Handheld GPS

[southmsfiveo]

I am thinking about a handheld GPS to use on the yak. I want to take the wife on some river trips and use the GPS to back track to the launch or locate points of interest later.
Any experienced users have suggestions for me.
Budget is low.

[ReelThrill]

I use the Garmin Map 76cx and love it. It is a proven Garmin model that has been in their lineup for years. Screen is easy to read, battery life is good(about 10 hours on the rechargeable AA batteries I use) and it is extremely easy to use. The base map is ok but the extra map for the Gulf Coast are is much better. Swamppro is a good person to check as he will know a lot more about the various units and his internet store has a nice selection to choose from. There are also lots of mounting accessories available for the unit. Depending on what you are looking to spend there are some good entry level Fishfinder/GPS combo's out there as well. I personally like having the 2 separate though. I'm sure others will chime in also with what they would recommend. Good luck, do your research and find something you'll be happy with.

[pedalmedic]

Go to woot.com. they have a deal today &0 for a hand held

[Tailchaser]

I second the Garmin. I have the etrex model along with the additional maps and am very happy with it.

[teknickcull]

count me as another vote for the Garmin GPSMap 76csx - I love it. Battery life is awesome. i have the bluechart expansion & i'm pretty happy with the detail. sometimes you can find a good deal on these too as they are not the "latest and greatest" anymore - got mine on sale at west marine.

[ReelThrill]

count me as another vote for the Garmin GPSMap 76csx - I love it. Battery life is awesome. i have the bluechart expansion & i'm pretty happy with the detail. sometimes you can find a good deal on these too as they are not the "latest and greatest" anymore - got mine on sale at west marine.

Also got mine when they had that sale on West Marine. The battery life is pretty awesome. I go several trips without having to recharge. I have the Bluchart 2 expansion too and the detail is really all you need for finding your way around. To me the Blue Chart 2 is a match for anyone of the less expensive units (just my opinion). I have the CX model not the CSX, but am still very happy with it.

[Razoryak]

Is $200 a good price for the CX model? West Marine has it on sale right now.

[bigredbobber]

lil Garmin Etrex Legend HCX

+1 on battery life
+1 on waterproof
+1 on extra map
+1 on working with Google Earth

I like mine even though it's older.

[Reel Rebel]

As an iPhone user, I'm trying out the MotionX GPS for $2.99...seems to have all the bells and whistles! All for under $3...+ the iPhone....

[marshdaddy]

I had a Magellan. Hated it.:thumbdown:

[bigredbobber]

RR look into the Navionics maps app. Rockin' maps

[Reel Rebel]

Got that too...I really like this MotionX, but have yet to use on water. Check it out...all for $2.99

[all_in]

+1 on the Garmin GPSmap 76S. (mine is black/white - spring for the color model if you can - it is easier on the eyes). It is an excellent GPS for the $'s. Reliable and user friendly.

[Coomz]

I had the lowrance h20 for about a month. It broke down last weekend. I returned it today. It probably was a bad apple. Wact has had his for quite awhile. What ever you choose, look up the return policy and keep the receipt. Saltwater and electronics doesn't mix well.

[ReelThrill]

The Garmin Map76 is a die hard unit. It is been proven to give years of reliable use. Get a pair of rechargeable AA batteries and wipe it down every now and then, and this thing will last you for years. I have the color model and all in is right, it is a bit easier on the eyes. I have owned one of the base models in the past though, and it was just as reliable, right up until it was stolen off my boat. After that is when I upgraded to the color model.