GPS on the PRO?

[Pro-8250]

Looking into buying a GPS. I was going to put this in the electronics forum but as of this morning there were only 5 viewing there as apposed to 320+ people viewing here. And I do ride a PRO.
Is it better to mount the GPS on the sled or put it into your pocket. I don't own one or know how to use one, but I am thinking by putting it in your pocket it won't get trashed when I have to roll over the sled. What are the things to look for when buying a GPS. (For snowmobiling in the mountains) I would need one that is user friendly, and easy to view. I don't need all the crap that comes on the new phones. I don't want one that plays games or talks to me. Just CLEARLY shows me where I am and how to get home. Like I mentioned, USER FRIENDLY.
Thanks in advance and I appreciate the help!

 

[jake432]

Any of the garmin rinos kelly r good 120-130 r black and white screens, 520-530 are color screens and have more room for maps, 600's r touch screen but the touch screen only works for 5 degree plus weather. All the rinos hav radios in them (2way) and they are waterproof and very easy to use. Look on western power sports they have a mount that mounts somewhere on your dash i like those because IMO i dont like the handlebar mount because its in the way. I bought a 530hcx and i love it with topo mountain north maps (wyoming, montana, idaho) it works great!

 

[B00nd0ck3r4lif]

I also went with the Rino 530HCX. A handful of the guys I ride with also have Rinos. Not only is it great that they act as a 2 way radio, they also send your GPS location to anyone else with a Rino that is on the same channel. This is great if you are stuck in a big tree well and your buddies cant find you. They don't even have to be listening to their radio and your GPS location will be waiting for them when they stop to check theirs.

As far as mounting goes. I just have mine in my backpack. I know some people that have them clipped to the chest strap of their pack for quick use.

 

[Pro-8250]

When you send a message to lets say to your riding partner does it vibrate to get their attention? I for got to mention that I have to use reading glasses. I guess I would have to go with one that I would take out of my pocket along with the glasses.

 

[hyperduc]

I chose the rino as well. Good GPS, but the radio and its ability to transmit location to your riding partners has saved us on mor ethan one occasion.

 

[MGM]

+1 Really enjoy mine (Rhino 650), especially when your buddies have them. Not sure what it is about sunny powder days that makes everyone take off in different directions to get stuck out of sight, these help that a lot.

 

[Ndanger]

I mount my Garmin 60csx to the handle bar with a Ram mount. I like being able to view the map easily without having to pull it out of a pocket. The mount articulates to easy viewing and stay below the bars to avoid hitting it on a roll over. Great backup to have finding home in a whiteout.

 

[trikerider]

I've had the same old GPS for 12 years and it's always been mounted some where I can read it while riding. On my Pro I made my own gauge lifter and integrated a mount for the old GPS on it.

 

[Rick!]

My 76Csx has been in my pocket or the top pocket of my backpack for about 6 years now. Have not had an issue with it, snow is soft for the most part...

 

[ak49er]

RINO 530 HCX with Ram Handle bar quick disconnect mount.

Battery life is unreal, and the Garmin customer service is otherworldly. I have sent them both my 520 and 530 for repair, without battery, and both times they sent me new units, with batteries.

 

[mdbrown9]

GPS

I love the rhino. I have the 650. I carry it in my left front Jacket pocket. Never had a problem with the touch screen and have used it in weather much lower than 5 degrees - probably works because it's inside my outer layer.

Not only can you send out your location but you can also "poll" your fellow riders location even if they're riding, unconcious or simply ignoring you. Doesn't always work in (terrain related) but I'd say 60% of the time if they're within a couple of miles you'll get their location. As others have said - the lithium battery is unreal seems like it would last over 48 hours in real world conditions though I haven't tested it that long.

As far as mounting it somewhere.....can't seeing it staying put. Somebody post a pix of your mounting system.

 

[tek9tim]

I don't have any experience with the Rhinos, but I do have a ton of time with a gpsmap 60csx, and I really like those. They pick up satellites quickly and really well. If you aren't getting a location with one, you won't get a location with anything else short of a Trimble. (Now those things are amazing) They do have the same chipset as the rhino, just don't have a radio. I think it would be awesome to have the rhino if everybody in your group had one, or at least most did.

I've used the Oregon 550t as well, and those are good too, but I am not a huge fan of touchscreen stuff. Otherwise, it worked really well. Basically the same as the gpsmap 60. Except the 3d terrain view was pretty awesome, but I didn't use it as much as I thought I would in 2 years of carrying it at work.

Best advice I have is to calibrate the compass every time you use the gps. I walked an extra 4 miles one time looking for a fire. Not so great. 30 seconds spent calibrating the compass would have prevented it.

 

[Skeld]

Don't know about where you are, but the Delorme Topo is far superior for Maine than what you can put in a Garmin. I had an Etrex Legend handlebar mounted for 6 or 7 years until it died, and upgraded to the Delorme PN-60 this year. I have it handlebar mounted with a Ram Mount, but it doesn't stick up above the crossbar so it might survive a rollover, not sure.

 

[Pro-8250]

GEEEZ

Holy Crap! I appreciate all the info from everyone. Thanks!

 

[MillermanSD]

Our group uses the Garmin rhinos as well. The best part of my weekend is getting back to the hotel room and opening the free version of google earth. It has a garmin import under the "tools" header, and will import the track of the days ride and populate a trail right on the satellite photo. Real cool to see those "top secret" spots you usually ride right past that are up in the trees. Send me a pm if you need help. I work with agricultural gps systems for a living and enjoy helping out!!!

 

[Aussie Niko]

x2 on the garmin 60csx to the handle bar with a Ram mount works great!!

 

[Ronski60]

Another suggestion would be the Garmin Nuvi 500. I went from a hand held that has a smaller screen to this one and belive with your eyes, you might want to consisider it. A picture of my unit mounted on my sled is attached using a Ram mount....thought about on the bars but changed my location.

 

[live to ride]

I mount my Garmin 60csx to the handle bar with a Ram mount. I like being able to view the map easily without having to pull it out of a pocket. The mount articulates to easy viewing and stay below the bars to avoid hitting it on a roll over. Great backup to have finding home in a whiteout.

i have the same setup... best i have used so far, works well, tough as nails, good on batteries, fits perfect and won't break the bank, oh and easy to use

 

[skierh2o]

Love my 655t Works GREAT, screen, radio, positioning, A++

 

[Butta]

Great responses, guys! I've been using a Garmin 76CSx for 5 years with great success. However, due to recent events around here, my riding group is considering Rino's....so, I'm wondering what the best Rino for the buck is? Leaning toward the 520HCx right now, but would love to hear opinions!

Thanks!