hey guys, less the 2 weeks to opening day here in md. and i want to buy a gps but when it comes to gps im a dumb as a they come never even seing a gps except for on tv,, was wondering if you guys know some good ones that are easy to use and program, i will be hunting swamps and hardwoods if that helps

Garmin...

On any GPS...read the book and learn how to do ALL of it's features. Takes about an hour of your time...and you'll be thankful instead of scratching your head. Don't even turn it on til it says to in the instructions.

One thing you need to know -- don't expect ANY of the gps units to track your position in a heavily wooded area - at least when there are alot of leaves on the trees. They are a great piece of equipment though. Whatever you do - bring a compass and use it in combination with the gps. You will be able to mark treestand locations, ect. with them, but you will need to get in some sort of clearing to do so (in order to get a good satellite signal). IMO - Magellans are the easiest to use for begginners, but Garmin is quality. Regardless of your choice - read the directions first, play with it for a while to get used to it, and bring a compass - especially if you go into the boonies!

Garmin GPS12 has a better reciever than the eTrex line. And it WILL work in moderate cover....but not thick cover.

Again...a GPS12 WILL suprize you!

The Garmin GPS V Deluxe is my favorite though...

The Etrex Legend seems to be a good middle of the road thing. It works fairly well in open or broken woods, it works with heavy clouds etc. It has mapping capablities with a built in base map. It's fine for what playing I do.

i use the magellan sport track pro.has digital compass,tells altitude,speed,and 100 other things i havent figured out yet..eats batteries though about 12 hrs. on 2 AA

I have had good luck with a magellan Marine..it has sd slot ,for up to 128mg of uploads.
It recieves sat sigs. very good.. Happy i own it

I agree. I have the Etrex Vista with electronic compass, but the Etrex Legend is a good model.

I have an etrx and a rino120 and both are good. The etrex I have is bottom of the line but very functional. The 120 has virtually all the bells and whistles. It really depends what exactly you are looking for but for a name brand

GARMIN

I have nothing but good things to say about the Magellan Sporttrack Map. I have been using it for close to a year now and find it very easy to use with good signal reception. Price is around $200 if I remember correctly though it is offered with a rebate many times throughout the year. It also comes with a standard basemap which greatly aids in maneuvering over some of the less expensive units.