slee

I am about to purchase a gps in the next few weeks, and wanted some opinions. I have it narrowed down to the ETrex or the GPS12. I have only been here in western WA for 2 years, so most of the places I go are new to me. I would use it for scouting for deer, elk, turkey, and maybe logging some hotspots for salmon. Some of the areas I go would definitely qualify as heavy cover, so does one seem to lock on satellites better than the other? What's your experience with these units, and which would you recommend? I work at a Gart Sports, so after my discount there will only be about $30 difference between these units. Is the GPS12 $30 better than the ETrex? I just sell 'em, I've never used 'em. Help me out guys.

Big Country

I have no experience with the etrex, but my gps12 works great! Really easy to use, hooks up fast, and very accurate.

The Mouse

Please don't take too much offense but you should have your butt kicked for not knowing the answer to this question if you sell these two products. Mental note: Don't go to Gart for advice...

Both are Garmin products. Both should have 12 channel receivers so they will pick up signals about equally. The eTrex is designed for easy of use. The GPS12 is an older model but one that is full of features that the average person may not need. I have a GPS12 (purchased just as the original eTrex was coming out) and it works just fine but I don't use about 50% of the available functions.

If it was me, I would save $30 and get the eTrex then use the $$ to buy a high quality compass if you don't have one already.

The Mouse

Two Beards

Slee-I'm not familar with the GPS12, so I can't really compare the two. I do have a eTrax...very simple to use and picks up signals very quickly. I've used mine in some heavily timbered areas,as well as, some smaller mountain ranges(4000-5000 ft) with no problems. I use mine strictly for hunting, so I needed something simple and reliable. I met a guy on a hunting trip this winter that had a high-end GPS(don't know what model,but it was supposed to be able to do everything except make breakfast <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>)...he'd owned it for a year and still didn't know how to use it! He didn't buy it at Gart Sports did he? <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>


TB

slee

Sticks and stones.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Just so you know Mouse, I know the features on both of these units. But knowing the features, and knowing how well it functions in the field are two different things. Yes, they should hold signals about the same. I also know cell phones should too, but they don't.
I've used a friend's GPS12 in the field, but I haven't had any experience with the eTrex. I'm leaning towards the eTrex right now, though, just for price. For the money, I think it will do all I need. I get by pretty well with the ol' map and compass most of the time anyway.

keeter

i have used both the etrex and the gps 12. i prefer the gps 12 since i am used to it and all the functions. the 12 seems to aquire the satalite signals quicker. i would not be afraid to go with the etrex. it had more than enough features and will most likely do anything you will need it for. it is smaller and uses less batteries than the 12 so it is easier to take along when you go out.

The Mouse

Slee,

Didn't mean to flame you...I understand what you mean by advertised vs. real attributes of a product. I think you will be happy with the eTrex. I would have gotten one if I had been shopping 6 months later but I didn't want to spend my dough on a newly released product. Plus you can use the eTrex with one hand which is a bonus if you need to other to hold your gun or bow. I have a friend who has an eTrex and we have even gotten good quick signal lock while driving down tree lined county roads. Good luck!

The Mouse

PowDuck

Don't know anything about the GPS12 but I do own an eTrex. I've had it for over a year and love it. It picks up signals in the heaviest of foliage and it's very easy to use. Also, not bothered with a lot of functions that most GPS users never use.

One bit of advice I would offer as to eTrex models (low end) is to spend the extra $10 for the camo one; not for the camo cover but for the fish and game solunar tables built into it. The yellow one doesn't have this but all other functions are the same.

Romans 8:28

The ORB

The ETrex ia an excellent unit. However be aware that the basic unit does not allow for downloadable map data (only basic waypoints etc). To get the mapping capability you need to go for the ETrex Venture or Vista, which are more expensive.

AlexB

Powduck

I just got a Etrex for X-mas, the yellow one, and it has the solunar tables. Under each waypoint, it has a Hunt?fish option. It tells well are the best times and good times then on another screen it gives you the rise and fall of the sun and the moon.
I do not know if this has just been added to the newer models.

I love the Etrex. Easy to use, figured it out in an hour.

Alex