Author Topic: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations  (Read 1515 times)

Offline FishSandwich

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Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« on: Mar 11, 2019, 05:31 PM »
Hey All,

I am in the market for a new handheld GPS for general hunting and especially to use ice fishing. My older Etrex unit is starting to act a little finicky. It gets down to about 9 feet accuracy at best.

Can anyone recommend a new unit with an even higher level of accuracy?

Whats the best bang for your buck?

Offline Light liner

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #1 on: Mar 11, 2019, 07:20 PM »
These new Samsung phones are pretty darn accurate.
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Offline spoof

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #2 on: Mar 11, 2019, 09:25 PM »
I think garmin products are still the best

Offline stripernut

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #3 on: Mar 11, 2019, 10:32 PM »
2nd on the Garmin, but something you might want to try it to see if Garmin has new firmware for your older Etrex.  I have an old Garmin 76  that I was going to retire and when I updated the Firmware (free) it was like a new unit! Faster and with double the waypoints...

Offline 32footsteps

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #4 on: Mar 11, 2019, 11:58 PM »
Higher level of accuracy than 9 feet?  Sure it’s possible with some devices but 9 feet is pretty damn close already. The Samsung phone can get down as far as just over 3ft but that’s not a given at all times. They are usually a bit outside of that. They are consistently closer to 6ft. Are those 3ft (9-6=3) that big of a deal?

The electronic GPS units that I have are right around 9-10ft of accuracy but the devices I use to lock in tight are always right on the money. My waypoints on my electronic devices give a close approximation of a location. Then I switch to the fool proof accuracy of reliable devices....you see....that tree over there hasn’t moved in 30 years and the corner of that boat house in the opposite direction hasn’t moved in 40 years....

Offline kayl

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #5 on: Mar 12, 2019, 02:20 AM »
The newest Garmin Gpsmap 66 model supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. Once Galileo is fully operational it will be capable of greater accuracy than GPS/GLONASS.

Offline hardwater diehard

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #6 on: Mar 12, 2019, 04:52 AM »
Update your unit first...that may improve it some..if not then i would suggest another Garmin . My Etrex 20 gets several updates a year..i also like that you can import custom maps .
Give a man a fish he eats for a day .Teach a man to ice fish he has an obsession for a lifetime

Offline Joe in T.C.

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #7 on: Mar 12, 2019, 05:43 AM »
4x on Garmin

Offline Deal Ninja

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #8 on: Mar 12, 2019, 06:11 AM »
I use a Dual XGPS Bluetooth external GPS receiver and my iPhone.  The Dual makes the phone WAAS accurate  +/- 8.20 feet.  Just another option...

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Offline Flint

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #9 on: Mar 12, 2019, 09:03 AM »
Anymore it’s more about the antenna. If you have never used a Point One antenna you wouldn’t understand. Only problem is it is not for hand held units. Best bet for now is probably a Garmin 64.

Offline bobberbill

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #10 on: Mar 12, 2019, 10:14 AM »
9 feet isn't good enough??  What are you looking for, Morel's? 

Offline jethro

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #11 on: Mar 12, 2019, 10:29 AM »
This page explains the typical inaccuracy of GPS pretty well: https://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/performance/accuracy/
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Offline hardwater diehard

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #12 on: Mar 12, 2019, 12:27 PM »
Don't forget averaging waypoint will/can increase some accuracy ...this is for the 20

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Offline Light liner

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #13 on: Mar 12, 2019, 03:22 PM »
Really 9' is not enough? Are you geocaching?
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Offline markus6898

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #14 on: Mar 12, 2019, 03:47 PM »
I would recommend something along the lines of the Garmin In-reach. Gives you the ability to get help or let loved ones know you will be delayed. It is compatible with your cell phone. We do a lot of hiking in the high peaks of NY and NH. It is nice to have peace of mind.

Offline 50ice

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #15 on: Mar 13, 2019, 06:37 AM »
i use garmin 78s. never failed me.

Offline Flint

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #16 on: Mar 13, 2019, 10:02 AM »
Really 9' is not enough? Are you geocaching?

It probably more like a 9’ radius or more.

Offline dabluz

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Re: Best Handheld GPS Recommendations
« Reply #17 on: Mar 18, 2019, 09:31 PM »
I use a Garmin 78 and it is great.  When I want to enter an important waypoint, I use the "averaging" option.  It's surprisingly accurate.  I use my gps in my car or ATV or motorcycle and it shows me all the small bodies of water that I drive by and can't actually see.  Where I live (Quebec), there are huge numbers of ponds and lakes that hold brook trout and many see very few fishermen.  I've been using GPS,s since the 80's and all of them have been excellent.  Most didn't even have maps on their screens....just tracks but they still performed flawlessly.  Being able to see maps on the GPS screen is fantastic.  I have discovered a lot of fishing spots.

 



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