joker7037 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 (edited) I am shopping for my first gpsr and have been looking at the Vista HCx and the Legend HCx. Is the magnetic compass and altimeter in the Vista worth the extra 50 bucks? Also what maps would I benefit from, preferably free. Where do I get free maps? Edited March 1, 2011 by joker7037 Quote Link to comment
+Triple Crown Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 (edited) I am shopping for my first gpsr and have been looking at the Vista HCx and the Legend HCx. Is the magnetic compass and altimeter in the Vista worth the extra 50 bucks? Also what maps would I benefit from, preferably free. Where do I get free maps? In my opinion the extra cost for the electronic compass & altimeter is not worth it. You can get excellent free topo maps from GPS File Depot and you can get free routable street maps from OpenStreetMap but I do really like the Garmin City Navigator NT (DVD version so you can put it AND topo maps on your own 4GB microSD card together) Edited March 1, 2011 by Triple Crown Quote Link to comment
+dfx Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 (edited) Having an Oregon 450 which includes a 3-axis compass, I'd say it depends on the type of the compass and how well it works. The one in the Oregon is totally worth it: reliable and accurate. I'm not so sure if the same is true with the 2-axis compass that the Vista has, but I'm only guessing here as I've never used a unit with a 2-axis compass. The altimeter I find pretty useless. It's nice to have a steady elevation reading, but I don't care much about elevation, so I wouldn't need it. Edited March 1, 2011 by dfx Quote Link to comment
+Triple Crown Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Having an Oregon 450 which includes a 3-axis compass, I'd say it depends on the type of the compass and how well it works. The one in the Oregon is totally worth it: reliable and accurate. I'm not so sure if the same is true with the 2-axis compass that the Vista has, but I'm only guessing here as I've never used a unit with a 2-axis compass. The altimeter I find pretty useless. It's nice to have a steady elevation reading, but I don't care much about elevation, so I wouldn't need it. The 3-axis compass in the newer high end units works quite well even when standing still. The older units require that the unit be held level (not convenient for viewing) and the electronic compass just doesn't work very well. Quote Link to comment
NordicMan Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Yeah the Etrex's only has a 2-axis compass. Still IMHO it's worth the $50. The altimeter isn't much of a perk (to me) Quote Link to comment
+Tui Chub Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 It's nice to have a compass that works when you're not moving, as for being worth 50$ more, that depends on you and what you're using it for. I use mine for work where I may have several hundred sampling sites and I'm carrying alot of gear. It's nice to be able to stop and get a reading then proceed to the site. I've also got a Dakota 20 with a 3-axis compass and don't necessarily find it better than the Vista HCX 2-axis compass. Quote Link to comment
+DonB Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 I wouldn't buy a GPS without the electronic compass. I have a 2 axis compass in my 76 and it's no big deal to hold it level, that's the normal way I carry it. Quote Link to comment
+evergreenhiker! Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 I got the Hcx for the altimeter feature. Very accurate as long as you calibrate it. Quote Link to comment
+GeePa Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 I have a Vista HCx. My son has the Legend HCx. He got his about a year after I got mine and he chose the Legend because told him to save the extra money because the compass was not worth it. I have been out with him many times and he usually beats me to the cache Quote Link to comment
+t4e Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 given that they are about the same price i can't see any good reason why would anyone even consider buying an eTrex Vista® instead of an Oregon 450 Quote Link to comment
+Sky King 36 Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 I find the 2-axis in my 60csx to be very useful, otherwise once you stop at a GZ you have to move a ways to get it oriented again. I'd recommend it. The altimeter is very useful if you have experience navigating mountainous terrain using a topo map, but not much use to most people otherwise. Quote Link to comment
+GeePa Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 On Amazon Legend=$170, Vista=$220, Oregon 450=$330 Where are you guys seeing Oregon 450 for so cheap? Quote Link to comment
+t4e Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 On Amazon Legend=$170, Vista=$220, Oregon 450=$330 Where are you guys seeing Oregon 450 for so cheap? in the last few months they have been on sale numerous times anywhere from as $230 to $250 i'm sure there will be more sales to come Quote Link to comment
+Bullygoat29 Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 On Amazon Legend=$170, Vista=$220, Oregon 450=$330 Where are you guys seeing Oregon 450 for so cheap? in the last few months they have been on sale numerous times anywhere from as $230 to $250 i'm sure there will be more sales to come It's onsale at Cabela's right now for $250. Quote Link to comment
+ecanderson Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 It's onsale at Cabela's right now for $250. REI has sold it at that price in the past as well. Got mine on the REI $250 deal back last September. To the OP - keep your eyes open. If you're in the mood to buy NOW, and don't happen to live near their store (who does?) the Cabela's deal is here online: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Garmin174-Oregon-450-GPS/709846.uts $50 cheaper than the Dakota 20! Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.