I have heard several of you mention using an eTrex GPS. Are you happy with this particular GPS? The one I am looking at is just the plain eTrex model and is around $100(it's bright yellow). Is there any other model that anyone would recomend over the eTrex?

One last question, what is the best handle bar mount available? Is one necessary?

Thanks for your replies.

 

From my experience Garmin is the way to go.

My buddy has a Garmin Etrex Summit and is very pleased with the performance. It is a great unit because it is totally waterproof and easy to carry with you. The Etrex summit includes a real Compass, most will only tell you direction if you are moving. The Etrex didn't quite meet my needs because I was looking for something I could use in the car as well as Bike/Atv/Snowmobile, basically a mapping unit that would take a Data Chip for extra storage. When I'm traveling on the road or lost in the woods I'm not interested in the fact that I'm at...Lat something and Long something. I want to know where the nearest service station is...food...lodging...

(Although I think a new Etrex is out...Venture/Legend??) that can do mapping and has between 8-16MB of memory? I didn't feel it was worth the money and the display is to small for maps.

I went with the Garmin EMAP. The EMAP is between $175-200 for the base unit and is expandable. With the built in base map you can find nearest Cities, EXIT info for roads with Service/Lodging/Food/Rest Areas information.

In addition I also purchased the Garmin MetroGuide software & a 32MB Data Card. Now I can upload street level detail to the unit and a much more detailed database with points of interest including phone #'s. My only complaint about the setup is the base map & points of interest software is STATIC. I wish they would update the base maps and software as points of interest change.

You can find places that sell waterproof cases/bags for it as well.

 

I use a Garmin E-map, it is fantastic. Knowing your latitude and longitude is fine if you have a really good map and know how to use it with a GPS.
Otherwise you are just as lost as you would be without a GPS. The only drawback to the E-map is that it is the one model that is not waterproof/dustproof. So I keep mine in a baggy.
Being able to upload tracks and waypoints to my PC at the end of a day's ride is awesome. I have a master map of all my trails, by merely cutting and pasting individual tracks and waypoints to my master map.
The GPS III already has a memory chip ( which only holds maps downloaded from your PC) and it is waterproof. Unfortunately it does not fit in your pocket as neatly as the E-map, which is a little bigger than a pack of cigarettes. The GPS-III also comes with the patch cord for your PC.
Everything is included with the GPS-III, everything is an option with the E-map. Try GPScity.com.

 

I also use the garmin emap... and I do love it.

As fourlix stated you can download trails and waypoints to your PC for safe keeping, save the maps, then load up a different set of maps for another area from your PC.

Mine came with an 8 meg ram chip which hold a gaggle of data. I also got the garmin CDs for the detailed maps. Ohio is split in 4 maps, and I can only load 1 at a time (you can buy bigger memory chips and load up to 16 maps), but it's really nice to know every street, every house, where the nearest gas station is, etc. This thing can basically tell me anything and everything about the surronding area as long as I download the correct map into memory.

I also use it whenever I travel.. it's been a really nice toy to have. I used it all over florida when I went a couple months ago. Forget ever having to ask for directions again.

Brad

 

I use the Lowrance GlobalMap 100, it only has 2 megs of mem which I feel is a little lacking but other then that it has been great. I use the RAM mount for my Kodiak and it has held up great to a roll and lots of mud and water.

 

I bought my e-trax about a month ago. It is perfect for my needs. All I was interested in was the speed function it has. I bought mine for $99 and got a $20 rebate with it. It works perfect and is water proof.

 

One more vote here for the Garmin E-Map. I have it every time I ride and even use it on the road quite a bit. Whenever I set up my "camp" I just turn on the unit, let it find the satalites (usually 30 seconds or less), delete my old "camp" waypoint, and save the new point as "camp". This way I don't have to search through a list of waypoints to figure out where my current homepoint is.

A buddy of mine just bought the Vista and damn that thing rocks. It's got alot of extra features and the thing I like most is the electronic compass. I'd be inclined to buy that one if I didn't have the E-Map already. The only draw back to the unit for me is the size. My paws are a bit big for the unit and the screen can be a little difficult to read. Overall though, that Vista is an awsome unit.

 

Garmin GPS III+ works well.

If all your concerned with is the speed display and a 2 way track back..go with the Etrex standard. ($99)

All the models allow for way points.so the comment about a map and lat/long is not so true. It takes some time to get efficient enough with a gps to make it worthwhile.

Most of the guys I ride with use them as a speedo.
Be very careful with the water ratings. I have not found one yet that waterproof..though they claim to be. Most are splash proof and others claim to submergable to anywhere from 3ft to 3 meters.
give a few of these places a look.
gpsnow.com
thegpsstore.com

 

The Lowrance 100 is a mapable unit that is completely waterproof and INEXPENSIVE. It runs about $200 and is the cheapest mapable gps one can find that is also waterproof.

 

Garmin E-Trex works just fine. RAM Mount works fantastic.

I bought my mount from these guys..... service was great. http://www.freshtracksmaps.com/ram-mounts.htm