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Which GPS map devise should I buy?


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The time has come to start using a map device but Im choking on the cost of the Garmain Zumo 395LM and 595LM models. I have also looked at the Gaia App for my iPhone 6 but can't believe the $19.95 app will do the job. Is there something in between that I should consider?  Or should I just breakdown and spend the money on the Garmain Zumo or BMW Garmain version?

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I feel your pain!  They are all pretty darn expensive.  I don't trust the phone apps either, as much as I like the Rever app.

 

I have an old Garmin 60Csx that is bullet proof but has a small screen and not all the latest features.

 

If I were to bite the bullet and get a new one I'd look at the Garmin Montana.

 

Let us know what you decide on.

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I find that a phone with few good apps can do very well in any context: turn by turn touring style or trail track following.

And it's usually much faster than a classic GPS.

 

If I miss an exit, my phone recomputes a route almost instantly as opposed to a stand alone GPS.

 

The key is to find a good mount and a good weatherproof case.

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I too am looking at a new GPS.  I've been using an older Garmin Street Pilot 2760 or something like that, that the database is no longer up gradable. Also, when trying to install GPS tracks for BDR routes I have to spend hours manipulating Map Quest converting the tracks to routes before I can upload.

I'm really looking hard at the Garmin Montana in one form or another.  But like most, find the price for the unit, maps and mount a bit more than I want to spend at the moment.  Still have a couple months before my next long adventure ride, so we'll see....

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Oh boy the GPS topic.

Every year it seems someone dies hiking up on Mt. Hood. They usually have their cell phone and it is quite tragic to look at the logs and realize how close they were to rescue. Quite literally people die out here in the woods every year by relying on a cell phone only.

I agree that the technology is getting much better, my i6 has a beautiful screen and it spanks any of my Garmins hard at turn-by-turn. And since Avenza will read the georeferenced .pdf files that the Forest Service uses for the MVUMs it behooves one to have a working cell phone that has a good gps and the ability to store maps.

However there is no replacement for a good hiking-based gps with lots of extra batteries and several maps. As I was trying out the new Oregon 6 series last November that I was upgrading my 450 to it suffered catastrophic failure and gave completely wrong information necessitating my switching to my older one and using my iPhone to get me back to civilization. 12 mile hike in the dark in the 30's to get cell service will definitely make you appreciate a good handheld and plenty of batteries. So if you can I'd go for a decent handheld like what Eric has and the 24k topo with maybe an android based go phone or something like it to run your gps stuff on. Take it from someone who's iPhone got partially wasted on that very same walk, you'd rather the cheap plastic go phone!

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I just picked up a Garmin 650 Montana from a co worker that sold his bike. I haven't bolted it on yet but from reading around, like Eric and many others have suggested, everything pointed into its direction. Take a look on your local Craigs L. and forums, they show up once in a while if your not in a hurry to buy. Used ones usually tend to come with maps and mounts ( mine did ) so additional costs can be saved there as well.

Good luck!

RPM

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I've used mine on several dualsports for the past 5 years without a glitch.

The only anomoly that's been associated with the 600 series is that the screen orientation can get wonky, switching from horizontal to vertical while your riding rough roads/trails.

That's been detected to the batteries compartment door which isn't tight enough to keep the batteries in contact.

The simply fix is to but a a few foam earplugs between the door and batteries, securing everything tight. Works like a charm.

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