Posted: 3/25/2010 10:56:48 AM EDT
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Looking to get my first GPS, want it for hunting and bicycle trails, don't need the vehicle street map features. Seems like the Garmin etrex Venture HC is the type of unit I need and the price is right, and price is definately an issue. If and when I get one I'll add this software so that I know I'm on public lands.
Looking for feedback on the use or stear me away completely of the Garmin Venture. |
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The Garmin eTrex Summit HC is a good unit, I have one myself it doesn't have though, a slot for a memory card, the HCx unit does. so, beware of that. It does have though, 24 MB of memory, so you can download and store a bunch.
HOWEVER, having said that, I also have Magellan Triton 400. If you know your way around a computer, and have a bit of patience upgrading the firmware for it, and READ the downloadable Manual.....I believe in all aspects, it is a superior product to the Garmin eTrex HC, any day of the week. It has a large viewing screen, accepts a full size SD card, and has satellite acquisition that will knock your eyes out anywhere. Garmins are used by the military, which, here, accounts for their popularity...but we all know, the military doesn't always get the best...sometimes just the low bid....the Garmin is a good product, just, in my opinion, not the best. Topo maps for the Garmin come by area of the country, at $149.00 a piece.The Magellan unit, with cable and street map SD card can be had for less than $150.00. For another $149.00, you can get an SD card for the Magellan, that is a topo of the ENTIRE U.S., at 1:24,000 scale. They are both good products, and you won't be disappointed at either...I just think, in my opinion, that the Magellan outshines the Garmin by a mile, IF, you have the patience to do the upgrades. The instructions are less clear for the Magellan, however, with just a bit of computer know how, its a snap. As a note, with my Magellan, I have gotten satellite acquisition, sitting in my living room, the Garmin won't do that...read:overhead cover, trees, etc. Good luck on your purchase. |
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I have a Garmin 60CSX and it can easily pick up satellites indoors. I've never been anywhere it couldn't pick up satellites. It's the only GPS I've ever owned so I can't compare it to other models, but Garmin's proprietary map policies are irritating. You buy the unit then you have to pay big bucks for decent maps. Topo maps are available free online if you look around.
I had looked at Magellans (they sell them at Wally World) but I saw too many bad reviews and opted to pay more for the 60CSX. |
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Quoted:
Looking to get my first GPS, want it for hunting and bicycle trails, don't need the vehicle street map features. Seems like the Garmin etrex Venture HC is the type of unit I need and the price is right, and price is definately an issue. If and when I get one I'll add this software so that I know I'm on public lands. Looking for feedback on the use or stear me away completely of the Garmin Venture. After more research I've learned I need the etrex line ending with HCX whether it be the vista, venture, or legend. That way I would have the removable SD card. The 60CSX would be a fantastic unit, but I think its too much $ for the use I'll be giving these things. |
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I've had a Garmin 60CSx for a few years now and it's been fantastic unit. If the HCx is anything like it, then I'd say go for it! -Mark. I have a ? about the 60CSx. Some of the brochures I have read say it has tide tables. Garmins web site Say's it don't. Does you garmin have it? I have a map 76s and it has that feature and I like it but the my gps is broke and don't work any more so I need a new one. |
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I've had a Garmin 60CSx for a few years now and it's been fantastic unit. If the HCx is anything like it, then I'd say go for it! -Mark. I have a ? about the 60CSx. Some of the brochures I have read say it has tide tables. Garmins web site Say's it don't. Does you garmin have it? I have a map 76s and it has that feature and I like it but the my gps is broke and don't work any more so I need a new one. I don't recall seeing anything about tide tables on my unit, but I don't have it set up for marine use either. -Mark. |
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I've had a Garmin 60CSx for a few years now and it's been fantastic unit. If the HCx is anything like it, then I'd say go for it! -Mark. I have a ? about the 60CSx. Some of the brochures I have read say it has tide tables. Garmins web site Say's it don't. Does you garmin have it? I have a map 76s and it has that feature and I like it but the my gps is broke and don't work any more so I need a new one. I don't recall seeing anything about tide tables on my unit, but I don't have it set up for marine use either. -Mark. Thank's for the reply. I went ahead and orderd the CSx 60 from basspro today. |