theavalonfox Posted August 5, 2019 Posted August 5, 2019 I have been getting items together for my grandchild and I to enjoy geocaching. I am at a loss as to which GPS handheld unit to buy. I do not need an elaborate one but would like one that works well but not too expensive. I would appreciate so very much if you would give me some ideas of which model and maybe tell me why that one would be a good choice. I am learning myself. Reading a book and the geocache.com discussions are a great help. Quote
+colleda Posted August 5, 2019 Posted August 5, 2019 From my experience an Etrex 20 (used) or 20x (new or used)would be suitable. I started with an Etrex10 but as I progressed I found it had limitations such as memory capacity and lack of decent maps. I up graded to an Etrex20 then, after losing it, went to an Etrex 20x. Have been using the Etrex for at least six years and it does everything I require without all the bells and whistles. It also has an excellent battery life, can cache all day without worry, and can take an SD card for extra maps or geocaches.. They are also a rugged unit and can handle being dropped, even in water. I also have an Android phone which I've used a few times but prefer the hand held Garmin. 1 Quote
+RecipeForDisaster Posted August 5, 2019 Posted August 5, 2019 I'd second the eTrex20 for simple, expandable, and accurate. It's what I would have liked to have started with and what I still often use now. It's not too big but has a decent screen that is good for displaying maps. 1 Quote
+cerberus1 Posted August 5, 2019 Posted August 5, 2019 7 hours ago, theavalonfox said: I have been getting items together for my grandchild and I to enjoy geocaching. I am at a loss as to which GPS handheld unit to buy. I do not need an elaborate one but would like one that works well but not too expensive. I would appreciate so very much if you would give me some ideas of which model and maybe tell me why that one would be a good choice. I am learning myself. Reading a book and the geocache.com discussions are a great help. Have you also looked at Geocaching 101, or the Help Center yet ? Lots of good info there too. I prefer buttons to toggles and touchscreens, so for me, one in the Garmin 64 series would be my start today. I'm still using a long-discontinued model though (it works), so a sale on an older model isn't out of the question either. No finds and you don't say, but if you have a relatively current phone, most GPS in phones have little difference to handheld GPSrs today. For example, the other 2/3rds uses an iphone. She's used phones most her young life. But, when battery or ruggedness may be an issue, she switches back to a GPSr too. Her phone is pretty much the same as my handheld in "accuracy", and a consideration if using GPS just to play a hobby that might be temporary. 2 Quote
+WRASTRO Posted August 5, 2019 Posted August 5, 2019 Last week I bought an Etrex 30x at Costco for $130. I have been using my Android phone for several years, but battery life is always an issue. 1 Quote
+colleda Posted August 5, 2019 Posted August 5, 2019 2 hours ago, WRASTRO said: Last week I bought an Etrex 30x at Costco for $130. I have been using my Android phone for several years, but battery life is always an issue. BARGAIN!!!!! They are over $300 here. Quote
+briansnat Posted August 6, 2019 Posted August 6, 2019 Definitely the low level Garmin eTrex units. They don't cost much and do the job. Quote
Ewe&Me Posted August 6, 2019 Posted August 6, 2019 I also use a Garmin eTrex 20 - it can do so much more than what I use it for. I don’t use the maps - just the Geocaches, sometimes the Waypoints, and always the compass. As others have said battery life is excellent and it is a well made unit. Geocaches can be entered by way of computer or manually. In our area they are now quite expensive. They are sometimes available on Kijiji or at yard sales. 1 Quote
theavalonfox Posted August 7, 2019 Author Posted August 7, 2019 I want to thank every one that answered. All of you are of great assistance to a new member. I didn't know what to do but I clicked on the arrow and marked "helpful" on each of your comments. I wish I could have put "very very helpful" lol. Thank you so much. 1 Quote
+MsVxn Posted August 9, 2019 Posted August 9, 2019 I’ve only ever used my mobile. Just a Samsung s9, nothing too fancy. It’s not failed me so far 1 Quote
+SkellyCA Posted August 14, 2019 Posted August 14, 2019 I too picked up an eTrex at Costco for $130. It was an upgrade from my 11 year old Magellan Triton 400. 1 Quote
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