Lowrance Endura Sierra, Safari and Outback
UPDATE: Read my Lowrance Endura Out&Back and Lowrance Endura Sierra review
Lowrance has posted details on their new Endura handheld series. Each model has a 2.7" touch-screen and a micro-SD slot for maps. All three are scheduled to be available in May, not April as we reported this morning.
- Endura Sierra – This top of the line model (pictured at right) comes with a barometric altimeter, tri-axial compass, 4 GB of internal memory and preloaded "AccuterraTM high-resolution topographic maps, extensive outdoor trail networks and Points of Interest, as well as the NAVTEQ® road network for the contiguous 48 states with an upgrade option for full-featured turn-by-turn navigation." (MSRP $549)
- Endura Safari – This unit drops the internal memory, tri-axial compass (in favor of a two-axis electronic compass) and the Accuterra maps; instead of the latter it has a basemap with "detailed hill shading, topographic contours, primary and secondary roads and key Points of Interest (POI)." (MSRP $384.99)
- Endura Outback – This entry level unit drops the barometric altimeter and electronic compass. (MSRP $229)
Here's the full news release on the Sierra:
Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics and GPS navigational systems since 1957, announced today the introduction of Sierra, its next-generation handheld GPS. Featuring touch-screen operation, a high-accuracy 3D digital compass and barometric altimeter, the Sierra provides sensor-enhanced navigation and better situational awareness capabilities than other products on the market. Preloaded with high-detail outdoor maps and fully functional right out of the box, the Sierra is the flagship of Lowrance’s new Endura line of handheld GPS devices*.
Designed for versatility, Sierra provides never before seen expansion capabilities. The device contains 4GB of internal memory and provides a micro SD expansion slot supporting up to an additional 32GB of storage for mapping, pictures and MP3 audio files. The pre-loaded content includes Intermap’s AccuterraTM high-resolution topographic maps, extensive outdoor trail networks and Points of Interest, as well as the NAVTEQ® road network for the contiguous 48 states with an upgrade option for full-featured turn-by-turn navigation. In addition, Lowrance offers a full range of optional mapping content including Fishing Hot Spots® and other national and international map content. Fully customizable, the Sierra accepts many public domain files and community-based content such as GPX trails and general outdoor POI’s.
”The Sierra handheld GPS is the product that premiere outdoor enthusiasts have been waiting for,” said Jens-Thomas Pietralla, president and CEO of Navico. "With detailed on-board mapping, tremendous expansion capabilities and access to community content, the Sierra is equally suited for hiking, mountain biking, hunting, backpacking and geocaching, as well as cycling, snowmobiling, off-roading, paddlesports and skiing.”
The Sierra offers a user interface optimized for ease-of-use featuring both touch-screen and keypad functionality. Fully waterproof to the IPx7 standard (submersible), the compact Sierra offers a comfortable grip and steel-blue housing with rubberized armoring. The device measures 5.1-inch high x 2.3-inch wide x 1.1-inch deep (130mm x 60mm x 31mm) and weighs a scant 5.8 ounces (165 grams) without two AA batteries. The handheld device includes a high-resolution 2.7-inch color touch screen display, mini-USB port for power and data cables (USB-to-mini USB cable included), and two reinforced attachment loops. The Sierra is protected by a one-year limited warranty.
Price & Availability:
The Lowrance Sierra GPS has a suggested retail price of $549 U.S. and will be available for purchase in May 2009 through authorized Lowrance dealers and distributors. For more information on the Sierra, the complete Endura line and compatible mapping products, visit www.lowrance.com/Endura, or call 1.800.324.1356 in the USA or 1.800.661.3983 in Canada.
* The Lowrance Endura line consists of three innovative touch-screen GPS handhelds for the outdoor market: the flagship Sierra – the most powerful and complete out-of-box GPS experience available, the Safari – the most versatile navigator for any outdoor experience, and the Outback – setting a new standard in affordability and ease of use.
AccuTerra is a GPS mapping product provided by Intermap Technologies
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I’ve been exclusively Garmin for years. I have a Nuvi in the car and a first generation eTrex Vista on my mountain bike. The Vista has done me proud, but the screen is packing up and fixes seem to take longer and longer. It needs replacement. I first considered a 60CSx – very good, but too big, too old, Then the Colorado – expensive, clumsy and a rubbish screen in sunlight. Finally, the pretty and user-friendly Oregon – but again, the screen is useless in bright light (rather defeating its object as a trail GPS)!
I have been so disappointed by Garmin’s apparent disdain for the trail market that I am thinking of having an affair with a rival. Trouble is there’ve been no candidates out there – now with this Lowrance, I might just be unfaithful ….
Wake up Garmin and uprate the Oregon fast – especially the screen!
Any word on what chipset these new units use? Is it Sirf III or something else?
No, but I expect it’s going to be a high-sensitivity, non-SiRF chip, given their recent legal issues regarding Broadcom patents.
I’am looking for the Lowrance Endura Safari manual, were can I get it?
You can get it fron Loweance here
I don’t think it’s out yet, but there is a Quick Start Guide posted here… http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/Outdoors/Endura-Safari/Downloads/
I’m really interested in the LowRance Safari as a geocaching handheld. I’ve read all the reviews and, as Steve E says – there doesn’t seem to be anything better on the market. But I’ve read so much about the Sirf III chips reliability -that I’m tempted to purchase something based on chipset alone. Does anyone now what chipset this is using and are there any independent ratings/analysis out there?
I don’t think so, but one source has speculated that it is the STM Cartesio. Here are some reviews… http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=122342
I should have one in hand later today for testing, but it will take a month to test and post a review.
I am looking to up date from my Ihunt to the sierra. Can any one tell me if all the way points on my Ihunt can be transferred to the new unit?
If you can convert them to .gpx format, I think it will work. GPS Babel is what I would try…
http://www.gpsbabel.org