GPS

[sparkman]

I'm thinking about investing in a new GPS this year, anything out there better than the others? Also thinking of retiring my Vex FL-8 and getting an FL-12. Anything I should know? Thanks, can't wait to use them. Come on ice.

[southend517]

what GPS do you have?  I have a etrex lengend and it is just fine for fishing,  I also have the hot spots for my area. 

[CSP88]

I'm thinking about investing in a new GPS this year, anything out there better than the others? Also thinking of retiring my Vex FL-8 and getting an FL-12. Anything I should know? Thanks, can't wait to use them. Come on ice.

If you want a GPS unit which you can view lake maps with I would go with the Lowrance H2O or Expedition.  As for retiring the FL-8, I would skip the 12 and go for either the FL-18 or FL-20.  The bottom zoom is worth it's weight in gold.

[rondog]

What CSP88 said!

[USMC130FE]

If you want a GPS unit which you can view lake maps with I would go with the Lowrance H2O or Expedition.  As for retiring the FL-8, I would skip the 12 and go for either the FL-18 or FL-20.  The bottom zoom is worth it's weight in gold.

  I agree with this statement.  The bottom zoom is worth it's weight in gold if you fish deeper water for bottom dwelling fish.  Also take a look into the Marcum line, great machine the LX-5 is.  The H2o with the SD card is a great unit.

Steve

[munchy71]

Chad's right on with his Vex recomendation as well as his GPS recommendtion.  The only thing I might add is that if you want to use your GPS for navigating on the road too, go with one of the color Etrex units.  Either the Legend or the Vista.  The have an auto-routing feature that is invaluable on the road.....

-Munchy

[sparkman]

Thanks for the input guys. I'll check these out. That helps out alot.

[Fishrmn]

Lowrance.  Expedition, Hunt, or H2O.  They are all available in color screen and monochrome versions.  They all have dual microprocessors.  They run with or without an SD card installed.  You can load a one Gig card up with enough maps to cover several states.

Fishrmn

[walksonwater]

I run an 18, and that bottom zoom is great, but I'm not so sure it's a big enough deal to trade off a perfectly good 8 for, especially if you're used to it.

As for the GPS, if you go with the Lowrance H2O series make sure you get the color. The standard model is very hard to read unless the light is just right.

[TMBWarriors]

Sparkman look into the rhino and they have alot of sweet features.I have a rhino 120 gps with a built in two way radio.
These units can show your position and others that have a radio.You can transfer map data from the topo maps and also from the great lakes blue charts.The unit is on sale at walmart .com for 189.00.     I also have a Magellan gps but it is not as good (features) as the rhino.

csp88 is right the bottom zoom on the fl18 is awesome.  Good luck

[trapster]

I'm very happy with my Lowrance unit..  Lots of storage and easy to use.

[Mainehazmt]

I bought the Magelian eXplorist 500 LE  great unit   but never got out on the lakes to mark some points      oh well   will do it this winter I guess  I bought the fl 12   looks like a good unit  and price was right   so hopefully it will work out    now to learn how to use it

[Bluefinforme]

if you get a handheld, the meridian marine is great  (magellan)

[deadsmelthead]

I have a Garmin Etrex Legend, I have no problems with it, My personal favorite feature is the Solar & Lunar Phases.
 

[Boatless]

On the topic of GPS. Does anyone have any feedback on a Garmin Rino 520 Color unit with two way radio? It looks interesting...

[TMBWarriors]

On the topic of GPS. Does anyone have any feedback on a Garmin Rhino 520 Color unit with two way radio? It looks interesting...

Yes the 520 and the 530 rhinos are the top of the line of garmin radio/gps units.We have several guys in are club that have rhinos and the 120 is what i have and my brother has the new 530.The 520 and 530 have a color screen that will show other rhino tracks and there location.The 120 will show you locations also but in plain color.The 530 also comes with a rechargeable battery pack that will last a couple days.My rhino 120 uses 3 AA battery's and they last about 2 days .If you have any more questions i will be happy to help. Thanks Carl