I've been looking into getting my first hand held GPS and I've been torn between the Vista HCx and the Gpsmap 60 CSx. Based on my research, the features and performance are very similar.
I've read in this forum that the quad-helix antennas generally work better in tree cover. From an antenna design perspective. This is not generally true. The units have two different form factors and sizes, so it's not fair to compare the two antenna designs that way.
Since I was more worried about the display and UI, I went to REI to check out the units side by side myself. I must say, the brightness and clarity of the Vista HCx is very noticable compared tot he 60 CSx. The joystick and side buttons of the HCx definitely take some getting used to. I'm not sure if it was the way the unit in the store was configured, but I found the Vista HCx to be more accurate with direction and/or rendering my orientation on the map. We calibrated both compasses for kicks and I held both units and rotated in a circle outside the store on the sidewalk. The bearing arrow on the Vista HCx rotated, while the 60 CSx just moved around a bit and drifted.
Granted, I didn't take the demo units out on a hike, I'm confident based on my anecdotal evidence and the forum reports that the Vista HCx is on par with the 60 CSx. Since the Vista HCx has the much brighter screen and smaller size, I decided to go with that.
I'll give some field results as soon as my unit arrives and I've taken it out on a hike.
