GPS - Garmin Rino 120 - - Opinions?

rt014

rt014

Joined
Jun 21, 2001
Messages
2,861
I've had a Garmin eTrex Summit for a couple of years now and regard it as one of my useful pieces of gear.

I've been thinking that if I had a couple of Rino 120's that would be even better. Particularly when out hiking alone in the woods behind my property. (Would be good for the wife to be able to go directly to me if I've fallen and can't get up :)

1. Anyone have one and how do they like it?
2. Do you value the mapping feature over the cheaper model (110) that doesn't have topo capability?
3. They are pretty pricy. Any intelligence on competing products or impending price decreases?

Thanks
 
I don't have any first hand experience with one of these but I saw it used on a rescue show and they seemed awesome. Doesn't it show your coordinates each time you transmit? I have 3 different Garmin GPS's now and have owned 4 or 5 previous ones. They have all been good and each one is better than the ones before. I am not sure if these have as large or clear displays as the GPS only models. If you buy them at a retail store you could always try them over a weekend and return them if you aren't satisfied...Ed.
 
Personally, I find no need for this type of radio since I normally travel all alone.

If I were on a farm or out hiking and had someone to call back to, then having a radio that would automatically send my coordinates back to "homebase" would be a worthwhile feature. As you mentioned, if you have been injured do to a fall or some other mishap, a simple "help" with your location automatically sent could be a real lifesaver. In highschool, a classmate fell on his motorcycle while passing through a gate on the farm and broke his pelvis. Unable to move, he was stuck there for hours while he waited for someone to "miss" him, and then go looking for him, and finally finding him and getting help to cart him off to the hospital. If his broken pelvis had cut an artery, he could have easily bled to death in the hours it took other people to notice he was missing and find him.

The Discovery channel's "Tactical to Practical" show had an episode that featured this radio in one of its segments. Their demonstration made me think that this was a good piece of gear for a rescue team or, prepared group of individuals.
 
Two friends I hunt with, husband and wife, have a pair of the 120s. They love them. I didn't try them out myself, but based on their report, I'd buy one if the price was right. Even if you don't have another Rhino user to share data with, you can use it as a regular GPS. If you price an eTrex Legend (similar features) AND a compact GMRS radio, you're looking at nearly the same amount of money AND more stuff to tote. Of course, with separate devices, you won't lose both at once if your batteries die or you drop it.

Chris
 
Thanks for the responses guys.

I'm convinced I want a couple of these - - hopefully the price will drop.
 
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