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Choosing a Handheld GPS Receiver
Garmin GPS
GPS - To the first-time buyer, visiting the electronics counter in search of a GPS unit can be a daunting task. Knowing your navigational needs in advance will make your shopping trip easier, and your next hunting or fishing trip more enjoyable.
The most important question you should ask yourself when purchasing a handheld GPS receiver is how do I intend to use it? Do you plan to use it strictly for hunting or fishing, or do you want it to help you navigate while you’re driving? All Garmin GPS units can show your position and basic navigation information, but each model offers a different combination of features. The following checklist will help you narrow down the features that will benefit you most.
Display – are you more interested in an ultra-compact unit, or are you willing to sacrifice size for a larger display screen? These days, units like the Garmin Geko series are smaller than a modern cell phone. The new Garmin Foretrex series offers hands-free GPS – simply strap on the unit like a watch. Other handhelds, like the GPSMAP 60C and 76 series, have larger, higher resolution displays, but aren’t quite as compact. Another trend in display technology is color. Colors are easier for the human mind to interpret than 16 shades of gray, which means you’ll spend less time staring at your GPS and more time hunting or fishing. One other bit of advice about color displays – ask your salesperson if you can go outdoors to view the color units you’re considering. Some units “fade out” in bright sunlight, while others only get more brilliant. Of course, color isn’t absolutely necessary – it does add to the cost of a unit. But before you write off this feature entirely, walk around your home and count up the number of black and white televisions you own.
Mapping – All handhelds show your position and basic navigation information, but many outdoorsmen want a unit that also has mapping capabilities. These units come equipped with a standard basemap that typically shows lakes, rivers, shorelines, major cities, and highways. Additionally, users can download detailed map data from optional CD-ROMs, like Garmin’s U.S. Topo or Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots. With U.S. Topo, users can see their location and topographical features around then like ridgelines, creekbeds, and draws – vital information for serious hunters. Garmin’s Recreational Lakes offers highly detailed marine navigational data, boat ramps, marinas, underwater structure, contour lines, and even a “virtual guide” that gives you tips on lures and presentation. The Garmin GPSMAP 60C and GPSMAP 76 and eTrex Vista and Legend models are product lines that offer mapping capabilities.
Memory – Memory is an important consideration for GPS receivers, but before you get too worried about megabytes, consider how much you’ll actually need. Almost every unit on the market today has more room than you’ll ever need to store waypoints and routes. If you plan to load map data into your unit, you’ll want at least 8 megabytes of memory. That’s usually more than enough memory for the average “weekend warrior” who hunts the same deer lease or fishes the same reservoirs week in and week out. Larger memory is handy when you’re traveling far from home and you’re depending on your GPS to help guide the way.
Additional Features – Many Garmin units offer unique features that can be helpful to outdoorsmen, including sunrise/sunset tables and fishing and hunting charts – even alarms that’ll wake you up and get you to your tree stand on time. Some units also feature internal electronic compasses and barometric altimeters, which can give you precise altitude readings and help you define weather patterns. Some units even calculate area, which is helpful when buying seed and fertilizer for that food plot on the deer lease. If you travel a lot, you may want to consider a unit that auto-routes: with the appropriate software, your unit will literally give you turn-by-turn directions from your doorstep all the way to the marina or hunting lodge. Battery life is also an issue for many hunters and anglers, and it’s a good idea to always carry a spare set with you. An optional 12-volt cigarette lighter cable can power most units as well. If you’re accident-prone angler and worried about losing your new unit overboard, you may want to consider the GPSMAP 76 series – those units float.
Ease of Use – No matter how many bells and whistles your new GPS receiver has, they’re next to worthless unless you can access them easily and efficiently. Spend a few minutes at the electronics counter familiarizing yourself with each unit’s user interface. Look for units and menus that are intuitive and easy to navigate. Garmin’s menu and icon-driven operation makes learning how to use your new GPS receiver simple.
Integrated Radio Capabilities – Garmin’s Rino series offers exclusive FRS and GMRS radio capabilities integrated with GPS. With a range of one to five miles (depending on terrain and frequency), these units are perfect for hunters or boaters who need to keep track of one another. What’s more, Rino users can transmit their GPS position over FRS channels to other Rino users in the area and see where their companions are located on the unit’s display. Users can then navigate to that position using the Rino’s GPS feature. These units are ideal when you need help dragging that elk out of the mountains, or when you’re buddy accidentally runs into some trouble and needs some help.
Buy from a Knowledgeable Dealer – Once you’ve determined some of your requirements and needs, visit a GPS dealer (in-store or online) with qualified sales associates that can answer any questions you may have. They can help you compare models and give you a demonstration so that you’re comfortable with your purchase.
One final note of advice. To make your GPS experience as productive and enjoyable as possible, it’s important to read the quick-start guide and instruction manual that comes with your new unit. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with your new GPS receiver. Too many people don’t bother learning how to use their receiver until they really need it – and by that point, they get lost or frustrated (or both) because they never took the time to learn how to use this valuable piece of gear. Think about it – would you go after a trophy whitetail without first patterning your rifle at the range? Also, don’t forget that a GPS unit is no substitute for common sense. Know your position at all times, have (and be able to use) a backup navigation system, and don’t take any unnecessary risks when navigating.
With a little homework before your purchase -- and a little practice afterwards – you’ll quickly become proficient at using GPS to make your outdoor time more enjoyable, more productive, and safer.
For more information on Garmin GPS products, visit www.garmin.com.
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