Magellan Explorist inquiry

[Shai-N-Co]

We are TOTAL newbies, as in we were introduced 2 days ago. We have the bug, big time. We've only just started to research GPSes out there. Like most people today we're living on a tight budget and can't afford much. Moreover, as we're Canadian, it seems the prices here are far higher than in the US (and most places * Amazon * won't ship beyond the borders). Even the cheapies are expensive it seems, if they can even be found.

 

Anyways, to cut to the chase, I just came upon a used Magellan Explorist 500. Was wondering if anyone had the scoop on this. I noticed in other threads that people were none too impressed with Magellan's older models? Is this an older one? A decent one? Worth the purchase? (We are non-tech people btw... working on learning the ins and outs of this - been 2 days.) And - MUCH appreciated for any leads or hints from Canadian geocachers who might have the ins on some bargains.

 

[Editing this post] Just read extremely varied mixed reviews on Magellan - hmmm...

Edited March 23, 2010 by ShyShai-N-Co

[+Redwoods Mtn Biker]

One of the advantages of a Garmin unit is an abundance of free maps.

[+jeffbouldin]

We are TOTAL newbies, as in we were introduced 2 days ago. We have the bug, big time. We've only just started to research GPSes out there. Like most people today we're living on a tight budget and can't afford much. Moreover, as we're Canadian, it seems the prices here are far higher than in the US (and most places * Amazon * won't ship beyond the borders). Even the cheapies are expensive it seems, if they can even be found.

 

Anyways, to cut to the chase, I just came upon a used Magellan Explorist 500. Was wondering if anyone had the scoop on this. I noticed in other threads that people were none too impressed with Magellan's older models? Is this an older one? A decent one? Worth the purchase? (We are non-tech people btw... working on learning the ins and outs of this - been 2 days.) And - MUCH appreciated for any leads or hints from Canadian geocachers who might have the ins on some bargains.

 

[Editing this post] Just read extremely varied mixed reviews on Magellan - hmmm...

 

I started with an Explorist 210 and moved up to an Explorist 500. My mother had an Explorist 400. Now that we upgraded to a Delorme PN-30 the kids are using the Explorist. They a very accurate and easy to use units. I would recommend them to any new cacher, if you get a great deal on them. They are discontinued. You can get a decent new unit for $135-$150 and a new all paperless for about $200-$225. So unless you are getting this for less than $100 I would keep looking.

[+4Fitzs]

I've been using a Magellan 500 for over 2 years and love it,,there are good buys out there ,,Canadian Tire had them for about $120 new here in NS, If I were you I would wait awhile as there is a new Magellen Explorist GC about to come out,,should be around $200 and looks easier to use than the present models..look on kejij for a used GPS for now then decide how much you want to spend later..I'm in NS but there are lcal groups all over ,, you may find something there..Have fun

[Shai-N-Co]

Thanks all -- The one I found was at a pawn shop, second hand for sale down from $159 to $120. Posted this post and since then read the reviews on this forum and on Amazon. Didn't like what I read on Amazon, especially about the customer service (or lack thereof). And since one never knows what one is purchasing when dealing with pawn shops, well, I decided to go with something else. Got a great score today, and we're now off. But thanks for the input and happy caching!