Best handheld GPS/value??

RickWoodall · #1 09-30-2007, 01:12 PM

With the new gps offerings and the lower prices on some...just wanted to know if going garmin was the best/easiest choice. My plane is a year or two from completion, and I am looking for a basic handheld that i can use in rentals, and have as a back up years from now. No need for xm etc at this point, just basic easy to use and easy to read. I have started doing all the research and between lowrance, geopilot, garmin etc there are a pile of decent looking units for $500 to $1200. Just wanted to know if any one had purchased one recently and is exceptionally happy, or wished they had gone with another model. Lots of bells and whistles...just dont think most are really needed. Based on the gps in the rentals...they are all over the top. Is the colour really worth it? The benefits of the 396 over 296 worth it or even the 196? I know it all depends on mission etc, but for basic non ifr is there anything better than a 296? Thanks for any comments.

Kyle Boatright · #2 09-30-2007, 01:31 PM

GPS's are no longer a newfangled device, and more aggressive (lower) pricing reflects this. For $500 or so, you can get a lot of bang for the buck, unless you're looking for a big display screen or in-cockpit weather.

Personally, I'd stick with one of the "Big 2" in aviation - Lowrance or Garmin, simply because there is a better chance of those two companies being around to support the product. Also, when you decide to replace or upgrade the unit in later years, you'll have familiarity with one of the major brands' user interface.

I subscribe to Aviation Consumer, and in a recent review, they liked the Lowrance 600C at the low end of the price spectrum, the Lowrance Airmap 2000C at the midrange, and the Garmins at the high end, because of the XM weather feature.

My money is on Lowrance introducing XM aviation weather at SnF or Oshkosh next year. I hope it is in a small platform. I prefer Lowrance products, want to upgrade to XM weather, and don't need a big honkin' device cluttering up the cockpit.

RickWoodall · #3 09-30-2007, 01:43 PM

Thanks. The garmins are super popular and pretty slick, but right now i can get the lowrance 2000c with the free terrain updates for $600 and change. That is a pretty sweet little unit for that kind of price. Just didnt know if there is anyone who thinks that is a goofy choice and why for that kind of price point. Again, i have no need for super high end, but i dont want a pos that wont be here in a year.

cytoxin · #4 09-30-2007, 02:56 PM

would buy it again in an instant. however you can only get obstacles for it. no terrain.. i still love it.

X18 · #5 09-30-2007, 05:54 PM

I used an Anywhere Map PDA based GPS for several years while I was flying Pipeline Patrol. It is an easy to use touch screen PDA based system and easy to transfer from plane to plane. For me, one of the most important features was the reasonably priced 28 day database updates. The new ones include street navigation for $ 695 and you can upgrade to XM wx later if you want.

Jim
RV4

John_RV4 · #6 09-30-2007, 08:12 PM

Where did you see the Lowrance 2000c for "600 and change" ?? Looks like it's $695 everyplace I've looked. Probably going to order one tomorrow.....

BTW, I use a Lowrance Airmap 500 now. It has two shortcomings:

1. Flying into the sun, the monochrome screen is just too dark. Very hard to see.

2. The font is just a bit too small for these (approaching ) 50 year old eyes..

John

RickWoodall · #7 09-30-2007, 08:34 PM

i believe it was pilotstore that i saw it for a little over $600 but that included the $99 memory card with terrain, and i believe that also had the mounts for car and plane. Just seems like a heck of a nice unit for the money. Sport's is about $20 cheaper but no terrain package. Just asking opinions, but that looks like the best package so far.

hydroguy2 · #8 09-30-2007, 08:41 PM

Sporty's has it for $630. Updated price shows up after you add it to your basket

John_RV4 · #9 10-01-2007, 06:07 AM

Sporty's doesn't have it at all. I got mail from them saying it's "temprorarily unavailable". Not sure when they will get it back......

penguin · #10 10-01-2007, 06:10 AM

A Garmin Pilot 3 is my choice - got one on ebay the other day for $200. If not I would go for a 196. The B&W screens are much better in bright sunlight. I also have a PDA/Bluetooth GPS system, can't see it with sungalsses on & have had some software issues. So, if you don't need a 496 then my vote would be for B&W. I've never used a Lowrance so can't compare.

Pete