i'am looking into buying a gps, i'am thinking about the garmin etrex, the only thing that i see that might pose a problem is that it does'nt have waas enable (?), will this pose a problem. i will be using it just for trail riding, the next model of the garmin does have waas for about 50 buck more. any help ?

 

I have the garmin Etrex Legend and it is a great unit - it has WAAS. My understanding of WAAS is that is just makes it more accurate. Depending on how you use it it may not matter. Mine has worked really well at tracking our trips so we can back track if needed. I purchased the legend for the extra internal memory so I can download more map data to it.

 

depending on what you want to do there are a lot of choices,
if all you are looking for is waypoints, and tracks, without any base maps then a simple unit would work fine
if you want waas (about 3 meter accurate) instead of non waas it may be a little more

if you want a topo map displayed with your position on it, either a handheld gps, or a pda would work
I use a pda that displays quad sheets with my position on it, usually within about 1-2 meters
the quad sheet that displays is same scale as original, 1" = 2000', and can zoom to about 1" = 1200' or so.

 

I have the legend also and I realy like it but I have been disapointed by how quickly it chews the batteries up. I have been out twice now where the batteries died in the middle a trip. I now take spares with me wherever I ride.

 

My legend goes through batteries as well. I can't get 2 full days of riding our of one set so I have the adapter cable to keep it plugged in.

 

I have the Legend. Awesome. Lots of fun in airplanes. You get altitude, speed and you see on the map what towns you are flying over.

Battery consumption is fine. About 8 hrs out of a set of 2 AA's

 

I have a Legend and i use a cigarette lighter adapter in my truck and on my Prairie.
That really work great.
I also have MapSoure Metro Guide USA and realy like that too.
I used a bicycle handlebar mount to mount it on my front rack.

 

You should try the Garmin Rhino! (120 only not the 110) it is waas enabled as well as a good 2-way raido with some very nice features like being able to see on your unit where your buddies are at as long as they are within a couple miles. has came in very handy w/ my sons. Rop.

 

I have the etrex model that has waas feature. It is only useful if you're on big water or plane because interference like trees or hills takes away the waas feature. As others have said, take spare batteries, especially if you are by yourself. The 12V output can fail.

 

Waas is not really necessary. I have the Legend and I never turn the Waas on. It just makes it chew up batteries quicker and I can get 10-12 ft. accuracy without out it under a clear sky and that close enough for me. If your just wanting to save a few bucks and could care less about bells & whistles, it will do you fine.