Garmin 12 or Explorer GPS

[Backwater Eddy]

What are the pro's and con's with the Garmin 12 and the Explorer?

So far I am leaning to the Garmin 12 due to the 500 way points and track back feature. I also see that you can download upgrades onto the Garmin from there web site with mapping also avalable of the Garmin 12 EXL.

If you have any user experance with them or feedback I am interested.

Thank's.

BE...><ND>

[DIMI]

I have used both and thought the Garmin was more user friendly. I don't think I will ever need to save 500 waypoints so that isn't a big point for me, I personally perfer the Magellan GPS units (I like their navagtion screens better) Even easier to use than the Garmins IMHO. I currently own a Garmin 12 and a Magellan 2000XL. Good luck.

[Dan]

Good morning BE. I was looking for you e-mail address, but no luck. I know where you live and I wanted your opinion on the page two post regarding fishing 2 lines in MN all year long verses just during the winter time.Have a good weekend.

[chrism]

Eddy
I have been trying the Garmin etrex, gps12, and Magellan 315...I want to purchase one but I am having a hard time deciding. I learned GPS using a Magellan - but I am giving the Garmins a good try. I do like them, and they seem to be suitable for my needs.I read many good things about them on these pages. I do feel the Magellan offers better bang for the dollar feature wise - I too like the screens - and it is also waterproof and it floats.. Garmins are/do not.
As for the waypoint storage, I believe they are all (in that $$ range) 500pts with a backtrack option. The gps12 is a close equivilant to the 315 feature wise.
My factor for the big decision will probably be the waterproof issue - reason being my fishing partner lost a gps12 due to water damage from a rainstorm we were caught in - and although it was only a few months old, water damage was not covered under warranty...the customer service we dealt with was of no help - an expensive lesson!
As luck would have it most of the "piggy`s" seem to bite when the weather is foul and everything in the boat gets wet and I don`t have a top on my rig - I need waterproof stuff!!!!!

Good luck

[chrism]

I must correct myself -
the etrex`s are waterproof, but they do not float. I see that they have added a new unit with mega memory - might be worth a look!

[Backwater Eddy]

The water deal is a very good point!

I tend to fish my share of wet cold weather & if it's at all possable I will drop it in the river, bait well, hot tub or something stupid like that.

Are there any good waterproff case's around that also float but still alow ease of use?

I have a chance to get a new in the box Garmin 12 with the 12 volt power lead, PC patch, and case for $85, so I am thinking hard on getting it. Seems like a sweet deal to me?

Too nice out to stay in today, so off I go to find some ice to walk on, thank's guy's.

BE...><ND>

[Backwater Eddy]

My email is piggywalleye@icqmail.com Dan.

BE