Best GPS to start out with?

[slick2526]

Hellooooo people! just wondering what you would suggest to for a brandname and model GPS to start out with? Im thinking of maybe getting one with a mapping option. I also want one where I could download cordinates off the GPS onto a fishing software program. Ive herd from allot of people that Garmin is your best bet to start out with because they are very simple to use and are reliable. Just wondering what your opinion is.

[AquaMan]

Garmin GPS-12 with a data cable and LakeMaps (www.lakemap.com) software will provide all the info and services you will need.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.·´¯° --- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"

Eric@crowncomputerinc.com

[Suzuki]

Garmin. Spend as much as you can.

[Redengine]

Assuming you want portability. I purchased a Garmin E-Map last winter. Works great! Can load maps off Garmin CD's to the unit and load tracks, waypoints, etc from the unit to computer for printing, retrieval at a later time,or whatever. I use mine also for snowmobiling and ice fishing. Unit has decent basemap showing all fed and state highways, freeway exit info as far as gas meals lodging,distance to next exit etc. 12 map is rated higher for water resistance,and toughness, EMap is rated higher for versatility. I found the best prices by far at onlinemarine.com Just my $.03

[Smithkeith]

I have a Garmin III Plus and love it. Used it ice fishing. Came back to a hot spot two weeks later. When the GPS read 0 feet, I looked down on the ice and there was the outline of my tent from the previous trip. I was standing 6 feet from where I had entered the way point. The fastest way to learn how to use a new unit is use it every where you go. It won't take long. Good luck.

[Upnorthwalleye]

I've got the Garmin GPS12 Map-----Really great unit with a moving map of where you are at----Also have other software to go with it---Price was 350.00 but I'm very glad I bought it----Check it out at Garmin.com See ya and good luck!---Ray

[ROD(WI)]

Well you cant go wrong with lms lowrance 160 map. This was my first gps and i was scared it was going to be hard to operate. But i was suppried. A little kid could work it. I am really happy with it. My buddie has a Mt-15 and he hates it. It is too hard to work and not ready for its time yet. Well i hope this helps you out.

[BillyBigFish]

I have a Garmin GPS III. It is basically the same as a GPS III plus. They no longer carry mine but the III plus is a great unit. I use it with a perminate mount on my boat and as a portable in the winter. Also it has street mapps that make it great for travel. You can purchase a PC cable and down load routes, way points or updated software off the Garmin web site. I would not hesitate to tell anyone that it is a great unit for the money. My next perminate boat unit will be a Garmin, never any complants or problems.

[Suzuki]

I should add that my model, the Map 76, is also a handheld and is designed for marine use. It even floats. I have a dash mount in the boat and I have used it to navigate in my car. The mapping feature coupled with the navigation CD's make for a very powerful tool.

[WALLEYE DADDY]

I use a console mount garmin 162 map. Very easy to use great white lit back screen for night time viewing and works great with most software packages you might use on your computer

[Chris S.]

I have a garmin e-map and it is very good. You can get software for it that will show all snowmobile trails, remote boat landings, small lakes, etc. Very nice unit.

[Hawgeye]

I have the Eagle Status and for the price, I love it. It has mapping, it mounts on my dash and has a split option screen for a sonar. I use the X-85 on the bow for better resolution but for most situations, the 160 pixel display is adequate for depth finding.

The Eagle Journy is the same unit w/o the sonar and has mapping also. Get the Mapcreate CD if you go this route. There is better detail not to metion the roads are also marked. Garmin is a good product as well but I have to have the mounted unit. The handheld ones just have too small of a display.

[Chairman]

I have the new Lowrance X16ci and have had no problems with it. The color features are great and when using the sunscreen I have no problems seeing the detail. Easier to load and work than the 160 and a larger screen too.
I haven't hooked up the dual transducer yet but it is supposed to a high resoultion unit that will show fish on the bottom in different colors than the bottom.
Not an inespensive unit, but why buy one and then want another one in a year or two with more features.
Chairman
NPAA #6

[Chadster]

What is the difference between the Lakemap product vs. Map Source or Navionics? Aren't they all the basically the same? I do see more lakes available through Lakemap. Your help in explaining this would be appreciated.