Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

Guyon

Guyon

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I'm currently shopping this one, and it looks like a good unit. Been out long enough that the bugs are worked out, and the price has dropped a good bit since it was unveiled. Won a Gear of the Year Award (Outdoor Magazine) back in '06. Upgradeable SD card. Good graphics. Seems to get good reviews on every site I've visited. Always in the 4.5-5.0 stars (out of 5) range with dozens and dozens of reviews.

Anybody here with personal experience with this handheld GPS?

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=310

The GPSMAP 60CSx adds several performance-enhancing features to the popular 60-series products, including a removable microSD™ card, high-sensitivity GPS receiver, barometric altimeter and electronic compass.
Pinpoint Your Location — and Direction

With the GPSMAP 60CSx, you can find your way in almost any conditions:

* High-sensitivity GPS receiver gives you improved satellite reception even in heavy tree cover or deep canyons
* Barometric altimeter provides extremely accurate elevation data
* Electronic compass can determine your heading and direction, even when you're standing still
* IPX7 waterproof case can withstand an accidental dunk in the water and still perform
* Large, color TFT display makes viewing the screen easy, day or night
* Built-in Americas autoroute basemap, including highways, exits and tide data, gives you automatic, turn-by-turn directions

Add More Detail

The 60CSx comes with a blank 64 megabyte (MB) microSD card, so you can store extra maps from optional MapSource® mapping software. Just connect to your computer with the USB cable, and you can load map data or transfer routes and waypoints. You can even purchase microSD cards that are preloaded with MapSource maps, which means you don't have to connect to your computer. The microSD card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment, so you never have to worry about water getting inside.
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I haven't used that particular model, but I wouldn't hesitate to order one. That's based on personal experience with other Garmin units, Garmin's customer service, and reviews.

The GPSMAP76 series is generally a better match for my own preferences. It's worth comparing the two if considering a Garmin.
 
I have one though I haven't used it very much . It's always been rated very highly in tests and those who have one are also very pleased. If the price is down so much the better.
 
Have used the GPS60CSX for several years geocaching, and have been very happy with it.

It locks on the satilites fast, and remains "on lock" even under heavy tree cover; (unlike all the models which came before it, including the 60CS). Should be able to get accuracy down close to 10 -15 ft., (sometimes I get better).

I use a 2GB card in mine, on which I have loaded topo maps for a good portion of the Middle Atlantic states.

There are units out there with newer technology in them, but I still like the
60CSX, and Garmin is still supporting it with periodic updates.

And, the price now is much better than when first introduced. :D
 
I have the 60CX, which does not the barometer and compass. I love it. I can make a turn by turn route on the computer and download it to the unit. Then when we get to our destination we can switch over to the topo maps I have loaded and use it for hiking. I had the Etrex Legend before and it lost the signal in heavy tree cover. This unit locks on and stays locked!
 
I have the 60Cx, it's the standard now in my industry; durable, easy to use, good on batteries. It is compatible with my old GPSII+ external power cable and data cable wich is a bonus. I haven't tried the 60Csx, the only difference being the barometer and compass, personally I don't see much need for either of these on a gps, I always have my Suunto compass, and the elevation from the GPS is as good or better than a barometric elevation.

The high sensitivity antenna is probably the best feature of this unit, it really does seem to make a difference in areas where radio signal is weak (under canopy, etc).

I purchased mine on sale at Canadian Tire for less than 300$CDN taxes inlcluded.

If you can wait until Blade, I can bring mine for you to play with for a few days...
 
I've got one and had Garmins for years. Great unit. I've also got a Color Etrex I'm thinking of selling. Let me know if you're interested. Good luck!
 
I have the 60Cx and I love it. I use it mainly for turn by turn directions in the car but also use it in my boat and hiking. I can't say anything bad about mine and have been using it for at least 5 years.
 
I've had the 60csx since Aug 2006. I used it in the USA, South Africa and now in the UK. It's great for both off-road (hiking, 4x4'ing in the outback etc) or for finding your way in the cities and on national roads. I have no intention of upgrading as it meets my needs perfectly.
Gripes are:
1) It would be nice if it could take multiple SD cards then one could have one card for Street maps (Point to point assisted navigation) and another for Topographic maps (for hiking etc.). The unit does give the facility for selecting a map but this is only between the base map and the SD card map.
2) I find that having the buttons beneath the display to be awkward - your fingers obscure the display screen. Better if they were above the screen. I think later models have addressed this now eg Colorado.
3) The barometric altimeter is not very accurate. I suppose it's fine for flying but for hiking one needs a more accurate measurement. This is not critical.
4) The electronic compass needs constant resetting. But this is to be expected - you need to hold the unit level for the compass to work properly and I don't when I'm hiking. For use on a boat or plane this is obviously not a problem as it can be fixed to the dash with a bracket. Also, I tend to carry a seperate handheld compass anyway.

Great unit. I recommend it.
 
mckrob said:
I have the 60Cx, it's the standard now in my industry; durable, easy to use, good on batteries. It is compatible with my old GPSII+ external power cable and data cable wich is a bonus. I haven't tried the 60Csx, the only difference being the barometer and compass, personally I don't see much need for either of these on a gps, I always have my Suunto compass, and the elevation from the GPS is as good or better than a barometric elevation.

The high sensitivity antenna is probably the best feature of this unit, it really does seem to make a difference in areas where radio signal is weak (under canopy, etc).

I purchased mine on sale at Canadian Tire for less than 300$CDN taxes inlcluded.

If you can wait until Blade, I can bring mine for you to play with for a few days...
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I knew I'd see good advice from this fellow.:)

Guyon, I've grown too "old" (crotchety?) for much field work anymore, so I seldom find myself in odd places using a GPS unit (or using older methods!) now-a-days. However, the internal components of GPS units do fall within my field of expertise. I'll spare you the gory details, but I am pretty impressed with the Garmin line in general. Their approach is solid and their execution is sound. I know a few of their key technical people and they are top-notch. They also have a strong QC program.

Since it seems to have a good enhanced-sensitivity antenna, I imagine it would be a sound investment for you.:thumbup: Of course, you know what a miser I am -- I'd wait to play with Mckrob's before making that purchase.

EDIT: Like some of the other posters, I'd favor carrying a separate compass of my own. That COULD be the grognard in me speaking.
 
Thanks for all the replies, fellas. Rob, I probably won't be at Blade this year (it's iffy), but I certainly trust your judgment on this one, given how much you tromp around the globe.

I found the 60CSx new with a 2GB SD card for $309 shipped. I may just pull the trigger on it so I can use it on an upcoming trip. I have been tracking routes with my iPhone, which actually has a pretty sophisticated GPS in it. But the iPhone isn't waterproof, and I often worry about dropping it when I'm kayaking. Also, the iPhone can burn up some serious battery if you're constantly checking the maps on it.
 
60CSx is on the way. I did one last check and found it for $279 plus shipping at a 3-day sale at EMS. I'll get a review posted here in a while.
 
You'll like your GPSMAP 60CSx. I have had one for 3 years, and it has been great. We use it for geocaching and vehicle travel. It has been a great unit, and it has never hiccuped on me. 100% solid-reliable.
 
You already bought it, so I'm afraid my input will be a little late. I have the unit sans the compass feature.

Its best when its outdoors. Its at its worst if you use it for driving. You have to buy the street maps separately, and enterining it in using the pointer can be a pain if youre used to a touch screen.

Batteries always seemed to go a little quick so be careful and make sure to conserve power if you'll be off the gird for a while.

I've had mine for 2.5 years now and love it... though it mostly stays in its pelican case now that I got a TomTom unless I'm going into the wilderness.
 
sirahren said:
You already bought it, so I'm afraid my input will be a little late. I have the unit sans the compass feature.

Its best when its outdoors. Its at its worst if you use it for driving. You have to buy the street maps separately, and enterining it in using the pointer can be a pain if youre used to a touch screen.

Batteries always seemed to go a little quick so be careful and make sure to conserve power if you'll be off the gird for a while.

I've had mine for 2.5 years now and love it... though it mostly stays in its pelican case now that I got a TomTom unless I'm going into the wilderness.
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I've held off on the car units, but I'm going to cave and get a TomTom or similar GPS device for the cars this Xmas. There are always some crazy deals on those units around that time of year.
 
My sister won a Garmin Nuvi 200 as a door prize at her Christmas party a while back. She had no need of it so gave it to me. I have to say, I was skeptical at first, but back in March I installed it in my new truck, and I have to say, I absolutely love it. It aquires satellites within seconds, and it calculates routes on-the-fly very quickly. If you make a wrong turn, it will calculate a new route to you destination in 1-2 seconds. The 200 is Garmin's most basic model, and I can't see there being much more I would require in an auto based unit. The map is fairly accurate, and I've only seen it wrong on a couple of occasions in either very rural areas, around new construction, or where it does not quite get the street number correct when navigating to a street address.

The only feature that I wish it did have, would be some sort of intelligent map, that would update itself when it noticed that you were driving somewhere where no road exists in it's database and store that track/road as part of the map for future use.

I guess I should probably plug it in to my laptop to see if there are any updates available for it. Overall great value for the money (I think you can pick one up for ~150 now).
 
Contrary to sirahren, my experience with the GPSMAP 60CXs has proven it to be equally accurate in the hand on the trail or in the car on the road. Actually, it seems more accurate on the road because the scale of things is larger. In the hand, for example while geocaching, I usually seem to be able to get accuracy within 15'-20' due to tree cover and terrain. That's fine for hiking from one point to another, but when one is looking for a small cache, it can take a little time to search the 15'-20' radius at the designated coordinates. Not that it is a big deal to be out in the woods for a few more minutes. :)

Your accuracy may vary depending on where you are and where the satellites are for you.

Oh, and for use in the car, we usually take a lshort oop of thinner accessory cord, girth hitch it through a slat on a dash vent, and hang the Unit on that via its belt clip. The vents in our two vehicles place the GPSMAP 60CSx's antenna about even with the dash (in my car it is slightly lower). Reception in this position has always been excellent. The lower position also doesn't clutter my field of view. And I tend not to 'watch' the little pointer as much; checking the unit only as needed for reference, allowing me to focus on the road easier. Having a co-pilot who knows how to use the device is also a plus.

Good luck, and have fun!
 
hikeeba said:
Contrary to sirahren, my experience with the GPSMAP 60CXs has proven it to be equally accurate in the hand on the trail or in the car on the road. Actually, it seems more accurate on the road because the scale of things is larger. In the hand, for example while geocaching, I usually seem to be able to get accuracy within 15'-20' due to tree cover and terrain. That's fine for hiking from one point to another, but when one is looking for a small cache, it can take a little time to search the 15'-20' radius at the designated coordinates. Not that it is a big deal to be out in the woods for a few more minutes. :)

Your accuracy may vary depending on where you are and where the satellites are for you.

Oh, and for use in the car, we usually take a lshort oop of thinner accessory cord, girth hitch it through a slat on a dash vent, and hang the Unit on that via its belt clip. The vents in our two vehicles place the GPSMAP 60CSx's antenna about even with the dash (in my car it is slightly lower). Reception in this position has always been excellent. The lower position also doesn't clutter my field of view. And I tend not to 'watch' the little pointer as much; checking the unit only as needed for reference, allowing me to focus on the road easier. Having a co-pilot who knows how to use the device is also a plus.

Good luck, and have fun!
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Its moot for guyonaporkchop, but just in case someone down the road finds this thread, I want to correct that: it WORKS great on the roads in terms of position. But as a solo driver its near impossibly to enter in the info safely while driving on account of the cursor system.
 
I'm going to test out the unit tomorrow on a short 3-4 mile hike. Put in a 2GB micro SD card, and I've gotten some of the basics down on usage. I also downloaded and installed a topo map of the entire Southeastern US found here: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/

I have an overnight kayak trip planned for later this month, and after a bit of finagling, I finally got that .gpx route file (created with MS Live Search Maps) installed on the 60CSx with a little freeware application called EasyGPS.

I want to log and save a track tomorrow and play around with the digital compass and the altimeter. I also am thinking about creating and stashing a cache.
 
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