GPS advice
#2
RE: GPS advice
I have a Magellan Sportrak Map model that I am very fond of. I bought it two years ago from Cabelas. It is easy to use and has a decent mapping feature. I have not seen it in any of the catalogs this year soI wonder if they discontinued it. Price was around $150 for the unit itself with another $100 invested in the Travel bundle which included the mapping software and a few other accessories.
#5
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location:
Posts: 100
RE: GPS advice
I have used the etrex legend, and the magellan 200 & 300. It really depends on what you want the gps for. Thethree, I mention all come with a built in base map. The built in base maps are pretty basic and only have major routes listed,most rural roads are not in the base maps. Base maps on the units are nice to have for a references, but really aren't helpful inrural areas. The magellan's have a very nice screen and a very bright orange backlight. The etrex legend has a slightly smaller screen and a white backlight, but it comes with more built in features and the ability to use a external power supply.
The magelan's that I used burned thru the batteries very fast with the backlight on, approx. 5hrs runtime. The etrex legend with the backlight on lasted about 8 1/2 hours. I had a magellan 300 thatwhen the batteries died,the compass, altimeter, and thermometer functions where destroyed on the unit. Company said they would repair the unit free of charge, but I just couldn't trust a unit that was damaged that muchafter it burned thru new batteriesin 4 1/2 hrs and lost 1/2 of it's functions. I have had no problems with the magellan 200 or the etrex legend.
If you just want to know how to get back to your car/truck and mark locations where you see game or game signs, buy one of the cheaper gps in the$100 to$200 dollar range. It will give you all of the features you'll need. If you are looking for one to useas a navigation aid for your autoand in the field, forget it.There are GPS's designed for use in autos andGPS's designed for use in the field, but none really do both very well..
The magelan's that I used burned thru the batteries very fast with the backlight on, approx. 5hrs runtime. The etrex legend with the backlight on lasted about 8 1/2 hours. I had a magellan 300 thatwhen the batteries died,the compass, altimeter, and thermometer functions where destroyed on the unit. Company said they would repair the unit free of charge, but I just couldn't trust a unit that was damaged that muchafter it burned thru new batteriesin 4 1/2 hrs and lost 1/2 of it's functions. I have had no problems with the magellan 200 or the etrex legend.
If you just want to know how to get back to your car/truck and mark locations where you see game or game signs, buy one of the cheaper gps in the$100 to$200 dollar range. It will give you all of the features you'll need. If you are looking for one to useas a navigation aid for your autoand in the field, forget it.There are GPS's designed for use in autos andGPS's designed for use in the field, but none really do both very well..
#6
RE: GPS advice
Currently I have a Garmin Etrex Legend, but Santa is going to leave a Garmin 60cs under the tree for me this year. Both are great units, but the 60cs has a few more features and has 7 times the memory. Whatever you choose(Garmin or Magellan) spend the extra cash and get one that you can download Topo maps into the unit.
Mr. .45-70
Mr. .45-70
#7
Spike
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NY USA
Posts: 34
RE: GPS advice
I've had several models and recommend getting one with the electronic compass. I like the fact it will give you accurate direction when stopped. Downloadable topos are also real handy. I use a Garmin Vista.
#10
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 172
RE: GPS advice
I've got a Garmin 60CS and really like it. Granted, it has more features than I need, but I also use it as a traveling/wayfinding device in my truck. I found mine for $350 on the internet. Pricey, but worth the money.