GPS Units

[Robert Miller]

I'm Looking to get a GPS unit and would like any info from those that have and had used them. Please tell pros and cons.

Thanks in advance.

[wollelybugger]

The gps units I tried were the Etrek and it wouldn't work well under the Pa. trees. It wouldn't read the satelites. When the leaves are off they work well or in a open area but in the woods it was a problem. I have never tried another brand so they might work better.

[oneshot-onekill]

I have used the garmin handhelds since they first came out...imho the best on the market. I currently use the 60 csx and feel it is their best so far. It has all the features you want and need. It works well under canopy also, it has to be real heavy to not pick up satelites. It also is very accurate, we use them to mark pipelines to + or - 10ft...so more than you would ever need for finding your tree stand or truck. I am in the martinsville area if you would like to hook up for a cup of coffee and take a look at mine before buying.   Terry

[DWT]

I second the garmins, I have the summit csx and the tracking system I use for my hounds is made by garmin. These are user freindly units as compared to some and can also easily be upgraded with map software for specific areas.

[Biggie Hoffman]

Garmin CSX60 is the best one I've ever had and I've had 5 different brands.
Works great under a canopy and is easy to use.

[wingnut]

I've owned both Magellen and Garmin products since they first came on the market.  I love my Garmin Rino 120 and will upgrade with Garmin when I replace it.

Mike

[ronnyg]

I have an older model magellin. It doesn't work verywell between the ridges (in the creek)  works fine on a clear day in the open.

[bawana bowman]

I'm using a Garmin Etrex Vista Hcx, Will do just about everything the 60 csx will do for a lot less money. Can even download Topo maps to it. What it won't do you probably don't need anyhow.
Have never had any trouble picking up satellites in the thick swamps or under heavy canopies.

Still prefer using compass, guess cause I'm an old guy.

[hunt it]

I'm on my 3rd Garmin Vista, new one last year is the HCX model. This one works in my basement never mind under canopy. Fantastic, I download topos for wherever I'm going and never look back. The last two I had were great with no problems, just needed to keep up with new technology.

[centaur]

Garmin, Garmin, and Garmin. I don't have the new Colorado, but I played with one that a friend had, and they are awesome. I have an Etrex60hcx, and it works great. I have a good percentage of Wyoming and a bit of Arizona topos downloaded on it, and it is dead on accurate.

[Chris Surtees]

Garmin GPS's by far are the best I have used. Whatever model you decide on I would recommend getting the HCx or CSx version with SD slot. The SD slot is nice in that you can purchase maps for the part(s) of the country you hunt.

[lpcjon2]

I just helped my secretary get a Garmin gps with the 2-way radio for her husband and he is in love with it.You get direction and communication all in one.My buddy just got one of those pricey cell phones (the droid) and it comes with a gps and he uses that.

[Fishnhunt]

I have the Garmin HCX.... like the other guys mentioned this unit has the high sensitivity receiver and it has never failed to pickup a satellite for me.  When I was doing my research I noticed that the HCX models with the high sensitivity receiver ate batteries faster than the other non high sensitivity models.  For me this was not an issue.  I mainly need that unit b/c it was a color unit and I was using it to fish offshore from my kayak

DOWNSIDES:  I recently read a study in The Week re: GPS useage.  IIRC the results of the study showed that persons who rely heavily on GPS use actually lose thier ability to navigate spatially thru brainpower.  In other words if you dont use it (the brain) you lose it.  Although controversial, I tend to believe it. Just think about it....anything we dont use we loose.  Another example would be doing multiplication in the head.

Now is this going to stop me from using a GPS? No b/c I have been lost. Miserably lost on big tracts of land and sea w/o GPS. HOWEVER, I only pull the GPS out when absolutely necessary (usually for marking location on downed deer).  I never use a nav system for day to day driving.

[Quinn]

Garmin GPSMap60csx. Fastest lockup, most accurate. Works well in dense trees and steep ravines.

 http://gpstracklog.com/2006/02/garmin_gpsmap_6_1.html

[acadian archer]

like they said - get on with the high sensitivity receiver. you really need that to pickup the signal in the trees.

[mark land]

Use to have all Magellen but have switched over to all Lowrance and really like thos units.  I have the H20 for my handheld and use the awesome IWay 600 in my truck and boat and have a XOG as well in my truck for back up and to use to read my trail cam cards with since it has a built in battery.  They all have done very well and have no problem locking in on satelites in the woods and are fairly easy to manipulate the controls as well.

[RM81]

I like Garmin.  It really depends on what you want to use it for.

Handhelds work great if all you're going to do is hunt/hike with them.  Etrex's are good for the money.  I have a etrex legend C, and like it.  If you want a little bit more you can look at the Map60CS.  It has a few more features and better recpection.

If you want one that you can also use in the car, make sure it has a good map that can do turn by turn directions.  Just don't buy one specifically made for car navigation and expect it to be great for hiking.

The only other experiences I've had were with Magellan's, and wasn't too impressed.  I think it was because I was used to the controls on the Garmin though.

[RonH]

I use the Garmin ETREX and it does every thing that I need. You can send waypoints to other people across the internet and they can find there way around areas that they have never been to. If you keep the software updated they work great......

[NDTerminator]

Have had a couple, my current is a Magellan IHunt and it is a superb piece of gear...

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

Another vote for the Garmin Rino. Dang near unsportsmanlike advantage when you're hunting with a buddy. Best way in the world to coordinate pushes on game. I love it!