What GPS do you have?

[everettvet]

I am looking into getting a GPS. What types (brands and models) does everyone have and what do you like or dislike about them? Any and all input is much appreciated.

Thanks!

[zooker]

legend etrek.

zooker

[lokust]

I got an Magellan eXplorist 100.


It is the cheapest based model. But it does what it is intended to do. I know I will be upgrading in the future, Because I would like some other features that this doesn't have. But it will get you out of a pinch.
At a hundred bucks, It is worth that much.
-Chris

[1FASTLASER]

Got me the Etrx Legend (LOL the wife seen me typing on the boards and WHOLLA) inder the tree this year. LOL she dont know bought the other one yet LOLLOL

[basstech]

I have a Lowrance X-55A and an X-70A. They were fairly advanced sonars back when I bought them. The main things I look for in a sonar after pixels per square inch, is the setup. I want to be able to control the depth increment range for one. With the X-70A I can set it to read the depth in 1' to 15 ft. increments. The other thing is I can change the upper level to be however many feet below the surface I want. This acts kind of like a zoom but isn't the same. Both of these features give me much greater detail. The X-55A I think is the same but the smallest depth increment may be 5'. I don't remember cause it's been that long since I've used my boat. I have them...but don't get to use them .
I almost forgot the other two most important features, one is to read out like a paper graph (showing hooks instead of fish symbols) so I can tell the species, and bottom lock. That's where it locks onto the bottom regardless of depth. I am able to set it up to show me everything within 5 ft.,7ft., 10 ft., or 30 ft. of the bottom using the bottom lock feature.

[Barry]

I have Garmin Geko 201 and Garmin GPSMAP 76. Both are handheld units which I use both for marking fishing locations and for business travel.

The GPSMAP 76 has map that the Geko does not. Both are accurate to within a few feet. I can upload/download information from computer onto both of these. This helps when traveling to a new area. Saves a lot of driving around trying to find an place.

[Bender]

I bought this one: http://www.microsoft.com/streets/default.mspx
The mapping software isn't the greatest but you can use the GPS receiver with other software. The lakes around here are not big enough to warrant a dedicated one in the boat, but I have taken my laptop out before in my friend's larger boat. For home and car use it works pretty well.

[JB]

I guess I have one of the more"oldschool" types huh?

[Rebbasser]

I've got a Magellan Meriddian Color. The color screen is MUCH easier to see than a grayscale. I'm looking hard at an Explorist-thinking about an upgrade.

[basstech]

Sorry. I still learn'n to read

[zooker]

i was about to say something to that effect tech..

the garmin etrek has the street maps plus i have the add on lake topo maps cd. not that every lake has it's own topo map. but shows greater detail.

zooker

[bassnman30]

Hey, JB thats very similar to a place I worked at. (Air Traffic Controller)
One of the main problems was that it was a dark room (explains my sensitivety to light). The good things were that the schedule was great, and there were loads of females.
I use a Humminbird 595c
I also have a Garmin E-trex legend.

[JB]

Theres lot of "split tail" where I work too..its awesome

[KenDammit]

lmao "split tail".

[basser087]

I've got a Lowrance H2O and man is it sweet. I bought the hotspots elite map for it and payed only $300 for the package. I've used it on St. Clair and Lake Micigan and man is it accurate. It has the WASS system built into the unit so it's accurate to 9 feet and I believe it is when it's locked in on WASS after fishing as big of a body of water as Lake Michigan and seeing the same structure I remembered on the bottom and was right on the mark.

[everettvet]

Thank you for all the great information. I will let you know what I get!!

[bassboogieman]

You didn't say what you're going to use it for. I am assuming you want one for the boat. I would suggest a fixed unit rather than a hand held, simply because of the screen size. The screen on a hand held is difficult/impossible to read when running, as most are around 2". Fixed units are 5" and up and can be read rather easily when running. Most all major brands are fine, I currently have a Garmin but plan on upgrading to a Lowrance color unit come spring. Hand helds are fine - in my opinion - when on land, like hunting or camping applications, or on a boat if someone else is driving.

[everettvet]

I was talking about a handheld unit. I don't have a big boat (yet) and want it for marking spots while huntng, ATV, and fishing small lakes. I am looking at the Lowrance H2Oc. I think that is what it is called.

[JB]

Ya may want to look into the unit that is similiar to a watch. A thread on it was on here a few weeks ago.

[Garrison]

I bought the Lowrance iFinder H20 about a month ago and love it. Just bought a fishing hot spots elite chip two days ago. Waiting on it to get here.

[ROBZILLA]

[Reelstripper]

I have an older model Garmin called GPSMAP 135 sounder It is a nice unit but the newer ones are a lot better, It shows Surface Temp. Speed, I was on a lake in Tennessee and it showed me where the Marinas were (Gas Pumps) and even listed Hospitals but most important , where the Restruants were..

[bass kicker]

dont got one yet but i am looking