Contributors to this thread:
There is a high likelihood I lost my GPS this winter doing some scouting. It was a Garmin Oregon 550T. I had it for a few years and was contemplating going to a new one this year and keeping that one for backup.....as of right now my hand has been forced to buy a new one for sure as I haven't been able to locate mine since the last trip to the woods in December. I was happy with the 550T, but really have no reason to have a camera on my GPS. I do want Pre-loaded base maps, electronic compass, and micro SD compatability (so I can lose another ON-X Wisconsin map). I'm leaning towards the 64ST, anyone have any feedback on this unit? It's either that or another $250 for a touch screen Montana/Oregon 650, the only thing I think I would gain from those would be a touch screen and a little big screen, thoughts?
I went with the Montana 650T. The main reasons were the larger screen, micro SD slot and the topo maps.
Now that's ironic... losing a GPS. :)
Right Tim!
KJC, yes agreed. The 64ST has maps and Micro, but not sure it's worth $250 for the larger screen for me. How do you like yours so far?
This is how you explained to the wife why you needed to buy a new GPS? Great move if she fell for it. If I had a wife I'd try that one too.
If you're comfortable not having the newest screens, and are okay with the older Friction Style touch screens. You can generally find something like an Oregon 450T online for around $300. I generally find myself trying to touch the screen on the 64's after using my touch screen GPSs for so long. For me, I will take the touch-screen over the quad-helix antenna any day.
DIY, your post got me to thinking about the antenna's. I did see it had a quad helix antenna, but had no idea what it meant. I just did some researching and it appears that now the helix and patch function equally as well. Glad you mentioned it. Also found some reviews that say it basically comes down to just the differences between push button and touch screen.
Also some people saying not to get the Topo version as there are other free versions available that are as good as the Garmin version.......anyone here find this to be true?
It knows exactly where it is and has simply misplaced you. :)
Nothing worse than losing a GPS! I lost one of mine about 4 years back. It's all that data that's hard to live without.
I too went with the Montana. I love the larger screen for map reading. If they made one twice as big, I'd buy that one instead! I like to see the big picture when looking at TOPOs.
Mr. Hale you are correct!
Chris, you are spot on.....I can live with the fact that I have to spend some cash and buy something new.....its 5 years of elk hunting, deer hunting, fishing, etc waypoints that I don't have anymore that is a tough pill to swallow....all of my own doing though.
That said the person who found it will have some great hunting spots if they decide to use it.....
"How do you like yours so far?"
I'm very satisfied with it! I elk hunt in Montana every year. We pack in on horseback and ride or hike out from basecamp every morning so weight really isn't a concern. The unit isn't really that much bigger than any other full function GPS and it's nice not to need to pop out my readers every time I want to check a property line or see how steep a draw or hillside is.
Of course, you have all those spots backed up on your PC at home, right Les???
Nick, I don't......so still hoping it will turn up in my remodel.
I will sell a never used, but turned on to confirm it is in perfect working order, Garmin Oregon 600 for $299.00. It is listed in the classifieds now. All cables, belt carabiner, instructions, manuals, etc. included in the box. Will throw in a couple new AA batteries for good measure. It has the latest version of 2015 software update installed. I was given an Oregon 650 (the camera version) and now have no need for the new 600. It has never been out of my driveway. They are $400.00 retail at the stores.
Grant is it the 600 or 600T with topo? Have a buddy at work bringing his 600T in tomorrow to let me play with, will let you know then. Thanks.
Yes Pat that is why I bought the 550T originally, but I didn't use that feature much....maybe they have changed it, but I didn't care for the way those waypoints were saved....maybe I just never understood it correctly also?
Old fashioned...I write the data on my paper topo map. New technology is great....proven "technology" is even better. Some day my kids will have a field day digging through the map files in the ManCave.
Elk it is the 600 the model without the topo maps if you needed that they can be ordered for $99 and downloaded to the unit.