are significantly more bulky. Another major difference, the eTrex models have a picture-driven menu, while the GPSMAP76 series has a text-only menu system.

My own unit is a GPSMAP76S. If I were buying a new unit today, I'd want the upgraded version, the GPSMAP76csx.
The lowest-end unit I would consider is the eTrex Legend. It's the least expensive "mapping" unit (AFAIK), offers the user-friendly picture-driven menu, and has the really cool "thumb stud" for navigating the menus.

A quick guide to the model suffixes:
S = sensors. Built-in compass, barometer
C = Color screen. Easier to see in bright sunlight and while driving. Much more expensive.
X = new designation for models with memory card slots and USB connectivity
H = high sensitivity receiver

The features that I consider most important: Built-in compass. Plug for external antenna. Memory card slot.

What confuses me is the topo maps part. Are they "built-in" or is that something thats extra?
Click to expand...
The GPS units come with a "base map", which is mostly a data set of major highways, railroads, towns, and political boundaries. To load additional maps (like topo maps) into the GPS, you must have a "mapping" GPS, and only the Garmin map products can be loaded into Garmin GPSes.

Almost any GPS unit, even the very cheap eTrex Basic, can collect and save data to upload to a computer where it can be used with most commercial mapping/GIS/GPS software. Even some freeware computer programs can interact directly with name-brand GPS units.

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Some shopping tips for you:
To learn more about each unit before purchasing, you can download the manuals from the Garmin website.
I found the best Garmin prices at www.gpsnow.com and have purchased from them multiple times.
For accessories, check out www.gpsgeek.com . Their "Gilsson" brand accessories (cables, cords, antennae, holders) are very good quality and a fraction of the price of Garmin-brand accessories.

Yes, I'm a nerd... :(
 
Are you going to use it to navigate or just keep from getting lost? I have a Gamin eTrex H and it is perfect for marking key locations and for getting back out later. I'll mark my spots (entry point first, then any reference points along the way I think I'll need later) and put it away, and then use printed terrain and aerial maps of my area and compass to refer to now and again while I move around.

Simple is better imo, you can't hunt walking around staring at a tiny LCD screen.:) If I was an off-trail hiker all those maps and things might be handy I suppose...
 
thanks for all the input fellas, 'specially bob and blue sky. (you both think like me).
I just picked up the Garmin Etrex HC, pretty cool, but also pretty basic. Maps are just like Bob said- major highways and some local roads. Yes it looks like the topo and streets software is pretty pricey,..almost as much as the unit, & that bothers me.

Blue- So thats all the Etrex will do for me it seems. Mark a spot and get back. The reason I want to go to GPS is so I wont have to break out the printed version of the topo's. I'll have to work on getting the topo's for the NY area I hunt for this unit.
It odd you mention about staring down at an LCD, my first hunt ever many years ago was in the Adirondacks and was so so fearful of getting lost I spent most of the time looking down at my compass. When I looked up I was 20 yards face to face with a MONSTER 8 pointer...(no round in the chamber, rifle strapped tight to my pack).


Some greenhorn mistakes are just to funny all these years later.
 
Funny how they appear when you least expect it, isn't it? I have stories of my own... :)

Good luck in Texas, hope it works out for you (tuck away a map or two just in case though ;))
 
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