Which GPS?

[AR Shooter]

Time to start looking for a new GPS so can get some 'hands on' run-time use before relying on it in the field. The Garmin GPSMAP 64/s/st/sc models get good reviews. Anyone using one of these or have another one they would recommend? If so, why do you recommend? What's the battery life?
Thanks.

 

[STRSRLVR]

It's a really nice unit and picks up the sats good. The only other units I would take in the field would be the Oregon or Montana. Touch screens are nice but the 64 has better reception and is bullet proof.

 

[jepp2]

I tend to be an eTrex fan (have a 20X and 30X). They do everything I want, but maps are the key to me.

So how important is: the 3 axis compass? wireless capability? smart notification?

Once I converted to the high sensitivity receivers I haven't had any issues with signal strength. I use mine for navigation, recording tracks (which I download to NatGeo maps) and recording waypoints. I haven't used touch screens as the reviews show more downside than upside. I also use mine for Geocaching and find the 30X to have a slight advantage due to the 3 axis compass. But for normal navigation can do without it. Barometric altimeter is nice but not required in my use.

But I started with a GPS12 single channel and have seen so much change over the years. They all look great to me now. With the right batteries mine will run between 20 to 24 hours, depending on your settings.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I currently am using a Garmin MAP 76.. Mine is a bit dated but still gets it done.. I see it for about the same price as the 64's.. around $225 at the GPS store. FWIW I bought a couple of GPS units from there.. Link below if you wanna browse.

http://www.thegpsstore.com/Default.aspx

 

[mtlhdr]

What will you be using it for? I discovered the Backcountry Navigator app for my android smartphone about 5 years ago and never looked back. The app is $10 and has numerous free map layers including aerial imagery with topography. State landownership maps can be purchased for about $10. Map areas can be pre-downloaded so you can use in airplane mode or outside of cell coverage. You'll need to buy a micro SD card for your phone to store the maps. It does tracks, waypoints etc that can be exported to google earth. It has a compass and altimeter and keeps pretty good stats (distance, speed, elevation gain, etc). I hunt, fish, and explore exclusively with this app now. Biggest drawback is you're limited to your cell's battery life, which isn't as good as a standalone GPS unit. Anyways, this solution isn't for everyone but it certainly works for me and it might for you.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

What will you be using it for? I discovered the Backcountry Navigator app for my android smartphone about 5 years ago and never looked back. The app is $10 and has numerous free map layers including aerial imagery with topography. State landownership maps can be purchased for about $10. Map areas can be pre-downloaded so you can use in airplane mode or outside of cell coverage. You'll need to buy a micro SD card for your phone to store the maps. It does tracks, waypoints etc that can be exported to google earth. It has a compass and altimeter and keeps pretty good stats (distance, speed, elevation gain, etc). I hunt, fish, and explore exclusively with this app now. Biggest drawback is you're limited to your cell's battery life, which isn't as good as a standalone GPS unit. Anyways, this solution isn't for everyone but it certainly works for me and it might for you.

I have BCN on my phone. And it is even handier than a GPS.. BUT, if you lose a data connection your live map is kaput.. My solution is to DL the maps and whatnot I am gonna use and store em on my phone.. There's some issues doing that as the BCN file storage only allows so much before it says UhUh.. So I have to create another folder.. The best things about BCN are #1 the hybrid map view, think Google Earth, where you can actually see what is around you and follow roads to see where they go. The second is the ability to load trail tracks into the data and have them appear on screen to follow. I use the second feature when in Moab jeeping..

 

[B Nettesheim]

I have the 62st and I can't say enough good things about it, it always works, it starts working right away, easy to use, easy to use with gloves on, i believe it is accurate, it works well with the gps maps too. Nuff said

 

[msinc]

I use a Garmin Alpha, which is not just GPS but also tracks and trains hunting dogs. I will say this though, Garmin has always been very helpful in resolving any problems asap and they are friendly and fast. FWIW, customer service goes a long way and hearing about bad customer service has prevented me from making some pretty heavy purchases. This has never been the case with Garmin and I'd say it is likely to stay that way unless they really go south!!!
In regards to accuracy, one night the wind came up on us and it got bad real fast. One of the hounds didn't come in and the Garmin showed him not moving about 500 yards away {back the way we just came from} He did not respond to my recall so we went looking for him. I first thought he was maybe in trouble, hurt, dead or in a trap. He wasn't making any noise. Next thought was that he somehow slipped the collar, but that didn't make sense because he is good about coming in when called.
We found him under a blown over tree. Scared out of his wits, but otherwise not hurt. The trunk was close to getting him, he was stuck in the branches of the canopy. This dog was so scared I had to crawl into the mess and get him then he didn't want to walk.
Another time, different hound did the same thing. We went looking and found him curled up on some bunch grass. he yelped when I put a leash on him to lead him out. It was as if something was hurting his feet. Went back the next day to find a broken buried cable that was shocking his feet on the wet ground.
Bottom line, the garmin is so accurate it will take you right to the collars it can track. I have also checked it with coordinates on google earth and they jive every time.
Whatever one you get, be sure to put some reflective tape on it. It will be much easier to find if you drop it in the woods. You will just have to go looking at night, but you will find it. $600.00 lesson for me.