GPS - BEST HAND HELD UNIT

[MICHIGANDER]

Confusing - Current models, and new soon to become available / reading would have one thinking that almost any of the map display GPS units would do it - then there's this thought that there must be a best of the best ( Maybe not ). The Garmin 12MAP with optional US Waterway CD gets great reviews buit I know there's a lot of knowledge on this Site regarding these GPS Units - Is there a Best of the Best ?

[fish bait]

i don't know if it's the best but i have a eagle map guide pro that i just love.it comes with a cd that has the world map and all the nav aids for the us and coastal waters.plus much more.the only thing is it does way more then i well ever use.it's a little pricey but well worth it. be safe and good fishing

[Juls_WI]

Dang it all...

I just picked up the Garmin 12. I didn't know there was one with Map too. Would have liked that one better I think? So far this one is great, so the one with Map would be even better I think. How much is the one with Map/cd? I have 27 days left to return this one and exchange it.

I'm still learning it, so I can't comment any further. Only had it a few days.

Juls

[Smokin J]

Hello-I have a question to add to this post. I have searched the archieves and cannot find any help. How would the Magellan GPS 310 work? Is it worth the money? I usually do not fish on waters where a person could get lost but simply want to try a new toy! Wife said it's OK!
Thanks in advance.
Smokin J

[MICHIGANDER]

Just now getting interested in GPS and learning /
I would trade back for the MAP - HOT SPOTS Maps
are going to become available for GPS soon - I read that / the prices vary, but Map adds cost - search GPS for prices or look in Cabale's. Best wishes to you fellow fisherman ><> / and thanks to all - I'm still researching.

[Silver/MI]

This is my first year with a hand held GPS and find it excellent for marking spots now that the S/A has been turned off. Mine is a garmin 12 and its pretty much the same caliber as the Magellan 310 I believe. The expensive ones don't mark points any better than the less expensive ones, and they are all the same accuracy. The interfaces are just a little different and the beefed up ones can interface with a pc and have maps. I recently went to a lake with several hot islands that were always tricky to find and marked them all. When I was done I checked them and they all put me right back on em. Obviously you need a depth finder and a decent lake map for best performance. I find that I dont use it on real small waters, but 400 acres and above I do. On the downside, my handheld always seems to end up on the floor or in other dangerous areas, so I'm thinkin about getting a mount for it.

[Road Kill]

I have a 320 and fishing pardner has a 315. Both work great. No problems with either.

[Scott]

I have a 315 Magellan. I love it. In fact used it today on Erie all day with the cig. adapter. Very reliable and after two seasons, I have yet to fill the waypoint list. I'd buy another in a minute.

[Schmitty]

Magellan 6000 with C-Map there increadible.

[Bopper]

I have a Garmin GPS II Plus for three years. This unit is very user friendly and reliable. On lake Erie or in the woods (hunting) this unit has not let me down and batteries last a long time. The new GPS III plus with maps features would even be nicer. Good luck & good fishin.

[Dave G]

If you want a starting point that has links to some very good GPS sites and boards then look at:

#####://walleyesearchers.com/GPSlinks.html

Dave Gulczisnki

[chatman]

my lowrance unit fried it's curcuit board due to an internal short (couple years old). i'm going to have to get a new one. i looked and have used a few. you'll have to decide if you want one of the newer ones with a cd, or one that holds "c maps" etc. the one's i've used that you upload with a cd, they don't have all the depths like the cartridges. also check the plot screens and see if they will display your icons etc the way you find easiest to read while running in a boat. the handheld units have different screens, lowrance is still my personal preference with "c maps"

[Michigander]

As usual - great replies.