What Garmin GPS do you recommend??

Dave M

Dave M

Well-known member
I have done some reseasrch on different Gps models and have narrowed my selection to the Garmins. The problem is Which one , What are some pros and cons of the following ? The Etrex Legend series, or the Garmin GPSMap 76 ? I like the legend but i like the screen size of the gps 76 model , i really want to keep the gps basic so it does not take a masters degree to run it . I figured i would get some great ideas seeing we all use them for the same reason , hunting , fishing and so on . Thanks for any help You could give me .



Dave M
 
I have the cheapest of the cheap, Garmin GPS 72. I use it 100% for finding new spots for duck hunting and for driving out in fog/dark. I like the basic model cause lets be honest, all we want is to get to our spot, and get back to the truck. The only mapping gps I have tried was an eTrex and a 60, and thought that the screen size and detail really didn't help me all that much. I have a trout fishing buddy who swears by the map though, cause he can tell where the nearest road is at all times?!?! One other thing, if you go with the basic 72, I also have ExpertGPS, which is software I bought off the internet. It brings up coordinate correct topo maps and aerial photos, underlayed from your GPS info. I have "internet" scouted ponds on state land before, and walked down curvy trails in the dark to them for the first time ever. If that don't sell the technology, I don't know what will, because I was impressed first time I tried it.

Oh yeah, I like the screen size on my 72, I have a RAM mount for it in the river boat. The fact it is hands free is nice and I can still see the screen really well.
 
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Dave,

I use the eTrex Legend. I love that little guy. Gets me to the duck spots and the deer stands. I found a new duck hole this season that can only be accessed by canoe/kayak and it would be near impossible to find in the dark without the gps. In my opinion the Legend is easy to use, small enough to stick in a pocket and rugged enough if used with some care. That said, if I was to do it all over I'd go for the 60CSx. It has a more sensitive receiver, larger display and color. Best of luck with your decision.

Hunt Safe.
Ryan
 
I have the eTrex Legend. It works fine but I wish the screen was bigger. When you zoom in enough to follow a track it is in overzoom mode. It does come in handy when I am running the lake in the fog. I got the MapSource software to go with it so I can upload all my tracks to my PC and do some office scouting.
 
Dave, I loved my GPSMap 76 until the screen died on me. I was using it in the car and I think the summer heat fried the screen. Other than that I would highly recommend Garmin. I like the new Rhino's they have a built in walkie talkie. If you have two you can tell where your buddy is, as his location shows up on your map.
 
I have a Garmin 60CSx, and I do like it. It is not so small that my hands can't work the buttons, but it is not too big either. With the new chip they have in the CSx models, the start up time is really reduced and I keep a pretty good fix when I am in heavy tree canopy. I know they are a big investment but it seemed worth it, it is not something I will through away in a year or too.

If you use yours in a boat quite often I would go with one of the model 76's, whatever is in your price range because they are supposed to float. That could save money later or at least a lot of headaches if you ever drop it over and have all of you wave points only in the unit.

Which ever model you get, make sure you use the software to download your points, routes, ect. onto a computer or a disk. Trust me that will pay dividends later...

Bob

PS Garmins are easy to use if you can use one model you could use any other garmin after that, so don't worry about trying to learn how to use it. It is like anything, a little practice will pay dividends.
 
I have the Map 76 and would recommend it highly. Easy navigation through the different menus, nice big screan to see, backlight, etc etc.
 
Thanks guys for all the help , great tips !!! I have decided to go for the Garmin GPSMap 76 , for a few reasons , the screen is a good size to see and i love the idae it floats if it takes a swim , It only has 8 mb of storage but that should store about 40 miles more than enough for me . I purchased a chart a while back for the Maptech software company so now i can use the chart to map out potential spots and down load to the gps with the software . The only problem is that i cannot find one locally they are hot sellers this season i guess so i am ordering it tonight from a marine supplier , got a good deal regular 199.00 getting it for 169.00 . Thanks again



Dave
 
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