Which GPS

[Scott SouthwellMember]

Alright guys I need help with this whole GPS thing. Im looking at buying a GPS unit but I really know bugger all about them. I just want a basic GPS that I can use to map tracks and way points so I can find my way back to the same spots in the future, I’m shit at remembering trails.

I have had a look at the Garmin and Magellan range, these two seem to be the main brands. I will be using the system on both my motorbike and mountainbike as well as the occational 4×4 trip. I already have a unit for my car that also does mapping but would not be tough enough for use on a bike. I don’t need all the bells and whistles some of the systems have, just basic mapping and PC interface.

I would like to hear what some of you guys are using and what you think of them along with any helpfull hints.

[TrentMember]

I don’t have one but have looked and it seems that the general consensus is the 60cx or 60csx are most popular with the latter having the added altimeter and compass for a few bob more.

Ram mounts are supposed to also be the only way to go if you want to mount it on the bike.

[DeanMember]

Austblue wrote:

Quote:

I don’t have one but have looked and it seems that the general consensus is the 60cx or 60csx are most popular with the latter having the added altimeter and compass for a few bob more.

Ram mounts are supposed to also be the only way to go if you want to mount it on the bike.

Scotty have a look at a Garmin etrex cx vista,color screen mapping and mini SD card can get em now for about $200 new as they are superseded models. Garmin have great backup and support

Ollie

[PaulMember]

First up Ollie, I would get one with a built in battery, the vibration on bikes causes shut down problems in units which take disposable batteries.

Then decide if you want colour or B&W maps, I recomend colour for more detail.

Also do you want the ability to load non OEM maps?

I have a Garmin GPS60, a basic model with B&W screen and no maps, just trail and POI map like screen. I really only use it on the boat now, but it came with the Garmin mapping software which is very handy for recording the tracklogs and viewing them on Google Earth etc.
The 60 series dont have a strong reliable bkie mount bracket unless you go for an expensive aftermarket one.

My other unit is the Garmin Quest (not Quest 2), it has built in battery, water proof, colour maps, talks to you and computer, loads non Garmin maps if you want can plan off road routes using your own waypoints (point to point) and has handled being on my DRZ quite well with the motorcycle mount.
Note the Quest 2 does not have the ability to load non Garmin maps.
Only problem with the Quest is the small screen size.

Note 2 the Quest has been replaced by the Nuvi 500.

Get yourself out to Mona Vale and talk to Brian at

GPS OZ he is very helpfull.

Also, I have read on ADVrider that the colour magellan units have slightly better off road detail in their maps.

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