"offroad" GPS

[EERNGER]

Hi, everyone.
I am looking into picking up my first GPS. I am not interested in the turn-by-turn units, but more into a topo unit that i can map out good trails and just be able to see where i am in addition to my maps. I have done a little bit of research, and i have narrowed it down to 3 units. The Garmin 60csx, the Colorado, and the Oregon. I should also point out that those are not the only options on my list, just the ones i have seen the most write-ups on. So my question is which one to go with. Do you have any experience with these 3 or a unit you believe would be better? Im looking for any input at this point, because i want to pick up my unit before spring wheeling kicks off.

Like always, any input would be appreciated!

 

[daniel3507]

Between those 3 I would go with 60csx. They have a pretty loyal following. That said though, I will be getting a Delorme Earthmate myself. They have great topos and road maps. you can even use satellite imagery on them. Delorme has the option to pay 30 bucks a year and you can download all the maps you want for free. Even nautical charts. The PN-40 was at the top of my list till i found out that they are coming out with an even better one called PN-60. The 60 has the option to work with SPOT.

 

[Ozwynn]

world-nav makes a nice topo unit.

 

[Jason]

You can buy topo maps for almost any Garmin unit.

 

[97fordrunner]

I've been looking at this one pretty hard. http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Automotive/HDS-5-Baja/

 

[EERNGER]

Hey Guys thanks for the input as always!

Ya daniel3507, i had kinda noticed that the 60csx guys were pretty stiff against recommending the newer Colorado and Oregon. I had not looked into Delorme, but seeing as you are interested in one i will look them over.

97fordrunner, that unit looks completely awesome! I will bet its pretty expensive, but i would have to say that thing is probably an awesome tool to have on the trail.

 

[97fordrunner]

They used to have a B&W screen model that was around $300 not sure of the color version

 

[EERNGER]

It looks like the color unit runs for $599, less than i would expect.. but thats still a chunk of money.

 

[97fordrunner]

yeah it is. I have been trying to find the B&W model cause it was cheaper than most hand helds.

 

[daniel3507]

Here is the PN-60. It comes out May 1st (conveniently around my birthday).
http://blog.delorme.com/2010/01/06/delorme-and-spot-handheld-gps-meets-satellite-communication/
$399 or $549 for the PN-60w which has the SPOT satellite messenger

 

[EERNGER]

I will definitely have to look the PN-60 over. I like the idea of a handheld because i can use it for my mountain bike, and my snowmobile also.

 

[EERNGER]

So i ended up pulling the trigger on a 60CSx. The only bummer was spending the extra 100 on a local topo map, but aside from that it was not a total bank breaker. I love the unit, it sometimes takes it a while to load the topo map...seems like processing might be on the short end of the stick..but aside from that im completely satisfied and i would recommend the unit.