GPS reviews

[Phish_on]

Doing some third-party Christmas present research here -

this is for a mountain biker, so I don't think it would need to be loaded with features - mainly for getting back to a starting point, probably a handheld (or handlebar mounted ?)

Just looking for your experiences with specific brands or models - what to look for, what to avoid like The Plague, whatever.
I have no experience w/GPS - had a boat w/LORAN for a little while, I know the technology has come a long way from that unit.

[Jeffhead]

Hey Phish,
Have you tried the search engine here??? We beat this subject up pretty good a few months ago. As for mine it is a Garmin 12. Good unit for the price.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

[Phish_on]

Thanks, that helped - OK, no need to go through all that again I guess. Unless someone has something to add.

I also recently bought the Garmin GPS 12 Phish. I got mine right from clicking on the ForestBay banner at the top of the BB here. They have excellant prices. ... I wouldn't recommend attaching it to the handlebars of a mountainbike though; the terrain bouncing could throw the unit out of whack? Keep it in a bag, backpack, or something. - RT - BTW, I hear they are coming out with a super spy model, that will not be available to the general public; only to Fishing BB moderators for field testing. It's forte' will be it's ability to intercept signals from other GPS', infiltrate individual circuitry, and take all the filed co-ordinates for the hottest secret fishing holes. ...

[This message has been edited by RT (edited 12-07-2000).]

[Tanner]

Hey RT,
I'll make sure I mount my GPS to a tree on Johnson Creek. Killer fishin holes.

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There's No Nookie Like Chinookie

[Trout,myster]

I've got two of the things, the Lowrance 350 in the boat and an older Garmin hand-held. The hand-helds sound like what you're looking for and the Garmin is hard to beat. If you're getting it for a bike rider, ease of use is a consideration and I can use my Garmin with my thumb while I'm walking (actually sometimes a good feat for me!). Truly, for the price and features, the GPS12 would probably be my first choice. Both my boat unit and my Garmin usually get me within 50 feet or so of what I'm looking for.

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Troutmyster

[Pete]

I would guide you to the Garmin GPS III plus or Garmin eMap Deluxe which include mapping, providing a lot more information than the breadcrumb trail plot line shown by the Garmin 12. For serious work either of the units can accept topographic map downloads allowing a mountain biker to plan their route or see nearby points of interest. However, if all you need is a way to find a point in the dark or find your way back home, the 12 is sufficient.

[garyk]

Your fat tire friend might like the Garmin E-Summit with it's altimeter, cumulative altitude gain feature (to verify what their calves are telling them), and electronic compass, as well as all the usual stuff. Goes for about $250 retail, less on Ebay.

[Pilar]

Here, here. I've followed my Lowrance 350a to all kinds of interesting places. Nothing beats it on big blue. Don't forget the low tech stuff too. If you've ever erased your coordinate collection, you know how bad you needed your GPS notebook. Think of it as cheap insurance.

The bend is your friend!