GPS Advise

[LoneWolf]

Need to pick up a new GPS unit. I had a Garmin Etrex previously, and really liked it. If I could just find it, well then

After looking around at some newer models, I really like the Garmin GPS 60SC model. It has a quad helix antenna that is supposed to give better satellite pick up, and has many of the other features I am looking for, including an electronic compass.

Has anyone had any experience with this model? Also, what about price? The best I have found so far is Wallyworld for $404.00. Ebay has it in a buy it now, for $415. And Cabela's advertises it for $499.
Thanks in advance, and look forward to everyone's advise.

[Hawkeye6]

LW:

First off, I'd suggest you don't get a camaflage model in and GPS if you can't find your eTrex!

I don't know anything about the particualr model you mentioned, but the price really puts me off. I would really have to have a strong need ofr teh specific features it offers to pay nearly $500 for a GPS. My own use of these devices is really pretty simple. and the basic features that an eTrex offers are all I need.

Personnly, I do not want an electronic compass on my GPS. I wanta compass separate from the GPS as a back-up/supplement. For example, if your GPS batteries fail or the unit "crashes" then you have niether a GPS nor a compass.

H.

[LoneWolf]

Hawk,
I always carry 2 compasses along with my hunting rigs, just in case one fails. But I have used a GPS with the Ecompass in it, and found it nice to have the compass in the unit at the same time, that works with out having to move. It would never be my sole compass.
As for the extras on the pricier models, I like the color screen and the extra memory, but by and large my biggest reason for looking at this model is the qad helix antenna. Every unit I have used in the woods could get sketchy coverage at times, even with no leaf cover. That is why I am looking for info on thsi model. From the brochures, it sounds like faster and truer satellite pick up. Also the unit gives me far more waypoint memory and stored tracks.

[Chillysquash]

I own a 60cs and it is a very good GPS. This is a mapping GPS. You can find address, hotels, stores, routs and many more info. You can install topo maps on it if you are going in some rough terrain. The unit does come with a base map on it. (It will show the major highways). You will need to buy MapSource to load on your unit. Of course this cost extra dollars. There is another unit you should check out. GPSMAP 76CS. This unit can hold 115 MB of memory where the 60cs can hold 56 MB. I use my unit all year long. I would pay the extra dollars for one.