Garmin Vista HCx vs. 60CSx

Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 10:28 pm

My wife and I currently use a Garmin eTrex Legend as our primary GPSr. Recently the click stick started flaking out; it only occasionally recognizes "up" which is quite frustrating for certain operations. The other directions and clicking capability seem to be fine for now, but a few days ago "up" seemed to have stopped working entirely.

I browsed around online and learned that this a fairly common problem with these units. I also learned that sometimes it can be fixed by opening the case and cleaning the electrical contacts of the click stick and/or the ribbon cable connecting the two boards. I tried both and put the unit back together this afternoon. "Up" seems to work better than it did before, but it's still hit or miss.

Even with the slight improvement I think it's probably going to drive us nuts in short order, so now I'm looking for possible replacements. I think something like the Garmin Colorado is what I'd eventually like to get because it supports paperless caching in one device and has other appealing features. However, I decided against it because the cost is still pretty high and most agree the screen is difficult to read in sunlight. If I'm going to shell out that much cash, I'd rather be sure I'm getting a screen I can read. Now I'm thinking something in between what I have and what I ultimately want would be appropriate.

Two likely options seem to be the Vista HCx and the GPSMap 60CSx. Both get good reviews and would be a nice upgrade from what we have now, but I'm torn. The Vista HCx is cheaper and has an interface we are familiar with, but since it IS the same form factor it could develop the same problems. Considering our eTrex Legend saw pretty light use over 3+ years, I don't have a lot of confidence in the design. Then again, I've never seen a 60CSx in person and it's at least $70 more expensive depending on where you look.

Does anyone have any thoughts/recommendations one way or the other? I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks,
Carson

WGA Member Joined: 2006-12-23 Posts: 5954

I'm on my 2nd 60 series(lost the first one), i came from a etrex legend, huge improvement! Accuracy is much better, lots of good features.

Loads caches easily from gsak, can't get everything in but with some massaging you can get a good set of data into it the caching "app" thats built in.

I had the CSX, and clicking on the wrong button I received the CX, for caching and accuracy there is no difference, but I there is a difference in the builtin compass which I didn't realize how much I used. The compass on the CX does work but you have to be moving for it to adjust.

I've not used the vista but looking at the specs and thinking back to my legend days, its well worth the 70 extra.

Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:54 am

I use the 60Cx and I just love it. My previous was the etrex which my son now uses, or I will use for a back up. I have never had a problem with it, and I have dropped it on rocks a couple of times. The last time of which it got sandwiched between a rock and my knee. As far as the compass goes, I usually carry a pocket compass while I'm caching and I have one on the top of my walking stick as well, I rarely use either one of the two. Like rsplash said, you do have to be moving to use it properly. However, you can go very slow with it for it to keep pointing you the right way.