Selecting a GPS at REI

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 6:51 am

FYI:
How to Select a GPS @ REI in Brookfield

During this class you will receive a simple and non-technical overview of how the GPS system works, features common to handheld trail units, and an explanation of map download options and their use.

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When: 08/15/2012 06:30 PM
Cost: Free

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 9:21 pm

Thanks for the info on this class. I've been on-the-fence about purchasing a new GPS... updating my Oregon300 and I cannot decide what to buy. I've been reading reviews, would like to switch to Magellan Explorist mainly because of the 10,000 caches it can hold but I just don't know if I can adjust to Magellan after 2 Garmins.

Joined: 2009-06-05 Posts: 2118 Location: Menominee, MI

I know not everyone has a laptop...but I don't worry about the 500 cache limitation for my Garmin Venture as I always have my laptop with me when I'm on the road. If I go to a new area, I simply download a new PQ, load it into the GPS and off I go.

So the amount of waypoints a GPS can hold is not a selling point for me.

You want one that performs - such as accuracy, signal acquisition, ease of use, etc.

Everyone has their own preferences what they are looking for in a Gps.

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 3:58 am

GrannyGoesAlong wrote:

Thanks for the info on this class. I've been on-the-fence about purchasing a new GPS... updating my Oregon300 and I cannot decide what to buy. I've been reading reviews, would like to switch to Magellan Explorist mainly because of the 10,000 caches it can hold but I just don't know if I can adjust to Magellan after 2 Garmins.

I think my new Garmin 62 series can hold 10,000 caches...they talk about waypoints on the website but those are not the same as geocahes. It holds far more caches than waypoints.

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 7:16 am

I have a Delorme PN-60 that I bought from REI. I have never pushed it to the limit, but it can handle 1,500 waypoints/geocaches per file and as many files as you can fit in it. I have a 2 GB card in it and have been thinking of switching to a 16 or 32. I think that one of the best features is the compass. Less geo-dancing at GZ!

Nice thing that REI does to help sell stuff is to let you take it outside and try it.

WGA Member Joined: 2008-03-13 Posts: 76

I upgraded my gps in may to the delorme pn 60 . Its very accurate I was 15 feet from gz . the gps said its was that far away. when moved it moved . also The pn 60 also place 4places to right of the decimal point which takes some getting use to . The pn also will let down load all the information you need to know about a cache Its great for paper less caching . One down side is that when you enter the lat long that located on the line as in 43deg .00.00 it will not enter the right location. it shows 00.00.00 Delorme is aware of the problem and works to seek a solution to the problem . As far as REI their great to work with

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 3:49 pm

Thanks to everyone for all the comments about your various gps units and your experiences. I think I'll take a trip over to REI to check out what gps will work best for me.

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 6:57 pm

Cache Ba$h would be a good time to check out what other people think of the different units also. See them at work in the field.