GPS's

[jigstick44]

Hi all,
I am looking to purchase a GPS within the next month and would like some input from some of the experts on what is the "best buy" I would be using it for open water and ice fishing, and also 4 wheeling. Any advice would be greatly appreciated on what to buy and where to buy it. I know a little bit about them but not enough to go buy one yet. I would hate to buy the wrong one just because I want one right now. I am looking to spend about $200-250. Thanks again!

[zelek]

I use a Garmin GPS 72 for bowhunting, ice fishing and open water fishing. It works great and I couldn't imagine not having it now.

This unit doesn't have the map capabilities of some...but it's all I need for $160. I bought mine at Reed's Sporting Goods in Walker, MN.

[Moving to Equipment Forum]

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 07-06-2004).]

[FullTilt]

Lowrance Ifinder Pro, $199. Has the best maping upgrades available by far.

[jigstick44]

Does anybody have or have tried a Garmin Rhino? A friend showed me his this weekend and I was pretty impressed. Does anybody have any advice on this particular unit?

[JEV]

I bought a Garmin Rino 120 a couple of years ago. I have been more than happy with it. After a little reading of the manual and playing around with it, I have found it more than satisfactory. I use it for fishing, open and hard water, hunting, and even as a speedo for my car. It does like to go through the batteries though. I bought rechargables and also a 12volt adapter cord. For what I use it for I have been really pleased....

[Kingfisher]

I would try the GPS you are interested in first. Take a walk with it and see if it leaves a nice clear line so out on the water its easy to read as you follow your track after you locate your fish. I have a Garmin 12 that does a very good job leaving an easy track to follow. My fishing partner purchased a Lowrence and it was very difficult to see the track, that unit was returned because of another malfunction, so he purchased a Garmin (I do not know the model), and it leaves a very poor track to follow, so we use my old Garmin 12, easy to see from 3-4 feet away.

[Gus]

I really like my Garmin Etrex Vista. Easy to use, lightweight and has many many accesories avalable. Software with downloadable maps is great. I think what you really need to do is just spend some time working with a couple of different units in a store and see which one you like the best. I think they are all very good.

[ScoutII]

Talk to the guy at Fish-Lectronics I-Finder H2O shipped to your door for under $250.00. They are not even in the stores yet.

[joshb]

personally i haven't had very good luck with gps's in the woods the trees can snuff out your sat's no problem.

[gofishingtom]

I Finder pro H20 now available at scheels in st. cloud.called today and there in 249.00..navionics chip capable.....

[jigstick44]

I have been told that the number of satelites per unit doesn't really matter, is there any truth to this?

[Scoot]

GPS tip- do a search on gps's on this forum and search through the old questions and answers. There tends to be a lot of gps questions that have the same answers. Members get bored with giving the same response over and over so you end up getting fewer responses to these "Which gps?" type questions.

Another gps tip- despite the differences you'll hear about between manufacturers, they're vastly overstated. Most people know about the unit they own and say they like it. Most units are pretty decent. Look at the specific bells and whistles you want and get a unit that has them. Garmin, Magellen, whatever- most units that are still around are solid.

------------------
Scoot

RodsbyEngel: custom made fishing rods

[Justfishing]

In that price range I would look at the Magellan Sportrak and Meridian. They are waterproof and float. After talking to a guy who lost his in the lake, having a floating/waterproof unit was at the top of my list. Go to pricegrabber.com and you can find the Meridian Gold for $169 plus shipping. The difference between the Sportrak and Meridian series - Sportrak has a smaller screen and limited builtin memory. The Merdiain series accepts standard memory cards so memory is unlimited and it hasa larger screen.

I really liked the Ifinder Pro. I thought it had the clearest screen and also accepts memory cards. It does not float. It is water resistant but not water proof. Had it floated and was waterproof I would have gotten it. The new H2O is waterproof but it doesnt float. Being waterproof doesnt do much good sitting on the bottom in 20 feet of water.

The Garmin mapping units were out of my price range so I dont know to much about them.

I found the Sportrak map on sale for $150 after rebate. The package came with the mapping software,mounting bracket, and power cable for the car. If you are not in a hurry you can find some deals.

[This message has been edited by Justfishing (edited 07-13-2004).]

[SCUMFROG]

I have a Rino 120 and I love it. I use the 2 way radio all the time so to have a g.p.s. with one built in was a huge plus for me.

[Jarrod32]

Scoot was right...do a search, and you will find all kinds of info on the topic.

My only suggestion would be that you look into the software first, then buy the GPS unit that is most compatable with your chosen software.

I wound up getting the i-Finder Pro...I felt that it was the best unit for the price, and accepted the software/had the capabilities that I wanted it to. My second choice was the Magellan Meridian Gold, but like the other post said, they are all good, solid products...its just a matter of personal preference regarding features, etc.

My two (or three or four) cents.