legend or vista

[tdejong302]

Looking to purchase a gps for fishing and land use. I would like lake maps too. I have looked at the legend and vista. Anyone have some badly needed advice. I know that I will have to purchase lake maps/chips but need advice on which one works best for water/land use.

[hitechman]

my post to you in the geocaching forum. Also you might want to read through the threads in this forum--lots of suggestions.

Steve

[M1Garand]

I've had both and I prefer the Legend for it's electronic compass. See my post in this link for a more detailed reason why:

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162119&page=2

For what I used it for, it worked better for me and I found it easier to use in the goto feature int the woods.

[hitechman]

M1--if your legend has an electronic compass then it is a legendCx--not sure tdejong was referring to a Cx model or not. The "compass" page on the plain legend is not a true compass, works only while moving, and is used mainly for bearings.

Steve

[M1Garand]

Steve you're right...I had a brain freeze, I meant Vista...not Legend.

[hitechman]

of purchasing my first GPS (mid 1990's) on an impulse. It looked cool and I loved the "new technology" of GPS. It was a cool color and the right price--BUT WHAT A PIECE OF CRAP. I was stuck with it for 2 years, and during those two years I thoroughly examined the GPS units that were available. I was regretting the fact that I rushed in so fast and bought the first thing that caught my eye.

I encourage anyone that is contemplating a GPS purchase to do their research and make sure it will do what you want it to--it's too late after you make the purchase.

There is much information available in this forum from the members who own these units. Read through it, but don't base your final decision on their say only. I happen to use the Garmin brand exclusively. It works for me for what I want to accomplish. Does that mean Garmin is for everyone? Heck no--but there are some brands/models to avoid. Take your time and find the unit that will fit your needs--especially if this will be your first experience with a GPS (be prepared to study the manual and spend a lot of time playing/practicing with your new toy before you actually need to use it).

Things to consider when purchasing a GPS (not in any particular order):
1-Size/shape of unit, keys and screen (how those ol' eyes doing & how big are your fingers)?
2-Land, water or both? Float? Waterproof?
3-Mapping capability or not? If yes, then to what extent, and what maps are available from that manufacturer (can't cross brand lines between hardware and software)
4 Color or monochrome?
5-Warranty?
6-Price?
7-Dependability (some of the lower price models lose signal in heavy forest cover)?
8-Capabilitiy/complexity.
9-Go someplace and see these units in person, but remember MOST of the salespersons are just that (salespersons)
10-Find someone that owns the unit and ask to see it in action.
11-and on and on and on......

The Lowrance, Garmin, and Magellan brands seem to be getting high marks lately. Not too much being mentioned (good or bad) about most of the others.

Steve