GPS Questions

[Rocksurfer]

My wife asked me what I wanted this year and suggested a GPS unit. I thought it was a good idea but don't know which one. I want one that will work offroad not like those that just do streets. Which one do you guys use, why and how much did it cost. I would like to find one at a reasonable price.

[abnormaltoy]

I have two...although, I got one for free and the other is a few years old.

My oldest one is a Garmin E-trex Vista. It's a very cool unit, easy to use and good battery life. The one short coming (common to most handhelds) is losing signal in tall trees or narrow canyons. I don't remember the cost.

My newest is a Garmin 12xl. Less feature laden, but, it's a freakin' tank (a friend gave it to me...I think they use them in the Air Force)...AND, it has much better tracking in trees, etc.

Also consider what software packages are out there now...I've got a couple, none recent.

[DTPROFAB]

Lowrance xog if you buy the map pack and Magellan if you buy the summit series maps but any way you go you need a map software  or just get  mount for a Magellan outdoor series  but the xog and the Magellan vehicle units will work on foot too and the outdoor units will work in a car in town just not as easy to type street names

[kneedownnate]

Watching this thread.  I'd really like a gps but have no idea what I need.

[Rocksurfer]

Me too, oh wait I started this thread. I already have one but one it is very old and two it is pretty much worthless compared to what I've seen. I'm going to check into the current suggestions. Good to know it may only be a software package in order to make one work for me.

[Cheesemaker]

I've got the Garmin E-Trex Venture.  It's nice just for messing around with, but it's limited without the package.  But it is an older model.  And it doesn't work in my van cause of the windshield has the radio antennae in it, so it blocks the signal. 

[yota4x4sc]

the tom tom is pretty sweet.. the garmins are good too

[Rocksurfer]

the tom tom is pretty sweet.. the garmins are good too

Does the Tom Tom have the trails in it?

[Burl]

I've been running a Garmin 60CSX for about 3 years now it's really good.  I purchased the mapping soft ware and several more micro sd cards.  I now have the entire US on topographic color maps with all roads, trails, and major hyways with city street maps to boot.  When I run out of map screen I just open up the back and put in the next card and bam new maps.  I also have New Zealand on topo maps because I went fishing there a couple years ago.  It's way versatile and well worth the extra cash, allthough they are a bit cheaper now I think you can get them off amazon for under 300.00

[freds40]

I've had a couple of units and always Garmin. The 60CSX is a great unit for out of the vehicle and with the cradle isn't bad in a vehicle it just has a smaller screen. I've currently got 2 different Nuvis. A 660 and an 1690. I like my Nuvi as it has a decent sized screen (3.5" IIRC) and works great on road. With some free topo downloads I threw on, it is great offroad too. It showed the trail the whole way on Dusy and Rubicon. It's not really great for hiking or riding due to it's size but for in vehicle it is awesome.

[yota4x4sc]

Does the Tom Tom have the trails in it?

idk.. i never tryed it.. i dont normally get lost at the trails round here...good question?

[Rocksurfer]

I never get lost.... Truuuust me.