Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Review
Available on Amazon for $222.98 here.
The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx is equipped with a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver which accurately locates your position and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover. This unit also includes a built-in electronic compass, along with a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude.
The Vista HCx has a 256-color, sunlight-readable TFT display screen that is very clear, crisp, and easy to read. Other features include waterproof housing, 1,000 waypoints with names and symbols, a USB interface, a hunt/fish calendar, sun and moon information, and a geocaching mode.
The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx is available on Amazon at 26% off retail price! Click this link to take advantage of this discount!
Besides appreciating its small size, users will also be happy with the Vista HCx’s unique button layout. With five buttons located on either side of the unit, the HCx is truly a breeze to operate with just one hand.
Here are some highlights of the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx:
- High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver provides peak performance in any environment
- Lightweight, compact and waterproof
- Pair of AA batteries provides up to 25 hours of power
- Features a 1.7-inch X 1.3-inch screen with 256-level color TFT
- Built-in basemap with automatic routing capability
- USB connection for high-speed map downloads
This unit is best used in conjunction with a good topographical map which can be purchased through Garmin. The inbuilt base-map (of interstates, main roads and rivers) is only there to provide a basic reference, not for detailed navigation.
Here’s what one owner had to say about the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx:
Pro’s – Ease of use. One handed use; you really can operate this thing with only one hand and that is NICE! Color display; easy to read. Accuracy (in fact, it’s so accurate that it will send you down a freeway off ramp if you’re not careful). Intuitive; after you spend some time with it. Durability; solid little ruggedized, weatherproof, unit. Battery life; I’ve only used alkalines so far, but they last for many days of use if not on constantly. The ‘Trackback’ feature is excellent and works well. ‘Sight-N-Go’ is also another nice feature. Compass and altimeter features are very nice also. (Outdoorguy)
Garmin Rino 530HCx Review
Available on Amazon for $373.00 here.
Whether you’re traipsing through thick woods or strolling near tall buildings, you can count on the Garmin Rino 530HCx to help you find your way when you need it the most. The combined 2-way radio and navigator functions make this waterproof device a must-have for a variety of outdoor activities.
One of the most important features of the 530HCx is the crystal-clear 256-color TFT display, which clearly shows attributes from the built-in basemap, including lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads, and coastlines. It’s suggested that additional mapping software be purchased from Garmin.
The 530HCx is available on Amazon at 30% off retail price! Click this link to take advantage of this discount!
Enjoy the safety options this unit provides including access to the NOAA weather radio and a unique Position Reporting feature so that other Rino users in your group can see your exact location on the map.
Here are some of the highlights of the Garmin Rino 530HCx:
- High-Sensitivity, WAAS-Enabled GPS Receiver
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery that runs for up to 14 hours per charge
- Electronic Compass Displays Accurate Heading While Standing Still
- Barometric Sensor With Automatic Pressure Trend Recording
- Features Built-In Quad Helix Receiving Antenna & Basemap With Automatic Routing Capabilities
- 5W Of Transmit Power Using Gmrs Frequency Up To 14-Mile Range
The 530HCx is easy to operate, even for beginners. It’s screen is easy to read both day and night and it has an automatic zoom feature that enlarges the map when needed. The SD memory card is not included but is a necessary purchase for downloading maps to the unit.
Here’s what one owner had to say about the Garmin Rino 530HCx:
The satellite positioning seems to be right on and positioning after start-up was quick. I used the unit to mark several deer trails, rub lines, and possible stand placements and I was able to return to those areas very easily. I used the averaging feature to fine tune the locations and was able to get within 5-7 feet of everything I marked. Everyone in the group said that radio transmission was crystal clear, they could hear my transmissions better than anyone else’s. Don’t get me wrong the Garmin is definitely a GPS first and radio second but I was very pleased with its two-way capabilities. (Jared L.)
Garmin Oregon 450 Review
Available on Amazon for $329.99 here.
The Garmin Oregon 450 leads the way with a tough, 3-inch diagonal, sunlight-readable, color, touchscreen display that offers crystal clear enhanced colors and high-resolution images. Its easy-to-use interface means you’ll spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time searching for information. With user-selectable dashboards, you can customize the appearance of your display.
The Oregon 450 has a built-in compass which shows your heading even when you’re standing still. Its barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude, and you can even use it to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions.
The Garmin Oregon 450 is available on Amazon at $70 off retail price! Click this link to take advantage of this discount!
This next-generation handheld features a rugged, sunlight-readable touchscreen along with a built-in basemap with shaded relief, a high-sensitivity receiver, barometric altimeter, microSD card slot, picture viewer and more. Even exchange tracks, waypoints, routes and geocaches wirelessly between similar units.
Here are some of the highlights of the Garmin Oregon 450:
- 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter
- Improved 3″ sunlight-readable, color, touchscreen display, enhanced clarity
- High-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix for improved performance and reception
- High-speed USB for faster map transfers with your computer
- Wirelessly share routes, tracks, waypoints and geocaches between units
While the AA battery life isn’t always predictable, the Oregon 450’s intuitive and easy to read touchscreen makes this lightweight, durable, and waterproof unit practical for a wide range of uses.
Here’s what one owner had to say about the Garmin Oregon 450:
For those that do not wish to read the rest of this review let me just say that THE OREGON IS AWESOME and I recommend it to anyone for both On-Road and Off-Road. I have no issues for using the Oregon to navigate the roadways anywhere I go. Off-Road this thing is AMAZING. I have had no issues with the unit off road. The 3-axis Compass is AMAZING. It works phenomenally well and is extremely useful. One thing that I love is that you can actually insert it into the trip computer which for me works a lot better than the dedicated compass screen as you can see a lot more useful information along with the Compass. (What I Think “WIT”)
Garmin GPS 60CSx Review
Available on Amazon for $229.99 here.
The Garmin GPSMap 60CSx is one of the most popular GPS models for land and marine use. It incorporates a barometric altimeter for extremely accurate elevation data and an electronic compass that displays an accurate heading while standing still. The 60CSx also features a removable microSD card for detailed mapping memory and a waterproof, rugged housing.
The 60CSx’s 2.6-inch, 256-color TFT color display is designed to present mapping and trip information clearly and accurately in any lighting conditions. In addition, the 60CSx has a new, highly sensitive GPS receiver that acquires satellites faster and lets you track your location in challenging conditions, such as heavy foliage or deep canyons.
The Garmin GPS 60CSx is available on Amazon at 57% off retail price! Click this link to take advantage of this huge discount!
The 60CSx’s trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more. Meanwhile, a fast processor allows the 60CSx to provide quick auto-routing, turn-by-turn directions, and audio alerts when you use the optional MapSource software.
Here are some of the highlights of the Garmin 60CSx:
- High-sensitivity GPS receiver
- Light weight, rugged, and water resistant
- Powered by AA batteries for up to 20 hours
- Bright, sunlight-readable color TFT display
- Color-handheld mapping ideal for both marine and outdoor use
- 64 MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail; NOTE: microSD card is located in the device, not as a separate, additional item
- Fast USB connectivity makes loading charts and maps quick and easy
Garmin 60CSx is one of the best units available for hiking, off-road biking, and geocaching. You can expect about six meter accuracy under most conditions, which is very good for a recreational GPS unit. It doesn’t come loaded with any maps but street and topological maps can be purchased through Garmin.
Here’s what one owner had to say about the Garmin GPS 60CSx:
The quality of the device is apparent the first time you use it. It’s very easy to see what kind of a climb you have in front of you when you’re holding this thing. It breadcrumbs your route as well, so you can see real easily how to backtrack if you get lost. Mark landmarks or trailheads, and have it route you back to them later. I cannot recommend this GPS enough. (C. Mayle)
Garmin GPSMap 76CSx Review
Available on Amazon for $237.99 here.
The Garmin GPSMap 76CSx is ideal for marine use! It features a highly accurate, high-sensitivity GPS receiver by SiRF that tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons. Plus, you get a bright, sunlight-readable color TFT display and an included a 128 MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail.
The 76CSx is also favored among landlubbers with its automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits, and audio alerts. Enjoy turn-by-turn directions when driving while an integrated trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more.
The Garmin 76CSx is available on Amazon at 60% off retail price! Click this link to take advantage of this huge discount!
The lightweight 76CSx is powered by AA batteries, weatherproof, and tough as nails. It gets amazing satellite reception even in the thickest tree cover and will reliably tell you exactly where you are. And when you’re at your computer, the unit will draw power from it via the USB, extending battery life.
Here are some of the highlights of the Garmin GPS 76CSx:
- High-Sensitivity GPS Receiver
- Color-Handheld Mapping Ideal For Both Marine & Outdoor Use
- Bright, Sunlight-Readable Color Tft Display
- 128 Mb Micro Secure Digital Card For Storage Of Optional Map Detail
- Fast Usb Connectivity Makes Loading Charts & Maps Quick & Easy
There are no in-motion restrictions with this device; all data can be uploaded and download with a computer. If the road is on a map, this GPS will take you there. The serious outdoors explorer will want to purchase better topological maps and a larger microSD card to store additional map data.
Here’s what one owner had to say about the Garmin GPS 76CSx:
I would recommend this unit without hesitation. It has saved me from possible disaster when boating, has provided additional confidence when out on the water and back country and has been equally helpful when driving through large cities and across the country in a rental car. No more bickering with my wife for driving directions! Sure made our 10 day road trip much more pleasant! When we missed a turn because we were not paying attention to the GPS, it quickly rerouted us and got us to where we needed to go every time. (M. Coffing)
Magellan eXplorist Review
Available on Amazon for $169.00 here.
The Magellan eXplorist GC GPS is a good fit for first timer, family, and general geocachers alike. This unit is 100% dedicated to geocaching and includes out-of-the-box paperless geocaching, seamless connection to geocaching.com, a brilliant color screen, rich graphics, picture viewer, and a simple user interface all packed into a waterproof device.
The eXplorist GC is powered by two AA batteries for up to 15 hours of outdoor adventure along with a highly-sensitive SiRFstarIII GPS chipset that provides 3-meter accuracy. The eXplorist GC has tons of fun and familiar graphics, such as smiley faces for logs and merit-based awards to show off your geocaching expertise.
The Magellan eXplorist GPS is available on Amazon at $30 off retail price! Click this link to take advantage of these savings!
This device is made for geocaching with the ability to sort and search thousands of geocaches. Mark your find and quickly add field notes. Push your logs to geocaching.com once you return from your adventure. It’s packed with common outdoor GPS features including waypoint creation, a worldwide basemap, active tracking, and trip odometer.
Here are some of the highlights of the Magellan eXplorist:
- Easily connect to the Geocaching.com User Community and perform “Send to GPS,” create and sync Pocket Queries, and upload Field Notes
- Pre-loaded with the most popular geocaches in the world, found more than any others–get a complete out-of-the-box experience by searching and finding the top 1,000 geocaches worldwide
- Easy to use with an intuitive user interface, simple controls and menus, and vibrant graphics
- Vibrant 2.2-inch color transflective screen provides the best readability in direct sunlight
- A high-sensitivity SiRFstarIII GPS with three-meter accuracy puts you on top of the cache and make the find that much easier
This no-frills geocaching GPS device provides the basics any geocacher needs from street maps for the entire United States and Canada to accurate tracking and a nice compass feature. The Magellan eXplorist is light, durable, and provides hours of paperless geocaching adventure.
Here’s what one owner had to say about the Magellan eXplorist:
I’ve been using this unit for a couple weeks now, and I have to say I’m very impressed. Magellan touts ease of use, and they deliver with this unit. The unit comes preloaded with a worldwide basemap, and is over 1 gig in size! The map cannot be changed, but for a sub $200 unit, it’s a great offering! (Craig D.)