GPS guru's I need your help...

steveinaz
steveinaz Posts: 19,536
edited March 2009 in The Clubhouse
What is a good GPS (up to $300 max) for general trail hiking, atv'ing, land navagation? I'm a GPS idiot, it does not need to be fancy--in fact I prefer durable/simple.

Thanks in advance.
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  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,624
    edited March 2009
    GPS isn't for being on a windshield full time? Who knew.......lol........i have zero idea.......sorry.
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,536
    edited March 2009
    How about the garmin etrex vista hcx? I found one for $249
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,806
    edited March 2009
    It's honestly hard to beat anything from Garmin. Especially the ETrex. They tend to get good reviews and I don't think a single one of them is over $250 bucks.

    Radio Shack is having a big sale on the website (www.radioshack.com)

    If that's not your cup of tea, Magellan has the Triton series which is sometimes a bit cheaper with more attractive options. But they can be hard to find.

    Also Lowrance has their Endura and iFinder series units which can get a bit pricey but for outdoor use, they are one of the best.


    Garmin builds the GPS units the Army uses in the field.

    Magellan is the retail face of the original company that designed the GPS system for the U.S. Gubment.

    Lowrance builds the GPS and Guidance system transponders for most Navy vehicles, people and even some weapons.

    Anyone else outside of those three are just poor imitators. IMO, you could go with a unit from any one of them and be good.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • RSTERN
    RSTERN Posts: 287
    edited March 2009
    I like the garmins too. Something to look for is what maps come with the unit. Some of the lower priced units only have topo. maps and must be upgraded to get road maps, where as the higher priced ones have all the maps preloaded. I'd also look for waterproof.
    Rob
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  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited March 2009
    I have the Navigon 7200T - great for under $250. Looks sweet too. Lifetime Traffic+Zagat Guide

    http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/navigon-7200t/4505-3430_7-33229603.html

    http://www.amazon.com/Navigon-4-3-Inch-Portable-Navigation-Bluetooth/dp/B001EJN9OA
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,806
    edited March 2009
    DeusExa wrote: »
    I have the Navigon 7200T - great for under $250. Looks sweet too. Lifetime Traffic+Zagat Guide

    http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/navigon-7200t/4505-3430_7-33229603.html

    http://www.amazon.com/Navigon-4-3-Inch-Portable-Navigation-Bluetooth/dp/B001EJN9OA

    Um, that's snazzy and all but two things. One, who the hell is Navigon? Two, the OP specifically requested "for general trail hiking, atv'ing, land navagation" and after trying to find out more about that unit it doesn't seem to do any of that. And if CNET's price estimates are true, unless it's on sale, it's outside of his desired price range.

    I'm glad you like your GPS unit and it's clear you want to help but if a man asks for apples, don't give him an orange and tell him how great oranges are.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,151
    edited March 2009
    Jstas wrote: »
    ... I'm glad you like your GPS unit and it's clear you want to help but if a man asks for apples, don't give him an orange and tell him how great oranges are.
    I had actually heard of Navigon, but yeah ... the road map devices are pretty much useless to the O.P. for trail hiking or ATV etc. Our Garmin even gets lost on the smaller County Roads in the mountains near Winter Park, CO. Basically, as a simple rule of thumb: if it isn't on the internet map sites such as Mapquest, Yahoo! or Google, the road map versions don't have it either.
    Alea jacta est!
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  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited March 2009
    Careful with the eTrex - I bought one, and they don't come with anything but the most basic maps (essentially major highways), so make sure you budget to buy either the road maps or the trail maps, each of which are like 80 bucks on top of the cost of the unit.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
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  • DeusExa
    DeusExa Posts: 491
    edited March 2009
    Jstas wrote: »
    Um, that's snazzy and all but two things. One, who the hell is Navigon? Two, the OP specifically requested "for general trail hiking, atv'ing, land navagation" and after trying to find out more about that unit it doesn't seem to do any of that. And if CNET's price estimates are true, unless it's on sale, it's outside of his desired price range.

    I'm glad you like your GPS unit and it's clear you want to help but if a man asks for apples, don't give him an orange and tell him how great oranges are.

    Sorry! Didn't see the particulars for "trail hiking". I guess this is a unit you put in your nice car permanently (my dad's Lincoln)....

    Price wise, i got mine for $199 in January....now its ~$250...

    Navigon is pretty big though...I think 4th largest GPS manufacturer or something...HQ is in Germany


    in that case, go with one of those rugged Garmins....
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,536
    edited March 2009
    I decided on, and bought the Garmin GPSMAP 60Csx.
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  • starchaser
    starchaser Posts: 354
    edited March 2009
    I believe the Garmin 60csx is a great choice Steve. Still getting my learn on with my unit though the basics are pretty straight forward. I use mine on my dirtbike with a ram mount and the unit has taken more then a few bumps and bruises.
    "There's a lot of places driving up and down I-95 that smell like ****" F1Nut
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited March 2009
    steveinaz wrote: »
    What is a good GPS (up to $300 max) for general trail hiking, atv'ing, land navagation? I'm a GPS idiot, it does not need to be fancy--in fact I prefer durable/simple.

    Thanks in advance.

    A compass. Learn how to use one.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,536
    edited March 2009
    Already know the compass, inside and out thanks to the Army. Declination angles, conversion of grid azmuths to magnetic azmuths, general land navagation, etc. Unfortunately I got out before GPS came into play in the military, so I want to learn these devices.
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,806
    edited March 2009
    That's cool.


    My preferred method is to wander around the woods yelling "HELP!" until someone finds me. Works like a champ in the woods behind my house!
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • CaligulaPolk
    CaligulaPolk Posts: 1,650
    edited March 2009
    TomTom is popular GPS out there. Madgellan (SP?) is too
    I am 100% BORN DEAF and No I am not kidding! :D Why am I here? My wife's hearing! :p

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  • NotaSuv
    NotaSuv Posts: 3,849
    edited March 2009
    60 csx is a great unit...use one when hiking, huntin and 4 wheelin and never a problem....
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