Garmin eTrex Series GPS units...

[poolshark38759]

i would like the great gurus in here thoughts on the Garmin eTrex Series (specifially the Summit model) GPS units... i have one but it is old and screen so scratched its hard to see and the 12v plug broke off at the unit with no way to resplice it back together... its a Lowerance...i like it but it eats batteries...<br /><br />i like the garmins and i like the summit because of the built-in electronic compass...(i got turned around in a cane break with the lowerance eagle..no fun...)i will be using it in my truck, boat, hunting, and fishing...<br /><br />also what about the rhino 120 by garmin??? i saw a show on them the other night...looks like it would be good to have..

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: Garmin eTrex Series GPS units...

I have the e-trex venture and absolutely love it. Works well under the canopy of trees, easy to use and fairly inexpensive. I have had some warranty issues with Garmin on an older GPSII plus, and the people in their customer service are top notch. I was thinking of getting the Rino 120, but battery life is short and in order for it to be effective the people you talk to have to have the Rino also.

 

[Troy_from _Oz]

Re: Garmin eTrex Series GPS units...

have you considered the 76 series of receivers from Garmin (the 76S probably)? I just purchased the little brother which is the 72 (no compass/less memory etc). The main thing that steered me away from the Etrex series was the lack of buttons. Believe it or not, but i have a PhD in high precision GPS positioning and my choice came down to the number of buttons!! Its kinda like buying a new car based on whether it has a good radio or not, but I figured with all the options the receivers have these days, you need to be able to navigate throught the internal software easily. Admittedly, i didnt try the etrex out for that - maybe the menu system doesnt require it, but one handed on the rocking boat - ease of use becomes important. I particularly like the rocker button feature for pointing on the map...<br /><br />The 72/76 series also has an improved antenna too I think. If you go to http://www.garmin.com/outdoor/compare.jsp you can do a product comparison and see the differences.<br /><br />Im not pushing Garmin particularly, its just what i bought for the $$$ i could spend (which was at the lower end of the market).<br /><br />Advantage to the Etrex series is that they are quite a bit smaller than the 72/76 types<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />cheers<br />Troy