GPS Units for beginners

[+Cache In Hand 64]

Hi, my partner and I have just got into geocaching and are considering purchasing a GPS unit. We are currently using an app downloaded to a mobile phone which isn't ideal as the battery soon runs out! Are there any recommendations please or does anyone know where we might find a used unit?

Thanks very much

AvonLady64

[+eusty]

Take a look at the new Garmin etrex units, especially the 20 and 30 as they have the ability to add maps to them

[+briansnat]

I agree with Eusty, the new eTrex line is reasonably priced and they are fairly easy to use.

[+mcoppel]

ev en the etrex 10 is a great cheaper start. The only downfall really is the no memory card and no maps, but if you can live with those two small things, then it's a great strter unit, I had a 10 but then took it back for the 20.

 

I agree with Eusty, the new eTrex line is reasonably priced and they are fairly easy to use.

[+autigerman]

Are there any recommendations please

 

If you think this is something you will be sticking with, it is usually cheaper to buy an advanced unit and grow into it's bells and whistles than to buy a cheap unit that you soon outgrow and have to replace.

 

does anyone know where we might find a used unit?

 

There is a forum topic, GPS Garage Sale, where used units are available. You can also try Craig's List or eBay. The majority of people use a Garmin unit, so if you go this route you will find it easy to get community support for problems you may be having.

[diggingest_dogg616]

I like Garmin. Mine's old, but it's an etrex legend. I talked a friend into getting a Garmin etrex, but I don't remember anything more specific.

 

I'd suggest going to the Garmin website and looking around. They should have a feature to help you choose the right unit for you. It uses check boxes, so you can check "Hiking" and "Geocaching" if you want units for hiking and geocaching or "paperless geocaching" to go that route. You can choose if you want a memory card and all sorts of stuff.

 

Those apps are such battery eaters! Especially when you have the brightness on so you can see!

 

Good luck!

[+PouserKeith]

If I was coming into Geocaching now and I didn't have my first GPS unit (Garmin Venture HC) or my second GPS unit (Garmin Oregon 450) I would totally go for the new Garmin eTrex 20 or 30.

 

Keith in WA

[+Cache In Hand 64]

thanks to all those who replied, that was really useful. I have now ordered the etrex 20 and hope to have it in the next couple of days as I'm raring to get going again!

[+eusty]

Take a look at the maps from talkytoaster as the basemap you get on the unit is pants.

[+kiowa scout]

enjoyed reading this thread as I think I may be coming addicted and will also need a gps ha ha

[+Trucker Lee]

Dont forget to check the "Garage Sale" in the forums. A good place to pick up a used unit reasonably priced to see whether you are going to stick around or not.