best gps for the $

[secondgear]

I have been lurking about all this gps talk. So what is the best unit for the money. I thought the garmin vista was a good buy cause 1. waterproof 2. alot of memory 3. nav. aides built in. I plan on using it in the boat to locate brush piles, ect. hot spots. Also in the car when we travel. Any and all imput is appreicated.:confused:

[jpollman]

I just bought the Garmin GPSmap 76S this past summer. I haven't used it much but I really like it. It is waterproof (supposed to float but I don't want to find out ;)) It's got lots of bells and whistles too. It's not cheap, but well worth the $$ IMO. The MSRP is about $430. But you can generally pick them up for right around $300. It's got LOTS of memory for uploading maps and such. It's about $100 more than the regular GPSmap 76.

Shopping around is half the fun !

Good luck.

[BASSNTAZ]

I have the Gamin vista I like it. the only problems I've found is it eats up batt. in a few hours. I've been told to turn off the compass when not using it. that helps a little but it is kind of a pain to do. The other thing I was disappointed in was the reception. Other units I've used seem to have better reception(in the car or deep woods). I would like to get some of their map programs but would like some input first. They are pretty expensive to just give it a try.

Any one out there ever tried them? Topo or others?
Good Luck

[Hunt4Ever]

I just bought a Garmin GPS V for my Dad for Christmas. Cabela's has them on sale for $399, this is $100 off. It comes with the Street Maps disk( a $100 item alone), lots of memory, a great little unit.

Garmin GPS V (http://www.garmin.com/products/gps5/)

[Lunker]

I just took my Magellan back. I m either getting the Garmin V or the Rhino.

[secondgear]

SO BASSTAZ I GUESS A 12V/ CIG. PLUG SHOULD BE STANDARD EQUIPMENT? HAVE YOU DOWN LOADED ANYTHING? I THINK THERS' ALOT OF MEMORY. HOW ABT. THE NAV.AIDES? THAT BUILT IN? AND NORTH AM. ROAD MAPS?

[BASSNTAZ]

12v is a must when using it in a car unless you have stock in Duracell.lol Anyway when I use mine in my truck I use an old lap top with delorme street atlas.(It works awesome). I want to try some of the other software when I'm on the four wheeler. I don't think the laptop would hold up very well in the mud and dust.

I bought mine at CheaperthenDirt.com They were almost 100.00 less then anywhere else. It was not the fast to arrive(took almost two weeks) but I think it was worth the savings.

Let me know how the software works if you go that way.

[hitechman]

Been using a Garmin GPS72 the past year. I love it--no map capability but a great entry level GPS and menu driven (easy to learn to use). It goes with me everywhere I go. It does eat batteries, but I have a cord to run it off the vehicle battery while I'm driving. Found it on the web for $144. I will be teaching an adult ed class this spring with that unit (for our district residents), and will also be using them in one of my science classes for juniors and seniors for about 4 weeks in May.

The GPS76 series has map capabilities, and its operation is almost exactly like the GPS72--$40-$50 more in price.

Steve

[secondgear]

Many thanks for the input/advice. So garmin appears most popular. features hum, Waterproof and mapping are are a must.remote power/12volt transf. I want one with nav.aides whatever that is? I also want alot of memory. screen size, I need one with a big screen.

[Steve]

One of you guys with the Garmins ought to put a review up in our "Reviews" section so we can have a comparison.

[hitechman]

This site--GPS PAGE (http://gpsinformation.net/) --has all the information you (SECONDGEAR) would ever want on ALL GPS units--even takes you to a site where you can check off 2-10 units to compare--also lists GPS unit review pages. From what you have said in your post you will probably want to look at the Garmin GPS72 and GPS76 series of units. They have the largest screens for handhelds that I have seen.

The models available are the GPS72/72s, GPS76/76s/Map76/Map76s (list prices in order are: $170, $229, $322, and $431).

GPS 72 is an entry level GPS (no maps), but does come with a built in Navigation and city database. The only difference between the GPS72 and 76 is that for $60 more you get an external antenna plug (not necessary in my opinion as my GPS 72 picks up strong signals from my truch, boat and even inside my house.

I have heard a lot of complaints about the quality/accuracy of the maps that are available at extra cost (on CD's).

These units all come with NOTHING--plan on buying a carrying case, computer cord, 12V power cord (boat and vehicle) mount and base. I use the portable beanbag base--easily moved from truck to boat. These items will run you an additional $80 or so.

There is a company on the internet (Gilsson Technologies) at http://store.yahoo.com/gilsson/gagps76gp76g.html . They have the best prices for any GPS or equipment you may want and they ship the same/nest day. I have been very happy with them. Paid $144 for my GPS72.

In the end you need to get what you feel will serve you the best. The problem you will have is finding everything you want in a single unit.

Steve

Compare Garmin units here: Garmin Product Comparisons (http://www.garmin.com/outdoor/compare.jsp)

[Oct.1]

I guess being left handed is why I see things from a different side. I bought a Lowrance E-Map. It may not be the most popular but it�fs rated amongst the best.
I found this site http://gpsinformation.net/ to start my homework with. You may like it.

[hitechman]

Oct.1's web link and mine go to the same page. I'm left handed also and find that to be awkward with most units, but it is something I have had to learn to live with and adapt to.

I chose the GPS-72 because right now I don't want to mess with maps--I'm all over the US hunting and fishing and it would cost me a fortune for all those maps--will go that route someday. You need to get what you will be comfortable with. My eyes are too bad to read the smaller screened units (which all of my friends have)

Basically all of the Garmins come through with glowing reports, and so do some other brands, but Garmins customer service is immaculate (I've had to use it twice, and my buddies a few times, and we can speak nothing but praise).

hitechman

[Oct.1]

Hitechman,
Sorry I didn�ft realize that the two different path descriptions went to the same place.
As far as service response, I wouldn�ft know. My Lowrance has never needed service. LOL. :D
I have also looked at the Garman and read the specks. Not only is it a popular unit, but a very good, high quality, well rated piece of equipment.
My decision on the Lowrance was strictly from the indoor tests on the receiver.

[hitechman]

I agree with you that that is a good site for a person to find all the information they will need to make an informed GPS purchase.

The Lowrence units perform as well (possibly a little better-but cost a little more) from whatIhave heard, and I have never needed service persay on my Garmin. My inquiries to Garmin were for updating the operating software (I'm a computer idiot) and they lead me through the procedure on the phone.

I use Lowrence "fish finders" and have had to send one in once--it was 3 weeks before I received it back. My friends Garmin unit was back in his hands in 7 days. He dropped it and they replaced the broken lens for free.

I chose Garmin because they ARE GPS (something recently entered by Lowrence. Lots of stores to find them for sale, a very wide range of units, and plenty of accessories (OEM and after market).

From my experiences with Magellan, I would never buy another one. Rarely have I heard anything good about them, and the one I owned 6 years ago was a "piece of junk" and the company did very little to help me out (they may be a good product, but my 1 bad experience will keep me away forever).

And NO, I am not a Garmin employee:rolleyes:

Steve

[riverboy]

Let me just make recommendation. I have a older GPS a Garmin GPS12. I hadn’t used it a few years and when I went to get it ready for the upcoming ice season the unit would not acquire a signal. I emailed Garmin about the problem and within 12 hours I had a reply and a list of things to try to correct the problem. The problem is fixed and I can say I was very impressed by Garmin's customer service!

[secondgear]

Yes Riverboy...thats what i'm talking about. Service after the sale. Glad to hear that an older unit is still doing the job. I like most of the features on the Garmin legends, but the screen is a tad small. For 51 year old eyes? I only want to buy one once and for all. Just want to make sure it is the right one. So Which one is best for the $$$$.