Hand Held GPS

[SlavetodaBox]

Hey guys, looking for a little info on Handheld GPS systems. If you were in the market for a entry level Hand held unit which one would it be. I do not have any software for any units as of now. I'm fairly mobile as I fish of the four wheeler a lot and most of my fishing is on the river from Winona to Red Wing with the occasional run to URL or Mille Lacs. Any info is appreciated.

[Pinusbanksiana]

Is this going to be used primarily for fishing?

[SlavetodaBox]

yeah not much into hunting.

[yamihoo]

I don't know if your looking for just navigation, or if you want lake topo? But a good entry level unit is Garmin Etrex, there are different models. I've used Magellan and Garmin are much better and compatible with google, MN DNR etc.

I use my etrex for navigating to my hot spots, hunting and trail riding on the atv.

[SlavetodaBox]

I am looking for topo, the etrex has built in lake topo?

[yamihoo]

Garmin Etrex HCx is color and has Topo, gets up there in price though if you want topo, you probably have to buy extra software for good lake topos though. I don't have this model, so I can't vouch for the topo, I just have the basic legend. But hands down, if you read reviews, most people who have tried Magellan and Garmin, will say Garmin is much better, I agree. I've had my Etrex Legend for 5 years and still use it all the time. I tried a Magellan of equal value and it's a joke.

[BobT]

Quote:

Garmin Etrex HCx is color and has Topo

I was not aware that Garmin began installing topo maps on their Etrex. Is this something new? From my experience the basemap on the unit will only have major roads with little else. If you want land topo or lake contour maps you'll have to purchase additional software.

The Etrex Legend HCx comes with the basemap but as I mentioned, it lacks much detail. The Etrex Legend HCx is microSD card compatible so if you want to add lake contour or land topo maps you can by purchasing additional software.

The Etrex Legend is a nice entry level unit that will likely do anything you might need. The screen is a little smaller but that's part of the lower cost. The HCx version is more expensive because of the color screen, electronic compass, and altimeter capability. My personal choice would be the HCx because the color screen is nice and the electronic compass is handy when using it afield. I use a Rino120 and lack that compass. You can work without it but there are times when the compass would be nice.

[SlavetodaBox]

Thanks for all the info, has anyone heard anything about the eTrex Vista as compaired to the legend. They are the Same price online.

[bigbad401]

I would go on to Garmins site and do a comparison of the models you are looking at.