Whats the best handheld gps?

[WallyGader]

I am planning on buying a new hendheld before making some fishing trips coming up, I like the h20c but was curious about what else is on the market and comparable, or just plain better..

[bigbad401]

The H2O is old and not sold or supported anymore by Lowrance. Personally I would not go with it because of that. I prefer the Garmin Oregon series myself. I have an Oregon 200 but I would go with the 450 right now. It is the newer model with a few extra features.

[APCfishing]

I really like my garmin colorado 400t. Super bright colors and easy to read at all times of the day, great battery life, water proof, and super quick scrolling in and out on structure(my favorite feature!)$200 range

[limited out]

I have the H20 and was considering upgrading to the new Lowrance line but have read some not so flattering reviews on the new units. Does anyone have any experiences? Do you need to buy the lake chip map with the new units as well?

[Fever]

I have the h20c and love it. I realize they don't produce them anymore so yeah that has to be taken into consideration but personally my H20 is all i need on the ice. Love the Nav chip and how I can use it in my Lowrance 520c on the water. Haven't seen the Garmin that was mentioned but when my H20 burns out or I lose it somehow that is a bridge I'll have to cross so to speak.

[MidCoast]

Garmin Oregon 400.

[bigbad401]

I have the H20 and was considering upgrading to the new Lowrance line but have read some not so flattering reviews on the new units. Does anyone have any experiences? Do you need to buy the lake chip map with the new units as well?

The new Endura line from Lowrance does not take the same chip as the H2O line, so you would need to buy a new chip.

[CaptainMusky]

I know you specifically asked for handheld GPS and others have provided good feedback so far. But if you have a smartphone like a Droid or IPhone these things are pretty tremendous in themselves.

You can now download the full Navionics HD maps into them at a cost of $10 for Iphone and $13 for Droid. It is the SAME maps that are on the chip that costs $100.

I have a Droid and I have used the Navionics app. Very slick.

This might be something else to consider rather than going and buying another device if you already have a smartphone.

Personally for Navigation purposes on roads, etc, the maps on these smartphones are far superior, updates are done instantly plus there are features not available to things like Tom Tom, etc without a huge cost like Google Earth or Streetview.

You do lose some features though since these are new apps. One thing that I miss so far is tracking. I like to be able to see where I went. Also, to mark a waypoint is different on these apps. You dont create a waypoint by pushing a button, but you tap the screen. Subtle difference and you may not get as precise, but for the cost I think it is worth the little bit of sacrifice.

[DTro]

CM, you can download "Google My Tracks" for a good tracking app. I don't think it works on the Navionics app, but you can switch between the 2 easy enough.

[CaptainMusky]

CM, you can download "Google My Tracks" for a good tracking app. I don't think it works on the Navionics app, but you can switch between the 2 easy enough.

Sweet thanks for the tip. I hadnt heard of that one before.

[DTro]

Sorry don't want to misguide this thread, but there is indeed a "Track" option on the Navionics App.

[croixflats]

I would not trust an app out in the field. reports Ive seen is apps can be up to 75 ft off as for tracking. Generally apps can be close but nowhere near an actual GPS on a lake 75 ft is way off thats no small sacrifice.

The Apps are a good suggestion but

there just is no good replacement for a good GPS unit.

If you want to save some money go to last years model of Garmin like the Map/gps 60 or 76 series. They are being replaced by the 62 and 78 series. They still have superior chipsets for quick lock on satellites and accuracy just have less in newer features.

[DTro]

I guess I can't confirm or deny that, but it is the exact same technology in the phone as in the standalone GPS.

I can't see it being any more accurate.

[bigbad401]

I would not trust an app out in the field. reports Ive seen is apps can be up to 75 ft off as for tracking. Generally apps can be close but nowhere near an actual GPS on a lake 75 ft is way off thats no small sacrifice.

The Apps are a good suggestion but

there just is no good replacement for a good GPS unit.

If you want to save some money go to last years model of Garmin like the Map/gps 60 or 76 series. They are being replaced by the 62 and 78 series. They still have superior chipsets for quick lock on satellites and accuracy just have less in newer features.

I second this. The smartphone apps take readings from the cell towers to find your position, unlike an GPS with the satellites. If you don't have good reception with your phone then you are out an GPS.

[DTro]

Actually they don't and a matter of fact you don't need a cell phone connection to use the app.

Same technology.

[TroutYammer]

I have two H20s with lake chips and I think I will be using them forever! Small, portable and paid for! You can probably pick them up cheap on Craigs or from the Ebabes. No doubt the new units have more features, bigger screens...but just like the new cell phones I do not REQUIRE the additional services.

[croixflats]

I guess I can't confirm or deny that, but it is the exact same technology in the phone as in the standalone GPS.

I can't see it being any more accurate.

Dought that very much considering GPS use chipsetts to acquire signal. Maybe Iam wrong as far as smart phones having chipsetts, Any way it comes down to what chipsett manufacturer is installed into the unit.

[Mid-Lake Rock]

I have used the Navionics app on my Droid X for the past few weeks and I feel that it is as accurate as the H20C. I have not had a problem locating the exact piece of structure I wish to fish. On a trip this past weekend I held it next to my buddy's H20C on several spots and they matched up very well. Only difference is the Droid locks onto the satellite much faster and has a larger screen. I cannot speak to the other smartphones that accept Navionics as I have not used them.

[rkpolaris]

For $13 the app works just fine, Ive used it on the lake several times this year and it works great...with out the $400 dollar price tag!

[DTro]

Most all of today's latest smartphones have chipset just as good or better than standalone handheld GPS units.

To be specific, I believe my Droid X uses a TI NaviLink chipset.

These phone have turn by turn directions just like a Tom Tom or Nuvi, it is the same technology.

What you are gaining by a handheld is durability, waterproofness and probably better battery management. That is really it.

Now if you are a subscriber to a mobile phone service and who knows, maybe already own a smartphone. I would suggest giving it a try for $13 for the Navionics app. I LOVE IT.

Now add the other endless useful apps you can use on your phone vs a handheld. FOR ME, (who already has a phone contract and a smartphone) the choice is a no brainer.

Heck I'd even argue it would be worth buying a new smartphone instead of a handheld if you don't already have one, but that is just my opinion.

[DTro]

and oh, it was an EASY choice for me to sell my H2O. My phone technology is light years ahead of that thing.

I can literally pull it out of my pocket and have it lock in within seconds. Try that after a long road trip with the H2O. LOL

[newalleye]

I've had the Garmin 60cs for a few years and been very happy with the performance. (I believe you can still buy the 60csx, which has a chip...the 60cs doesn't.) The only problem I've had is I dropped it while taking out of my pocket on the wheeler and cracked the screen. I've offered to pay to have it replaced and they won't even though it's the same design as current models, kind of frustrating. Also have the Droid X with Navionics app, for some reason mine doesn't pick up a signal very quickly, not sure if I'm doing something wrong or what. Good luck.

[croixflats]

I dont blame you changing over from the H20 Kidding Aside; see I learned something new today. Though until I actually use an app and you use a GPSmap 62 and compare them side by side and overlay the tracking records we will not know. All I can do for now is go off reports on GPS reviews that show a GPS unit has a better tracking record consistently when compared to Smart phones. One can come to their own conclusion why that is.

Dont mistake my views as apps are not worth it I never said that. Me my smart phone is only used as a phone the extra charge per month is not worth the benefit to me. So far the money I saved from those charges paid for my GPS unit and maps and I am able to get the new contour elite and then some.

[CaptainMusky]

I second this. The smartphone apps take readings from the cell towers to find your position, unlike an GPS with the satellites. If you don't have good reception with your phone then you are out an GPS.

Not true. The phones use GPS to acquire position just like a handheld unit. You do NOT need cell coverage to use one. I have confirmed this countless times where I was on the lake with no ability to call, but it was locked on where my position was because of the satellites.

I know the newer handhelds have gotten better, but acquiring position on my smartphone is almost instantaneous. If it takes 5 seconds I would be shocked it is that fast and you dont have to be moving either. I can sit in my house on the couch in front of my 52" plasma, turn on one of my mapping apps, doesnt matter if its google earth, google maps, navionics, whatever and it will pinpoint me on what corner of the house I am sitting and in an instant.

Regarding accuracy of the Navionics chip on teh water, I have used it 3 times, Mille Lacs, Woman and Hay Lakes. I have found it to be just as accurate as a Lowrance 522 on Woman (didnt have anything to compare to on other two lakes). I was able to walk around the ice, looking for a rock pile, the Map said it would be 21' on a sharp break I drilled a hole and it was 23 on my depthfinder. Drilled 3 more holes and I was on top of the rock hump, and that is exactly where the phone put me.

Extremely happy with it and at a dramatically lower price.

I bought my phone (HTC Incredible) for $149 and got another FREE. They also had a $100 rebate on BOTH phones so they paid me $50 to get two phones. The app cost $13 and all the google apps mentioned are completely free and updated instantly.

They are not as durable as a GPS or waterproof, but for the cost they will more than do the job every bit as good as a handheld GPS.

[CaptainMusky]

Me my smart phone is only used as a phone the extra charge per month is not worth the benefit to me. So far the money I saved from those charges paid for my GPS unit and maps and I am able to get the new contour elite and then some.

Not sure what "smart phone" you have, but all of the major carriers charge you extra each month if you have a smart phone regardless if you use the features or not. Its a requirement.