Who has a soft spot for Basic GPS units?

[+outdoorsaddix]

I have noticed that most geocachers seem to like the big flashy mapping GPS units with color screens and a million and one features, now i have to admit I like those too but I really like using my eXplorist 100 to find caches along with maybe a map printed out from Mapsend. Who else has a soft spot for the basic GPS unit or am I the only one?

[+ripple123]

I have noticed that most geocachers seem to like the big flashy mapping GPS units with color screens and a million and one features, now i have to admit I like those too but I really like using my eXplorist 100 to find caches along with maybe a map printed out from Mapsend. Who else has a soft spot for the basic GPS unit or am I the only one?

 

Well, I've just started....and am using a Magellan GPS 315, so you're not the only one. I Purchased it about 4 years ago or so from Walmart.....perhaps longer. It normally puts me within 20-30 feet of where I need to be...and so far, those finds have been in deeply wooded areas with 60-70 foot pine trees.

 

However, I will admit, I've been looking at those flashy units and may upgrade within the next couple of months. I'm in Colorado and would really like some of the TOPO options these newer units can provide.

[+imajeep]

Not me! I might go for a no-frills unit with a high-sensitivity receiver. But I do 90% of my caching in the woods, and I started with a basic unit. When the leaves came out in April, the thing went dead. I could look at a tree, and it would go dead. I could think about a tree, and it would go dead. After two weeks, I sold it on eBay and bought a Garmin 60Csx, which I also use for hiking.

 

If I didn't hike, I would probably look at one of the Garmin eTrex 'H' models. More basic than the 60Csx, but rumor has it they're just as good in the woods.

Edited June 25, 2007 by imajeep

[+Sputnik 57]

Often repeated around the general forum that more caches have been found with Garmin's little Ol' Yeller than any other GPS. I don't know if that is true. This forum would make you think everyone has a 60CSx!

[+luckybobb]

We purchased an Etrex Legend CX (color screen, maps), but the wife still insists on using the Magellan Explorist 100 that we started with.

 

Guess it comes down to personal prefence.

[+Miragee]

I started with a somewhat-basic unit, the Garmin Vista. However, when I saw how useful the auto-routing feature was on a friend's GPS Map 60CS, I upgraded to a Vista C on which I installed the City Navigator maps. If I lived in a different area, maybe the auto-routing wouldn't be as important as it is here.

[+BlueDeuce]

My 76cs gets me to the parking lot, my Legend takes me down the trail. If I lost both I would replaced the Legend first, no second thought required.

 

Plenty of discontinued models, but the Legend is still there.

 

(Although the GPS V is a nice unit as well)

[Grasscatcher]

My all time favorite is my old Garmin 12XL.........it will STILL lead to a location just as fast as any other unit, and batteries (4) last for 3 forevers. No color,no maps, no compass,no altimeter,no autorouting,......just a great GPSr (that's 13+years old) that has been MANY MANY miles.

[+Team Geofrog]

I have a Garmin Vista. I am a newbe. I like it and I've found a few. Routing, etc. would be nice, but it is pretty easy to upload from the computer at home from mapsource. I haven't had a problem (yet) with it in the woods. Color and a bigger screen would be nice, but the size is nice also as I can put it in my pocket.

[Stephen2]

While i do not mind a basic unit, i do like the maps that some provide. I do not have a flashy unit- pretty basic, but currently it does have topo maps in it which include roads and their names. It is just so much easier to find the most likely way in with it.

[+AlmondEyes]

I recently upgraded (from the cheapest Garmin to the most expensive one)... but I will keep my little yellow cheapo etrex. I have a soft spot for that cute little thing.

[+BBWolf+3Pigs]

I started with the eTrex Yellow, and then upgraded to a GPS60 Yellow. Works for me!

[lewis82]

Yup, me too! Altough I wouldn't dislike having a slick'n shiney 60csx, I love my yellow 60. It's more than enough for my needs. I don't need (and my mac does not allows me to use) maps, neither than I need Altimeters, compasses and color screens.

 

Low tech rules!

[+GeocachingAdam]

I still use my little yellow Garmin Etrex!!

[+SeaDawn]

I have a Garmin etrex. Seems pretty basic to me. Though I have still have not figured out how to enter info that allowing me to actually find any caches. So sad since about 30 show up within 2 miles of my house.

 

SeaDawn

[+chrissyboy2241]

I use a Forerunner 301. Its as basic as you can get. Put in the co-ords and follow the arrow. Works perfectly. I was going to upgrade to a 60 csx but was a bit dissapointed with the mapping. Im looking into the satmap active 10 now with full ordnance survey mapping (in the uk). I think its the gizmo ive been waiting for.