H2O vs Garmin hand held

[kapp]

anybody using a Garmin? compared to an H20 what are the advantages? disadvantages? i need a new unit

[croixflats]

Quality battery life last longer, satellite reception better, and depending on what Garmin unit you get more features. Only draw back is they cost more but you get a better unit that will last and you can do much more with it. Oh and the only except Lakemaster and not Navionics

Of course this is just my opinion.

As I am partial to Garmin products I also am partial to making my electronic purchases through ProFishingSupply.com. Dave is a great guy to work with and he caries both Garmin and Lowrance units at great prices.

[sausageman]

Garmin...Very user friendly

Lowrance..Not nearly as friendly

Garmin...great reception (CSX series) MY CSX locks in in my house. Never ever lose reception.

Lowrance...I had the Hunt-C and I lost reception a lot. Takes longer to lock in position.

Lowrance...Can use Lakemaster or Navionics chips(sp)

Garmin...limited to Lakemaster.

These are just a couple Pro's and Con's that I found.

[bobbymalone]

I have a Garmin 60cx and have no complaints. +1 for the previous posters --- batteries last forever, reception is great.

Only drawback I can see is the H2O has a larger screen. On the flip side though, the smaller screen makes for a smaller overall unit. I think the Garmin feels a bit more rugged.

The H2O can also take LakeMaster or Navionic chips. Not sure of the advantages of Navionics. I have no problem with the LakeMaster chip.

I also do a bit of geocaching, so the Garmin was a no brainer for me.

[desert_bulls]

I agree that garmin are more user friendly, but locking on faster I have to disagree. I have the expedition, buddy has the GPSMAP® 76Cx - I have always locked on quicker then him. I also think the lowrance maps are more enhanced with the lakemaster chip. My buddy loves his and wouldn't give it up, but he has told me he likes the maps better on my expedition. Now, that being said, you get a lot more maps with the garmin.