Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart

Comments

1. Maureen says:
   December 11, 2010 at 5:27 pm

   Which one would you say is the best for hiking? Must be idiot proof if possible – prepared to pay extra for that!

   Reply
   • Rich Owings says:
     December 12, 2010 at 8:45 am

     Either the Oregon 450 or GPSMAP 62s. The Oregon 450 may be a bit more user friendly. This may help…

     http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/garmin-gpsmap-62s-or-oregon-450.html

     Reply
2. David says:
   December 13, 2010 at 6:47 am

   Greetings from the UK.
   I’m looking for some advice please.
   I recently drowned my 3 year old Geko 201 while snorkelling in Cuba, and I’m looking for a replacement. Previously I had subjected it to a “dunking” when I made an unscheduled dismount while jet-skiing 2 years ago, but either I was in the water too long this time or perhaps the battery cover seal had become worn.
   I used the Geko primarily for tracklog recording to tag photographs with gps data, and it’s my understanding that some units don’t save the timestamp with lat/lon rendering the data useless for that purpose.
   The Geko was almost ideal in every way, it was small, light, could use AAA rechargeable batteries, and waterproof (at least when new!). Unlike the Forerunner series it also records as soon as it is switched on…
   The only improvements I could have wished for would have been larger tracklog storage and better reception; my Nokia N86 is fantastic although of course it is using network assisted data.
   Thank you for an extremely useful and interesting site.

   Reply
   • Rich Owings says:
     December 13, 2010 at 7:46 am

     Oh boy, you’re testing my memory about how older units functioned. It may be that saved tracklogs don’t save the timestamp. So as long as you don’t go over 10K track points, its okay. Otherwise, any Garmin unit’s tracklog should have a time stamp.

     For better reception, get a unit with a high sensitivity chipset. The Foretrex 301 might be a good option. Other ones to look at include the eTrex Venture HC or Legend H. For more tracklog storage, you would need a unit with a memory card slot, like the Legend HCx.

     Hope this helps!

     Reply
3. Paul says:
   December 26, 2010 at 11:38 am

   I am looking for a handheld that I will use for marking entrances to caves, mines, and other misc. places. I will be mainly in the central USA and lots of places have heavy vegitation. I am not worried about being within inches just close to the sites. I would like to have route trace, preferably an altimeter, SD card slot, regular batteries, compass, and color screen. I have been looking almost exclusively at Garmin allthough I have seen almost all of them. I was considering the 60csx, colorado series, or the oregon series, after all the research I have done myself I was strongly considering the 60csx, which has been my top choice for a while. For christmas my wife surprized me with a Garmin etrex legend hcx with an 8gig micro sd card. Before I open it she said to make sure its the on I want. I would appreciate you input and thank you for your time.

   Reply
   • Rich Owings says:
     December 26, 2010 at 11:51 am

     The Legend HCx will do what you need, except is has no barometric altimeter. The advantages of the newer models include the ability to add aerial imagery and custom maps, like USGS topos. Of the newer models, my faves are the Oregon 450 and the GPSMAP 62s. All the newer ones will function much better with rechargeable AAs, BTW.

     Reply
     • Paul says:
       December 26, 2010 at 12:40 pm

       I like the GPSMAP62s the best did it replace the 60csx? and what maps do you recommend and where do you get the maps(USGS maps) as I would like to add USGS topo maps. I also like the idea of overlaying locations to arial images. Thanks again, Paul

       Reply
       • Rich Owings says:
         December 26, 2010 at 3:21 pm

         They haven’t officially discontinued the 60CSx, but yes, it is the successor. You can get great free topo maps at http://gpsfiledepot.com. You will have to create your own USGS topos for it using the custom map functionality. Here are my posts on the subject:

         http://gpstracklog.com/tag/garmin-custom-maps

         Reply
4. Joel says:
   January 5, 2011 at 2:07 am

   Hi Rich,

   Sorry to bother you with stupid questions but Im finding it really difficult knowing what to get.Im from Australia but am and will be living in Western Samoa for a number of years. I enjoy locating caves and old ruins and therfore love the idea of overlaying google maps or scaned paper maps to the hand held unit. But is the custom maps really that good and completly free as they sound? Could you explain a little on that please. Im not too concerned about it having games and such as its just for me.

   Is there much advantege between the 450 and 450t for the price? As in, are there even any topo maps for western Samoa? As Samoa is in the Pacific is there a version that I need to get in reguard to the map coverage etc?

   Is there a place that you suggest I can get one at a good price but will still work in Western Samoa and Australia in reguard to maps (also taking into consideration Australia and Samoa is 240V AC power)?

   With out sacerficing screen detail is there any other models that may suit me better for the price range?

   Once again sorry for the billion questions. But I need help.

   Thanks

   Joel

   Reply
   • Rich Owings says:
     January 5, 2011 at 9:46 am

     Custom maps are free, but require some work on your part. Here are my posts about it…

     http://gpstracklog.com/tag/garmin-custom-maps

     Here in the US, I recommend the 450 over the 450t, as there are great free topos available. Is there an Australian version of the 450t? The answer would depend on the type of maps it has vs. free ones.

     I found an auto map for Western Samoa at http://sites.google.com/site/rcmaps2/samoa_maps. It may have topos too; not sure.

     I don’t know anything about 240V power, but otherwise the Oregon 450 is a fine unit.

     Hope this helps.

     Reply
     • Joel says:
       January 6, 2011 at 3:13 am

       Thanks heaps Rich for your help.

       Yes from my understanding there is a Austrlian version of the 450t with topos of Australia and New Zealand.

       So just to get this straight in my head. If I was to buy a 450 from the US as they are cheaper, the world base map should be the same in it and therefore work just as well, but the 450t is a different story as the US version would only have the US map. Am I thinking right?

       Apart from the topo maps is there any other functions that you miss out from the 450 to the 450t?

       Joel

       Reply
       • Rich Owings says:
         January 6, 2011 at 11:17 am

         AFAIK, the base map is the same, so yes, the 450 should be the same, regasrdless of where you buy it. Not so with the 450t, as you noted.

         Other than some memory differences and the 450t’s maps, the units are pretty much identical. This may help…

         http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/Product+Information#x-G9.%29%20Is%20there%20a%20Australian%20Version%20of%20the%20Garmin%20Oregon%20400t%20and%20450t?

         Reply
5. Mark says:
   January 19, 2011 at 7:35 pm

   Hi Rich,
   Will the GPSMAP 78s do everything the 62st will do? I figure why not go with the 78 since it floats and handles nautical charts as long as it can do everything the 62st can do.
   Thanks,
   Mark.

   Reply
   • Rich Owings says:
     January 20, 2011 at 10:54 am

     That’s the main difference. If you’re interested in nautical charts, that’s probably a good choice, though you may want to look at the 78sc. This may help…

     http://garmingpsmap.wikispaces.com/Product+Information

     Reply
6. Karen says:
   January 24, 2011 at 2:49 pm

   There’s alot of discussion about the two different chipsets for the 60Csx. I’m having issues with my 2 YO Garmin updating the live track over a previously laid track. It seems to freeze, or take forever to update. I’m using it for Search & Rescue dog training and so need the live track to update at the pace of a fast dog (at a human jogging pace). I love my 60Csx, but am willing to update to a GPS with faster processor if that’s what it takes to be very accurate with walking/running the previously laid track (logged track). Any advice? Also, I do view the track zoomed in fairly close and in 20 degree weather, if that make a difference.

   Reply
   • Rich Owings says:
     January 25, 2011 at 9:59 am

     What are your track settings? It’s under Tracks > Setup. If it’s set for automatic, that could explain the behavior you’re seeing.

     Reply
7. Charles Kendrick says:
   January 30, 2011 at 3:08 pm

   Got an unusual one for you Rich – I’m looking for a GPS for backcountry snowmobiling, specifically, shuttling riders with ski/snowboard gear up trails in the north Lake Tahoe area.

   I’m looking at the Garmin 400t, but a few concerns:

   1. it’s got topo maps, but is it likely to have topo maps of places outside of state parks? Some of the places I’m going have state-maintained hiking trails in the vicinity, some don’t

   2. the 3d rendering is great when in the mountains and a major reason that I’d part with $300+, but, if I’m loading 3rd-party maps, will 3d rendering still kick in?

   3. have you ever tried the touch screen with gloves / glove liners on? I know most smartphone touchscreens won’t work unless you have special gloves, which might be OK, but if I wanted capabilities similar to the 400t but non-touchscreen controls, what would you recommend?

   Reply
   • Rich Owings says:
     January 30, 2011 at 3:26 pm

     Love that area!

     1. Yes, it has preloaded 100K topos of the entire US. But I’d go with the 450 instead. You’ll get a brighter screen and no preloaded topos, but there are some great free 24K topos at http://gpsfiledepot.com.

     2. 3D isn’t worth it. But if I’m not mistaken, it has to have a Garmin map loaded, which might steer you towards the 450t. I *think* that third party maps will display 3D if there is a Garmin map loaded in the background. A search for 3D here may help… http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/

     3. The screen is resistive, not capacitive, so it works okay with gloves. In my testing, it worked well enough except with fleece gloves. The Garmin GPSMAP 62s is a good non-touch alternative.

     Reply
     • Charles Kendrick says:
       January 31, 2011 at 2:49 pm

       Thanks Rich, that’s great feedback!

       I think I’m sold on going for 24k topos (free or otherwise) after seeing the side by side shots here (from an Oregon 400t)
       http://gpsinformation.info/penrod/24Kmaps/twofourmaps.html
       That stream detail really matters for trying not to ride into a creek!

       A few follow-up questions:
       1. I chanced across an Amazon review mentioning that when using a custom map, the HCx was far slower to render than higher end handhelds (62s, as you suggested). Do you know if there’s a speed difference between the 450 and 62s? I’m going to be stopping and consulting this thing a lot, so even a 30% or so speed difference would clinch the decision for me..

       2. the 3D function – I’m sure it’s mostly a gimmick, but I have this very specific use case of using it to find good fall lines in unfamiliar territory. Do you think it has value then?

       3. when using the 3D function is it possible to move your viewpoint to somewhere other than where you’re standing?

       4. semi-related: do you know of a desktop application that would let you visualize topo maps in 3d? Google Earth maybe?

       Reply
       • Rich Owings says:
         February 1, 2011 at 10:10 am

         1. Are you taking about panning the map? I haven’t noticed a speed difference, and I do own and use both. I just checked them side by side and while there is a redraw lag on both, its only a second or so. I don’t see this when moving BTW, only when panning.

         2. What do you mean by fall lines? Close contours? I would also suggest going to a store that has a “t” unit with preloaded maps and check it out in person. It may work better in your terrain. A Google image search for Garmin Oregon 3D will give you some examples.

         3. Not very easily. I just tried it and its hard to move any distance at all.

         4. Yes, you can do it with Google Earth using a product like http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/. My favorite program is TopoFusion though.

         Reply
         • Charles Kendrick says:
           February 1, 2011 at 10:47 am

           Thanks Rich. By fall lines I meant skiable paths down a mountain – after fooling around with Google Earth for a bit I can see I’m not going to be discovering these on the fly with a 3 inch screen and 1 second panning delay

           I’m going with the 450, will try out the maps from gpsfilesdepot.com with it and see if I feel the need to get Garmin’s own 24k topos.

           Will definitely grab the TopoFusion trial too.

           Thanks again!
8. Charles Kendrick says:
   February 1, 2011 at 10:10 am

   To answer one of my own questions (#4): Google Earth has high resolution elevation data, but mysteriously insists on showing you satellite imagery superimposed on the 3d model, with no way to turn it off. If you want to replace the satellite imagery with topo lines, use this KML file to replace it with what you see in Google Maps in “Terrain” mode (elevation lines, roads including forest service roads).

   http://www.mgmaps.com/kml/

   This is just about perfect, although it soaks up memory like a sponge.

   Note Garmin Basecamp theoretically also does this, but:
   1. it’s flaky with detecting 3d capability on PCs – didn’t work for me even though I meet the specs, and I see other similar reports
   2. works fine on a Mac, but I don’t know how to load any of the free maps from gpsfilesdepot.com, so you’d have to buy Garmin maps

   Reply
   • Rich Owings says:
     February 1, 2011 at 10:45 am

     I’m a Mac newbie (just made the switch), but I think you can load the map to BaseCamp using Garmin’s MapInstall program…

     http://www8.garmin.com/macosx/

     Check out TopoFusion though. Its awesome.

     Reply
9. Rich Owings says:
   February 1, 2011 at 11:17 am

   Glad to help! The 450 is a great unit. Just in case it matters though, did you see this…?

   http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/garmin-gpsmap-62s-or-oregon-450.html

   Reply
   • Charles Kendrick says:
     February 1, 2011 at 3:34 pm

     Thanks – I had actually missed your article that directly compared the two, but fortunately, my list of pros and cons pretty much matched yours, and I was sold on the larger screen and smaller size.

     Reply
10. rob emerson says:
    February 4, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    looking to update my 76, down to the 450t 78cs or 62st primary use is hunting, reception is important

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      February 5, 2011 at 1:44 pm

      All good units. No need to get a T model with preloaded 1:100k topos unless you do a lot of cross country trips though. Go for the Oregon 450, 62s or 78s instead and load it up with free 24K topos from http://gpsfiledepot.com. This might also help…

      http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/garmin-gpsmap-62s-or-oregon-450.html

      The Oregon 450′s firmware is a bit more mature, so you *may* see a little better accuracy with it.

      Reply
11. Mike K says:
    February 6, 2011 at 11:15 am

    Rich I need some advice. I am currently looking to upgrade my Garmin nuvi205 to one of the following….the nuvi 1390t, 1450, or the 1690t. I can get a re-furb 1690t for pretty cheap, but I have read nothing but terrible costomer reviews for that model. I like the 1450, but not too sure about the HUGE 5in screen. I really like the 1390t but it lacks a couple few features of the other 2 models. Most important features I want are “junction view” and speak street names. I have a lifetime map update card to install for whatever unit I pick. Which do you prefer? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      February 6, 2011 at 7:38 pm

      The 5″ screen is nice when entering POI or address searches, but I find it a bit bulky otherwise.

      Junction View coverage is VERY limited unless you live in one of the largest metros. Lane Assist is much more widespread. All three speak street names. Between those three, I’d probably choose the 1390T.

      Reply
12. Sandy Bender says:
    February 16, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    Ugh! I have been researching and comparing handheld GPS units until I can’t see straight. I am in the process of creating a trail system for horseback riding and what I want a unit to do is to help me get from Point A to Point B and onwards in an area that is the least steep and driest for riding a horse on (i.e. horseworthy. I have narrowed it down to the GPSmap62 or the Oregon 450. The tree canopy I am hiking in and marking is really dense sometimes. Do these units have the new super sensitive antennae? I have tried an old E-trex and man, I couldn’t get a signal anywhere. I like the idea of making a Custom Map, and the Birdseye View thing (watched the YouTube Info-interesting!) Or is there another unit I should really take a look at for what I am trying to do? I will be taking it with me riding, so it should be rugged in case I fall off and land on it (just kidding). Thanks for your input…….

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      February 17, 2011 at 9:03 am

      Both have high-sensitivity chipsets. You’ll see a world of difference with either one. Unless you’re in a bomb shelter, you’ll probably get a lock!

      This might help if you haven’t seen it yet…

      http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/garmin-gpsmap-62s-or-oregon-450.html

      In terms of ruggedness, the Oregon may be better (surprisingly!) due to its slightly recessed screen.

      Reply
13. KTM990 says:
    March 5, 2011 at 10:23 am

    I need a handheld GPS to take on a M/C ride through the continental divide this next August, I have a Zumo 550 but after buying it found it not to be able to download tracks and waypoints from “Roadmap”, it seems the Zumo is not really intended for adventure riding as it does not save “tracks”, (now I find out!) I need a handheld to back it up when the going gets out in the off road areas, most experienced adventure riders use the 276c or its cousins but that requires a huge learning curve I may not have time for, I would like to spend less then $500, what about the 60csx or the 78?
    Also, I heard that the 62 series use’s a usb connector and that is not good for M/C use?

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      March 5, 2011 at 11:42 am

      I thought zumos had a ride sharing feature. Is that just routes?

      There are vehicle power adapters for the 62 series. You might want to read P8 and P9 here. I believe these apply to the 62 series as well…

      http://garminoregon.wikispaces.com/Power

      Any handheld will have a learning curve, BTW. I’d look at the 62 series or the Oregon 450. The 60CSX is older and while it may meet your needs, I don’t find the interface quite as user-friendly as the new models. Plus, the new models have some improved track navigation functionality…

      http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/navigating-tracks-on-the-new-garmin-handhelds.html

      This may also help…

      http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/garmin-gpsmap-62s-or-oregon-450.html

      You’ll probably want to add City Navigator maps, so figure that into the cost. Nevertheless, you should be able to get out for under $500 total.

      Reply
14. ZStatman says:
    March 7, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    Nice comparison

    Tks

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      March 8, 2011 at 11:13 am

      Glad to help!

      Reply
15. Tim Rosas says:
    March 14, 2011 at 1:23 am

    Rich,

    I am considering the Magellan eXplorist 610. Have you heard of any recent field reviews on these? Also, how do they compare to the Garmin Oregon’s. The 1:24K topos on the Magellans are what caught my eye.

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      March 14, 2011 at 7:15 am

      I’ve reviewed the 710…

      http://gpstracklog.com/2011/01/magellan-explorist-710-review.html

      Also, there are plenty of free 24K topos for Garmin receivers at http://gpsfiledepot.com

      Personally, I’d take the Oregon 450 over the eXplorist. Here’s a great deal right now…

      http://bestgpsdeals.net/garmin-oregon-450-for-249-99-3/1109/

      Reply
16. Frank Allan says:
    March 15, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    Rich

    I am a Canadian who lives 3 months of the year in California. I need a hiking and biking GPS that will meet my needs in Ontario and California. I obviously need one with American and Canadian Maps. Currently have a Nuvi 265T Garmin and I am thinking of the Oregon 450, the GPSMAP 62ST and the GPSMAP 62s. Do you have recommendation. Thanks for your help.

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      March 16, 2011 at 10:43 am

      I’d go with the 62 series. There’s a 62st with pre-loaded Canadian topos. Combine that with the free maps at http://gpsfiledepot.com and you’ll be set. This may help too…

      http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/garmin-gpsmap-62s-or-oregon-450.html

      Reply
17. Joel says:
    March 16, 2011 at 4:24 am

    Hi Rich,

    I live in Samoa and have just got a Oregon 450. So far I love it but 2 days ago the screen shatered when it hit the edge of a chair. It appears to be just the touch screen that’s damaged as the display is fine. As it is not in anyway practicticle to send it back to the USA for repair I was hoping to do it myself by buying a touch screen for it and replacing the existing broken one. From what you know is that just a simple remove touch screen, unplug and plug in new one job? Or Is there complipcated soldering or computer programing to do?

    Thanks

    Joel

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      March 16, 2011 at 11:22 am

      I don’t know. Web searches don’t turn up much info. Did it have a screen protector on it?

      Reply
18. Rick Badillo says:
    April 2, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    Looking for a unit for hunting, antler hunting and marking fishing spots (i.e. structure, ridges, humps etc. to back up my boats unit). Need detailed topo maps of Idaho backcountry, I spend over a month straight in the mountains and need a reliable unit so I don’t end up wolf bait. Thinking of 62st or Dakota 20. Any suggestions, Thanks, Rick

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      April 3, 2011 at 8:43 am

      I would go with the 62s and load some of the free 24K topos from http://gpsfiledepot.com. No need to get the 62st. You’re just paying extra for crappy 100K maps. I prefer the 62 series over the Dakota, of which I’ve heard a few too many stories of damage.

      Another alternative would be the Oregon 450. This may help…

      http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/garmin-gpsmap-62s-or-oregon-450.html

      Reply
      • Rich Owings says:
        April 3, 2011 at 8:44 am

        Also, don’t miss this free map. Great Idaho coverage…

        http://www.switchbacks.com/nwtrails/

        Reply
19. Denis says:
    May 4, 2011 at 11:10 am

    I want to do ride the Great Divide on my bike. That’s a 2,700 mile route. There is a GPS track for it ( http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/gps.cfm?rt=Great%20Divide&s=353k&f=gdgpsdata ) but I’m wondering if it will fit on the 60CSx. Also, I will want to record each day of riding (let’s say 27 days of about 100 miles each). Is the 60CSx my best bet? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      May 5, 2011 at 8:25 am

      It should be fine. Its broken down into several smaller files, but I have to wonder how accurate they are. The one I looked at had 833 track points for a 535 mile section. There might be more detailed tracks out there, though it might mean cobbling together a lot of small files. Recording your own should be fine, since they can be archived to the micro-SD card.

      I’d suggest looking at the 62s if you can afford it though. It wil store 200 tracks instead of 20, so if you do decide to go for more detailed tracks, you’ll probably need that. You may also find this feature useful…

      http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/navigating-tracks-on-the-new-garmin-handhelds.html

      I’m anticipating a good sale on the 62s starting later this month, but I can’t say much more than that for now.

      Sounds like a great trip. I’m more than a little jealous!

      Reply
      • Denis says:
        May 5, 2011 at 1:37 pm

        Thanks for all this.

        So the Micro SD card cannot be used to record more tracks on its own?

        Reply
        • Rich Owings says:
          May 5, 2011 at 2:22 pm

          It can record more tracks than you’ll generate on this ride.

          However, the 60CSx is limited to 20 tracks that you can upload to it, so if you want more detailed tracks than those in the link you provided, and it takes 100 tracks to give you the desired level of detail, they won’t fit. If that’s not clear, let me know. This stuff can be confusing!

          Reply
          • Denis says:
            May 18, 2011 at 1:27 pm

            Rich:

            The final file for the ride is here: http://topofusion.com/divide/gps.php

            It is the file named: TourDivide2011_v1.gpx – Tour Divide 2011

            Does that confirm what you were saying about the 60CSx and would you still advise going for the 62s (I see that the sale you predicted is now on)?

            Thanks.
20. Chujitsu says:
    May 6, 2011 at 10:39 am

    I am considering a eXplorist 710 as an all round oudoor GPS system. My husband and I are hiking the Grand Canyon again this year only we are going primitive routes instead of the managed trails. Thought it might be a good time to invest in a GPS system. Have no prior GPS experience with exception of the vehicle and boat. Really looking for a safety net in the event we get ourselves lost…and need to find our way out. Would this be a good option and if not a recommendation would be great.

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      May 6, 2011 at 10:52 am

      Its a good unit, but I’d prefer something like the Garmin GPSMAP 62s over the eXplorist. Whatever you get, you need to realize that a handheld GPS is a complex beast with a significant learning curve. So I’d try it out on several other trips before using it in the Grand Canyon. Without a great deal of prep, establishing waypoints and tracks, I’m not sure how much it will help you there anyway.

      Reply
21. Rich Owings says:
    May 19, 2011 at 8:15 am

    @Denis,

    That track is 18,000 points, so you could split it half and it would fit fine on the 60CSx. The question is, will this level of detail satisfy you? I suggest looking at it on a map (like TopoFusion). Its not off a lot, but you’ll see plenty of straight line track segments when you’re following a road/trail that curves. But using a track file like this will be a lot easier than rounding up detailed tracks for the entire length of the trail.

    Personally (and regardless of which track files you use), I’d still go for the 62s, if for no other reason than the advanced track navigation tools…

    http://gpstracklog.com/2011/04/five-reasons-to-upgrade-your-garmin-handheld.html

    The sale should be back on tomorrow, BTW. Hope this helps.

    Reply
22. Jak Davis says:
    May 30, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    Hey Rich is there any way to get a list of Garmin devices auto & handheld
    that support the track back feature? We just did a 1770 mile motorcycle
    trip and I relied on a riding buddys direction seems his GPS did not support
    the track back feature which cost us time and miles I dont believe I will
    ever be caught again with out either a back up gps or at least a paper map lol
    Thanks for your time..

    Jak

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      May 31, 2011 at 8:50 am

      I think the only nuvi that supports it is the 500/550 series, but you can’t upload a track to it. All handhelds should support it. If you can afford it though, you might want to be looking at this…

      http://gpstracklog.com/2011/05/4-multi-use-garmin-montana-series-announced.html

      Reply
23. Jak Davis says:
    May 31, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    You threw me a curve ball rich there are two in my sights a zumo 665
    or this montana that xm weather/radar would be nice while riding. I am still trying to
    figure out if you can hear voice prompts with a helmet headset on the montana,
    and the 665 reviews are not the best. But does the 665 track back? Or at least drop bread crums for me thanks for your time.

    Jak

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      June 1, 2011 at 10:46 am

      The Montana doesn’t have Bluetooth, but you may be able to rig a hack with this…

      https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=89575

      The zumo 665 does have a TracBack function. This might also help…

      http://gpstracklog.com/2011/05/4-multi-use-garmin-montana-series-announced.html/comment-page-1#comment-131308

      Reply
24. dave cosner says:
    June 12, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    I am looking at purchasing a garmin montana 650t. None of the stores I have contacted have one. They suggest I purchase an oragon model from garmin. Can you tell me what the difference is and should I wait to get the 650t?

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      June 13, 2011 at 8:19 am

      It’s not released yet. We’re currently expecting the first ones to be available online around June 22, though that date could slip. Its is bigger than the Oregon series, and adds nuvi-like auto navigation. What will you be using it for? That would help in terms of making a call as to whether the Oregon or Montana would be more appropriate.

      Reply
25. Kristina says:
    June 15, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    ok i am looking for a gps for my boyfriend. he was in the army for 11 years, so he know how to use and read them. we ride 4wheelers alot, so i need something for deep woods. a compass and altimeter is a must. i dont know a whole lot about them, but i know he says he wants one that show, “if i walk a mile in this direction, am i going to walk into a mountain, and how big is it.” thos kinds of thing. any help would be great!!! thanks

    Reply
    • Rich Owings says:
      June 16, 2011 at 10:00 am

      Can you give me some idea of price range? Lets say $220 low end, $300-350 high end, $600 for cutting edge. Where in that range do you want to fall?

      Reply
      • Kristina says:
        June 17, 2011 at 1:16 am

        no more than $350.00

        Reply
        • Rich Owings says:
          June 17, 2011 at 9:12 am

          I’d look at the Garmin Oregon 450 or GPSMAP 62s…

          http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/garmin-gpsmap-62s-or-oregon-450.html

          The big screen on the 450 is nice for jeep type 4WDs, but if you’re on ATVs, the 62s may be better as its easier to switch screens without having to look at the device. That’s why I prefer it for my mountain bike even though I own both.

          I’ve seen the Oregon for as low as $229 and the 62s for as low as $279, but don’t know of that good of a sale on either right now.

          Reply

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