Garmin GPSMAP 76

[mr.z 1972]

I am thinking about picking up one of these. They are water proof and they say that they float. Does anyone have an opinion on them?

[Big-Al]

Garmin makes a great product and the 76 would be a very economical unit to purchase. Before you do though, you should go to the Garmin site and compare the 76, 76c (color), 76cs (adding electronic compass and barometer) and 76csx (adding micro SD card capability and a much more sensitive receiver)

[croixflats]

Very nice unit, Ive had the 76cx for 3 years now and still love it. Great reception and accurate. I do wish I went the electronic compass route 76csx.

[ICE_TEAM_DREAMER]

I have a used one for sale if you are interested. You can email me at dts3511 at y___o dot com

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

I have an old (really old) Garmin 76 without the map and I have not had any issues with it at all. I transfered my summer spots to it so I really don't need the map for local fishing. It also helps keep me away from the aerators on the lake after dark or in a snow storm!!

[joneshat11]

I would upgrade to the GPSMAP 78 though. You really want the electronic compass and a unit without it will spin off axis once you stop moving. Otherwise GPS units without are only good if you are moving. I have the 78 and it is absolutly awsome. Just fyi though, you'll have to order a lakemap chip from lakemasters HSOforum as none of the stores have the Garmin chip. Don't know why but they don't.

[Ride_Red]

you could go with the gpsmap 76csx that has the electronic compass in it, it is also the one that i have been using for years, great gps. I use it on the atv all summer, in the boat fishing, and of course all winter ice fishing. The gpsmap 78 has a multi-directional, compass in it though, so you don't have to hold it horizontal for it to work like the 76. the 78 can be upright, which I think is nice.

[mixxedbagg]

Great unit. Very user friendly. I haven't ever used Lakemaster, so I don't know how it works with that, but everything else I've ever wanted to do on the water or in the woods has been easy with the 76. Are there more advanced units with many more bells and whistles available? Yeah--but you pay for them and in some cases they're annoying. If you're going to use the unit in the woods, well, I'd rather be in the woods with a guy who really knows how to make the most of his "plain jane" GPS than a guy who has a thousand dollar does-it-all GPS and doesn't really understand what it's telling him and how that can be useful.

In fact, if you won't be using Lakemaster or otherwise uploading background maps, save yourself a hundo or so and find a Garmin 72. I only use GPS units to find my way back to places I've discovered, mark trailheads, and map trails, all of which have been easy with the 72.

And yes, both units are waterproof and float.

[mr.z 1972]

I have a used one for sale if you are interested. You can email me at dts3511 at y___o dot com

Sent

[Northlander]

For sure get the one that will hold chips.

[fishnowworknever]

I have the csx model and absolutely love it. Coming from an H20c I had to get used to the slightly smaller screen, but I wouldn't trade this for anything now.

It even picks up GPS signals in the thick woods, which is great for hunting.

[BigRock]

I have a Garmin Map 76, and it does not have SD card capability. It works well as a standard GPS handheld unit, but it does have limitations for fishing use without being able to put a chip in it. You'd be fine if you are looking for a handheld to tell you where you are, but beyond that I would go with something else. +1 on the comments stating that you have to move to update, or refresh your current position vs. the Map 78 that was mentioned. I kept this one after I got my H2Oc because it does a good job of locking on and keeping a good signal, even in cover.

[gurkster]

I have one and like it. It doesn't take the card/chip but you can get a CD and download and upload maps that way. It is slick IMO.

[fishergurl]

I just bought a used one on [Note-from-admin-Please-don't-send-folks-there]. It already has the lakemaster MN downloaded on it. I am having a hard time figuring out how to find the lakes on the gps, in fact I am wondering if I should set the GPS back to the original settings, and start over. I don't really want to, cause I know that the guy had upgraded the lakemaster recently, and I am afraid I will lose that. Does anyone have any suggestions on how figuring out this GPS?