GPS Info - help needed

[snowgal]

I was thinking about getting a GPS for my husband for Christmas. He’s into tech gadgets and loves snowmobiling – so would this be something he could use and more importantly like? He primarily rides up in the UP (Northern WI, Western UP and Keweenaw Peninsula) and occasionally rides around in the far Western Suburbs of Chicago. Could this be used to replace the paper trail maps currently used? Does it get mounted on the snowmobile, stored in a windshield bag or pocket of a jacket? Can you download trail maps to it (specifically IL, WI, and MI)? Would like to get him a really good one - not to mention he too would want a good one too). Where to buy, etc…? I did go to Garmin’s website and was a little overwhelmed as to what they offered. I have no clue about this and any help would be most appreciated – thanks!

 

[pauly]

I bought a Garmin NUVI 500. I bought this one for several reasons. It has a pretty big screen, it is weather resistant (made for use outdoors) It makes a good car GPS as well, and a Lot of GPS trail maps are made to work well on Garmins. It also has a seperate Micro SD card slot to add those extra trail maps on.

I mounted mine behind my windshield on a smooth part of the hood with the Suction cup mount. Put on a 1000 miles last year.. never fell off. I would say I am a slightly aggressive trail rider. So the suction cup mount work well enough for me to use it again.
There is a company out that makes more permanent mounts called Ram Mount. www.RAM-Mount.com
You get one of these.. you can practically snocross with it.. : )

I have used my Garmin 500 in -20 weather.. and had zero problems with it... I would recommend.. no complaints.

 

[pauly]

To add.. I plan to purchase the Great lakes package from www.sledGPS.com
If you wait til Dec. sometime, the maps will include Turn by turn directions.. This is $50 for several states..

Paul

 

[pauly]

Snow Gal.. See topic here in Tech Talk called "GPS trail maps"

Little more info on some GPS trail maps you can get.

Pauly

 

[lofsfire]

I don't think you can go wrong with the Garmins. I have Garmin NUVI 255w it's not weather resistant like the Garmin NUVI 500. But I've used NUVI 200 in a tank bag and it worked well. If your ok with the price of the 500 then I would go with that. If you want something less expansive then look at a lower model. If the your husband is good with maps and elections he will be able to make any unit work for the basic's. But as the price goes up so do the capability of the GPS unit.
Good luck with you choice.

The next GPS I will buy will be weather resistant.

 

[mjkaliszak]

I asked this type of question around Mothers Day this year. There are 2 favorites out in " sled forum land " generally speaking. The Garmin Nuvi 500 and the Lowerance XOG . I bought my wife the Nuvi 500 . That is a " good one ".

 

[g_eich]

Check around on line, The prices are all over. Also make sure it is not a reconditioned one, if the price is lower than the rest double check! I also have the Garmin nuvi 500, my wife bought it for me for Christmas last year and it is a great car unit also. It does come with the topo stuff already in if you zoom far enough down.

 

[fgsacts]

Garmin 60csx. Very user friendly. Large enough screen to look at while moving. I use a RAM mount attached to my handlebars. It will still work through a coat pocket also. Couldn't be happier with the choice.

 

[polarisrider1]

Dispite what Andy says. I love my Lowrance XOG with a Ram mount. Gets the job done. p.s. this model has been discountinued. Lowrance jacked the price on the replacement. same unit. I bought mine on e-bay new for $118. Does the same as a $500 unit.

 

[polarisrider1]

I mounted my GPS to the dash. I have a special way to get unstuck and would not want to lose my GPS. (roll it out of the hole). Nothing hooked to the handle bars that may break.

 

[fgsacts]

Sorry Wayne, I forgot you had all the answers, lol. But you know what they say, opinions are like a..holes, everyone has one.

 

[polarisrider1]

I don't have all the answers, but it is Andys opinion that I do. And I thank him. When are we going to start drilling holes in your running boards Andy? (not to change the subject).lol