GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

I need some help please!

I want to buy a GPS handheld unit for backcountry hunts...which one do you recommend? I see that Magelland and Garmin are the 2 main manufacturers...

Your comments will be greatly appreciated, thank you!!

PS. My budget is $350 for the unit...

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

I have a Garmin Rhino that I love. The GPS/walkie-talkie function is awesome, especially with the GPS locater in the event of injury. I don't know much about the Magellin however so take it at face value.

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

I moslty hunt alone, so I don't know how important the radio feature will be for me, but it's good to know it's available...:)

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

My vote is for the Lowrance Expedition Plus. MAke sure you get it with the Mapping version 7 rather than 6.3. Do some research on all competition, but bang for the buck the Expedition is the way to go.

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

Damn, that is the second time today I have given someone completely unapplicableinfo :D

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

I might be kind of partial:D But even back in the day where I work with both Magellan, Garmin, and Lowrance GPS's on a daily basis, I always preferred Garmin for many reasons, followed by Magellan, and then Lowrance. When you have the Etrex series, 60 series, 76 series, and the Rino Series, why look anywhere else...

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

And don't think it wasn't noted, too!:D

Actually.....for my urban honey holes.....I can use my Tom-Tom. It's already got all the roads loaded in!:eek::D

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

Dandbuck, how is the compatibility of map software for the Lowrance GPS and availability?

KSHunter, could you list some of those reasons why you chose Garmin Vs Magellan? is that size, functions, batery life, etc

Thank you all!

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

Here is a website that compares GPS units and has a tremendous amount of info on them. If you can't find the answers to your (not the thread starter specifically, but anyone) GPS questions here then I am thinking you have a lot of questions.

http://gpsinformation.net/

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

Go to the yahoo forums, search for the garmin and lowrance specific forums and start reading. Lots of info there. You can convert your maps to use right on the google earth site(so I've been told), but that's way past where this busy business owner has time to learn about.
Dandbuck

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

Thanks guys... great GPS site man!!

I have a lot of reading to do...:D

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

Here's another, happy reading!!
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=147352
Dandbuck

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

I havent used any other but my lowrance ihunt c has been great wherever ive taken it. tons of features too.

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

another vote for the garmin RINO 120. Such an invaluable tool for communicating while in the woods with your buddies. Man they instantly know your position and can make a trail right to you if you're injured or if you have a mighty one down. Check em out

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

I use the Garmin GPS 72 an have used it for about 4 years, good buy does not cost an arm an leg.

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

Ive had my Meridian(spl) Gold Magellan for so long I havnt thought about any other GPS unit untill earlyer today when I saw a Garmin,I think it was a 60x for around 400(thats what I payed for the Gold 6yrs ago)Looks like a nice GPS.........

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

I'm a huge fan of Garmin stuff, I've had a lot of good experiences with their products. I like the Lowrance that dandbuck noted, but for backcountry bowhunting I wanted the smallest units possible. Let us know what you decide.

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

I am partial as well since I have worked for Garmin so you know who my vote is for! The etrex series IMO are perfect for hunters. They are small and come with many great features. My vote is for the Etrex Vista Color.

RE: GPS Magellan Vs Garmin
 

Thank you all!

Well, I boiled it down to the Magellan 600 and the Garmin Vista Cx...and then the Garmin won me because of the battery life and power source, the Magellan uses a rechargable battery (17 Hrs life), that probably I could recharge on the field with photovoltaic adapters, etc...but I rather have a 30 Hrs battery life of the Garmin and simply change the batteries as needed...
Other aspect of the Garmin that won me was (according to the ones that know), the better quality and detail of their map software...on the other hand the explorist 600 has a 3-axis digital compass that seems very useful and thermomether...but I can do without...

My only grip with the new vista is that it uses the tiny SD cards not the standards, but I guess since the unit is so small its a compromise, and the other negative is the price...but I found it on Ebay for around $270....but I'm thinking that I will probably will go with the "old" Vista model for around $170 since I still have to get binos and range finder, and camo, and new boots, and...the list goes on and on and on...or so said my wife:D:D:D