Handheld GPS

Get a Garmin 60CSX!!!Google it and you can find them for cheap. It was $600.00 when they came out. Now they have newer models and there are some stores that still have some. I have had mine for 5yrs and have had 0 problems. it picks up satellites fast and never looses them even in deep heavy timber canyons.
 
I have and use the Garmin 60CSx. I would recommend it, however it was discontinued. You may find a good deal on a used one out there or maybe a left over.

Garmnin's replacement is the 62s series, which is said tto be every bit as good as the 60CSx was.
 
The 60CSx is a good GPS. The 62S has replaced it as many have said. The 60CSx was ahead of it's time. If you can find one for about $175 or less, I would jump on it. Otherwise, I would stick with the newer models.

Otherwise, I would lean towards the Garmin Oregon 450. Better base map, touch screen, bigger screen and smaller profile and easier to run. Amazon has them for $275 and www.drivengps.com has it on sale for $259.99 which are both still pretty good deals if you can't get the Cabelas sale.

The eTREX 20 and 30 are OK units as well, but I would go for an Oregon 450 or 62S first.

If you are using it for coyote hunting, I would seriously consider getting an automotive GPS instead. For about $125, you can get a 5" color, Garmin GPS with turn by turn navigation and it still can take hunting maps for coyote hunting. They are not great in the field but can be used in a pinch. When I coyote hunt, I always use an automotive GPS with an added hunting map in it. The Nuvi 1450 or LM50 would be my first choices.
 
I purchased a Garmin a few years ago and I use it every now and then. I can't remember the name of it but it was the best one at that time. You don't have to be moving for the compass to work. Maybe they are all that way now but I thought it was a good point.
 
I just sold my 60CSx which was a great GPS. I'm waiting till they work the bugs out, then I'll probably buy a Montana 650. I really don't need the camera with my iPhone, but it will be nice to be able to geotag photos like scrapes and rub lines and have the GPS coordinates associated with it.
 
I just purchased a Nuvi 1350. Will your hunting maps work in this unit? If so, when do you plan to have Texas maps available
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Regards,
hm
 
Originally Posted By: hm1996I just purchased a Nuvi 1350. Will your hunting maps work in this unit? If so, when do you plan to have Texas maps available
grin.gif
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Regards,
hm

Yes, the TRAX maps will work in a Nuvi 1350. It really works in all Garmins which accept a memory card. The only exception is I have to build a special version for 3 older Nuvi styles due to a bug in the firmware of those units.

Unfortunately, Texas is not a state being developed at this time, but I will add another suggestion for it. Always watch my website at www.koutdoorproducts.com for announcements.
 
Originally Posted By: cmatera I just sold my 60CSx which was a great GPS. I'm waiting till they work the bugs out, then I'll probably buy a Montana 650. I really don't need the camera with my iPhone, but it will be nice to be able to geotag photos like scrapes and rub lines and have the GPS coordinates associated with it.

Just my .02 but I personally have not been recommending the Montana to folks and it isn't due to any potential bugs. It is the size of the unit. Don't get me wrong, I love a bigger screen and it is a main factor when I buy or recommend GPS units. The size of the unit in the field is a hinderance. It is too big and bulky to really put in a pocket or carry around effectively in the field. In the vehicle, it is too thick and still doesn't have a super huge screen in comparison to the size of the unit. Garmin saw a niche that people wanted an automotive style GPS that could be used in the field, but in my opinion, they missed the mark. The other issue is you could get a Garmin Nuvi 1450 or LM 50 and a Garmin Oregon 450 and still be cheaper than getting a Montana. You would end up with a better solution for the field and a better solution for the truck and still save money at least until the Montana starts to come down in price. Again, this is just my perspective but as I create maps for Garmin GPS units and various other GPS units, I get to test and play with lots of them.
 
I use a Garmin nuvi 295 ($96 online last year) and a garmon colorado 300 (free).
They both take the map cards & easy as heck to use.
The nuvis are good in the field if they are the portable ones...BUT if left on they will die in about 3hrs. I turn mine off or put to sleep when in the field.
The new LM40/50s are under $100 as of last week for xmas sales. Wallymart has the Garmin nuvis 1300/1350/1450 from $99-$139 also. Online they have mauch more.
 
I use a gps all the time, My best advice to you is save your money and get the best one you can afford. I have a Garmin Rhino 130, cost $400.00 new a while back. It has a radio, (gmrs,fmrs) and a compass that works even if you arent moving, but the best feature (for me) is the track, trackback feature, it has gotten me back to camp in the dead of night many times.
of course it has all the other features like peer to peer positioning, location marking, route building etc, etc.
 
Two of my 4 vehicles have built-in navigation systems. One of the others is my snow plow and one is my Jeep for hunting which does not have a nav system. I'm not super worried about car navigation. I'm sure a hand held will work well enough in my Jeep with the proper accessories. While it would have been nice to have pics with geotagged info embedded, I could certainly forgo the camera. A touch type GPS would be a plus as I am comfortable with its operation from my iPhones. In light of that, what would be my best option?
 
i also run the garmin rino series, very handy unit especially if everyone in your hunt party carries one. helped put the stalk on a massive muley a few year ago.
 
I have an Oregon 450. I bought a topo map from HuntingGPSmaps.com and it works great. I also installed Birdseye imagery and street maps. I use this for hunting as well as road trips. I use rechargeable batteries and have never replaced them during the day.

I don't have any experience with the Nuvi, but someone once told me that battery life is much shorter than the models meant for hiking. Maybe someone with a Nuvi could address that subject.
 
I have Garmin City Nav NA 2009 and Garmin Topo 2007 on micro SD. I realize now that there are better topo maps out there much cheaper.
 
Any love for the Oregon 550? Seems like the same size/weight as the 450 with the "brighter" screen and a camera though not a great one.
 


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