Hi Jason,
I've owned and used both models you are looking at. Either one will work well for caching or navigation, but the 60Cx has amazing signal acquisition and lock. I won an explorist 500 at an event last September and was very happy with it. It's software is somewhat different to use than the Garmins I was used to but it was definitely an improvement over my Etrex Vista. I recently upgraded to a 60Cx (in March) after borrowing a 60CSx for a week. I've since sold the Explorist and use the 60 Cx as my primary handheld GPSr.
The differences between the 2 can be summarised as follows:
Chipset: 60Cx uses Sirf, sensitive to -192 db; Explorist uses a Baldur chipset, sensitive to -132 db
Correlators: 60 Cx uses 200,000 correlators; Explorist uses 1,500
Maps: 60Cx map size is limited by the size of the micro sd card used; Explorist is limited to a maximum of 64 MB per map, but multiple maps can be loaded up to the size of the sd ram card.
Waypoints/POI's: 60 Cx is limited to 1,000 waypoints; Explorist is limited to 500 waypoints per data base, with the numbers of data bases limited only by the size of the sd memory card.
Screen size: 60Cx screen is larger.
Antenna: 60Cx uses a quadrifilar antenna; Explorist uses a patch antenna. Quadrifilar is omnidirectional, the patch is directional. Quadrifilar will pick up more signals in marginal conditions. patch will be more accurate in clear sky conditions.
Autorouting: both work well with their respective proprietary maps. The Garmin maps are less expensive.
My personal recommendation for ease of use and amazing signal lock is the 60Cx. I ran the Explorist and 60Cx side by wide for several weeks to compare the differences in downtown Toronto. The 60Cx maintained more accurate tracks and did not lose signal. The Explorist occasionally lost signal and tended to wander in the downtown core area.
I opted to buy the 60Cx rather than the 60 CSx since the Garmin electronic compass is not very good. I also did not feel the need for the barometer. I added a 512 Mb micro SD ram card that provides more than enough room for maps. While I usually use a laptop with oem sensor for vehicle navigation (and to find cache parking), I've used the 60 Cx on occasion and was quite happy with the result.
Happy caching and good luck with your impending purchase!
dr.clean-
Thank you for your summation. I appreciate you taking the time to reply to my post. I have another question if you have the time. What maps come standard w/ the Garmin and how easy is it to upload more maps? What size memory stick will I need to ensure a nice amount of maps in my garmin? I travel throughout Missouri and throughout Illinois w/ very little travel elsewhere.
Thank you again,
Jason
