GARMIN 76 OR 76S

[lonewolf5347]

Was interested in a handheld GPS for marine and also for outdoor trails I have no clue in which unit to purchase I fish the back bays and use a quad to adventure deep into the mountains .<br />My choice is the garmin 76 or 76s any idea guys on the pro or cons on these two unit<br />

 

[CCrew]

Re: GARMIN 76 OR 76S

If you're looking to use the mapping function, ie: Topo or Mapsource maps, I'd go with the 76S. It has 24mb versus the 76's 8mb. Makes a ton of difference when loading maps. <br /><br />I looked long and hard at both units when we bought ours. Bought the Vista instead, and haven't regretted it, but certainly wouldn't have regretted the 76S. We use ours for hiking/geocaching and boating.

 

[Boatist]

Re: GARMIN 76 OR 76S

LoneWolf<br />I looked at both units also and bought the GPSMAP 76. <br /><br />The GPSMAP 76S does have a built in electronic compass which will give you a compass reading while not moving. The 76 you must take about 3 steps before you get a compass heading.<br /><br />The 76S has a Barometic Alttimeter to give you elevation with out recieving 4 satelites. This would be good in you hike in deep cayons and need to know the elevation where it is hard to get 4 satelites. Also be good if you are a Pilot.<br /><br />The 76S has a Glide slope to destination, again good for pilots.<br /><br />The 76S has 24 Megs of Menory and the 76 only 8 Megs, If you are going to spend the extra $150 for the special maps it means you can load a bigger area.<br /><br />Battery Life for the 76S is 10 hours, the 76 is 16 hours. This is the main reason I got the GPSMAP 76.<br /><br />I use mine on the boat as a backup and just in case ever find boat upside down or filled with water. We will still be able to give position. I also use it hikeing in the moutains. I use it for driving to warn of turn off like for a Ski resort or a small moutain road. I have found the built in Marine maps and Navigation aids to work very well for me. Also the Road maps also work just fine for us. The main thing I do not like is in dim light hard to see unless your turn on the light.